Interview with the Headmaster of Abyla Public Secondary School: Mr. Juan Fernández Maese

1. What do you think about that fact that we have a native English speaker teacher to promote students’ learning?

I think that it is a very interesting idea and, certainly, we have enjoyed the help of an English or French assistant for many years because I understand that it is good to ensure that our students achieve a good level of proficiency in other languages.

2. How did you come up with the idea of bringing a native English teacher?

Traditionally, the issue of native speaker teachers is the Ministry of Education’s call, although it is true that every year we ask for a new native speaker teacher.

3. Do you see improvement in students' work?

We believe that most students take the opportunity to communicate with native speakers in their language to improve their level.

4. Have you thought about asking for more native speaker teachers for next year?

The problem is that there is a limited number of positions at a national level and the Ministry of Education only offers six positions in Ceuta and we have to take into account that there are six other Public Secondary Schools in Ceuta, besides the Official School of Languages, and we all are interested in having a native speaker teacher.

 
5. Have you ever considered creating the “British Council'' (a British School of Secondary Education)?

I think it would be interesting that our students could study a subject in English and it could be achieved through either the “British Council” or by becoming a bilingual school. Hopefully one day the circumstances change so that one of the two can be achieved.

Teresa P.
Esther Y.
Alejandro Jesús L.
Elena S.