Senora Storrie says adios

Nicola Hamilton • Published 13 Jun 2012 09:30

A DUNBLANE teacher is about say adiós to her young learners ahead of one of Stirling's biggest ever community events.

Val Storrie who runs Spanish language business, hablas palabras,has just delivered an eight week Spanish language programme for children within the Raploch community ahead of the Big Concert on Thursday June 21 where Gustavo Dudamel and The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela will perform a spectacular outdoor concert under the castle with a special guest appearance by the Big Noise orchestra of the Raploch.

The Big Noise, established by the charity Sistema Scotland, is officially partnered with Venezuela's El Sistema movement and both aim to transform lives with music by fostering confidence, teamwork, pride and aspiration in the children taking part and across their wider community.

In preparation for the arrival of the Venezuelan musicians and visitors, Raploch Nursery, Raploch Primary School, Our Lady's Primary School, Raploch Youth Space and various Big Noise musicians have all benefitted from 8 weeks of Spanish lessons organised by Sistema Scotland and delivered by Val Storrie of hablas palabras.

Speaking of her zest for the job, Val said: "My job of teaching was made so very easy by the enthusiasm of the children and their genuine interest in and desire to learn Spanish. Furthermore, Sistema Scotland purchased the Sonica Spanish software that I have used in my classes since they started six years ago which the children absolutely love as it teaches Spanish in a fun and innovative way.

"Much of the teaching was done through song but I never imagined for a second how quickly the kids would pick it up. I would walk through corridors in the campus and hear the kids singing their Spanish songs and wherever I went I would always be greeted by 'Hola Señora Storrie'.

"All in all the whole experience has been highly rewarding and the kids have been an utter joy to teach. I was also fortunate to receive a great deal of support from the teachers and key workers as well as advice and materials from Joaquin Moreno Education Adviser at the Spanish Consulate in Edinburgh."

The final part of the programme for Val is to assist with interpretation during the week leading up to the concert at a number of workshops and events planned by Sistema Scotland/Big Noise for adults and children within the Raploch community and their Venezuelan visitors.

Further details on the Big Concert and Big Noise can be found at www.makeabignoise.org.uk. For more information on Spanish and hablas palabras, including details of childrens and adult classes held within the Stirling area visit www.hablaspalabras.co.uk or email spanish@hablaspalabras.co.uk.

Tweet

This article appeared in Allanwater Herald 13 Jun 12

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @AllanwaterHrld