L A D Y B I R D

Queen Elizabeth II's daily routine

2012-02-16T19:16:00.000+01:00

IA-IB DAILY ROUTINE

During a regular day at Buckingham Palace, her official London residence, Queen Elizabeth is woken at 7.30am by a chambermaid who brings in her tea tray, with milk.

Her bedside wireless is tuned to BBC Radio Four as she likes to listen to the influential Today programme.

An avid lover of horses, and a respected breeder of thoroughbreds, Queen Elizabeth enjoys reading the Racing Post newspaper at breakfast with her husband Prince Philip.

At 9.30am, she meets her private secretary, Robin Janvrin, who has already gone through the day's correspondence. Together, they go through the day's programme -- receiving a new ambassador, visits to hospitals, inaugurations.

Occasionally, she invites a handful of famous faces, artists or business executives to lunch. Sometimes, other royals are invited to join her at the palace. However, she is more likely to eat a light lunch alone.

Every afternoon at 2.30pm, the queen goes for a walk in the palace grounds. The rule is that if anybody is in the garden, apart from the gardeners, they must leave. Nobody is allowed to talk to her unless she speaks first. She likes to be left on her own because it's her thinking time.

The rest of the afternoon is devoted to the queen's social duties. She is patron of more than 620 organisations and charities and 1,1-million people have been to her famous summer garden parties.

Every Tuesday at 6.30pm, she gives an audience to the British prime minister to discuss affairs of state.

At 7.30pm the Queen and her husband enjoy a drink together in their apartments. Philip often goes out again, and Queen Elizabeth, if there is not an engagement to attend, spends her evenings in her private quarters.

She fills in a crossword, often watches television with supper on a tray, and retires to bed at around 11pm.

However, the lights stay on until midnight as the queen pores over (=to look at or read something very carefully) confidential government papers which are brought to her every day in traditional red boxes.

Source: http://mg.co.za/article/2006-04-16-it-starts-with-tea-a-day-in-the-life-of-queen-elizabeth-ii

Dickens 2012

2012-02-08T12:05:00.003+01:00

Dickens 2012 is an international celebration of the life and work of Charles Dickens that marks the bicentenary of his birth.

Ieri in tutto il mondo si è parlato del 200mo anniversario della nascita di uno dei più grandi scrittori inglesi, Charles Dickens, papà di "Oliver Twist" e "Canto di Natale", ad esempio. Visita il sito dedicato alla celebrazione per saperne di più
www.dickens2012.com

Anne Frank

2012-01-27T18:24:00.001+01:00

I told you that I'm visiting Anne Frank's house soon. When I was your age, I read her touching diary. Here you can learn more about Anne Frank: http://www.annefrank.org/en/Anne-Franks-History/

Police's video

2012-01-27T18:07:00.000+01:00

This is the video that two Italian policemen showed us at our school this morning. You may show it to your parents and talk about it together. Be careful guys!

Stamattina due poliziotti sono venuti alla nostra scuola per parlarci delle meraviglie ma anche dei pericoli offerti dalle nuove tecnologie. Ci hanno fatto vedere un video che vi ripropongo, magari per vederlo insieme ai vostri genitori e parlarne assieme. Siate tanto prudenti, ragazzi!

The biggest moments of 2011 by Google

2011-12-31T11:58:00.003+01:00

2011-12-23T19:15:00.004+01:00

Ladybird Anita wishes you and your families a Merry Christmas

Auld Lang Syne

2011-12-22T19:58:00.005+01:00

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well known in many countries, especially (but far from exclusively) in the English-speaking world; its traditional use being to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions.

Auld Lang Syne, nota in Italia come "Valzer delle candele", è una canzone tradizionale diffusissima nei paesi di lingua inglese, dove viene cantata soprattutto nella notte di capodanno per dare l'addio al vecchio anno e in occasione di congedi, separazioni e addii.

Ms Gobbo e i ragazzi della IB vogliono dedicarlo a Rachel, che, dalla Scozia, ci ha inviato gli auguri di Buone Feste e due bellissimi libri fotografici con straordinari paesaggi della sua terra. Thank you, Rachel, for your sweet card and present!

Hero at Sea

2011-12-11T18:36:00.003+01:00

Lone Italian Swimmer Unravels Turtle Drowning in Fish Net
Last summer I was swimming in the sea of Viareggio (Tuscany) when I saw a fishing net lost at sea with something that stirred in the surface. I went over and saw a large sea turtle, a Caretta Caretta, who was trying in vain to get free.
Fortunately the turtle managed to keep his head out of the water to breathe. I was really surprised to see this animal so near the coast and looked around, but there was nobody who could help.
I decided to try to release the turtle from the fishing net, but it was a very difficult task because the turtle was thrashing in the net and I had to be very careful of his strong jaws. At last, after many attempts, I managed to free him from the net.
As soon as I released the turtle, it swam around me as if to thank me and then sped off towards the deep sea. That turtle was really lucky, because every year many sea turtles die trapped in fishing nets.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/lone-italian-swimmer-unravels-turtle-drowning-in-fish-net.html

Cari ragazze e ragazzi di IIIA e IIIB, ora che avete imparato il past progressive, riuscirete, senza l'aiuto di nessuno (se non del vostro dizionario per cercare qualche parola nuova), a gustarvi la lettura di questo breve articolo pubblicato due giorni fa in rete.

Oscar Wilde

2011-12-03T17:00:00.007+01:00

Thank you, Laura T. IIIA, for the Wilde's aphorisms you quoted.
Oscar Wilde is better known for his sarcasm and wit than his fairy tales, but this beautiful story reveals the gentler side of his character. It was first published in 1888 and has been a family favourite ever since.

Oggi, parlando dell'età vittoriana in IIIA, ho citato Oscar Wilde e Laura ha subito scritto alla lavagna alcuni famosi aforismi. Brava Laura! Ma Wilde ha scritto anche opere teatrali, romanzi e fantastiche fiabe. Nel video vi viene proposto "Il principe felice". I più interessati possono trovare altre frasi celebri, la biografia di Wilde e la trama in italiano della fiaba in Internet. Buon ascolto!

Shaun the Sheep

2011-12-02T14:40:00.000+01:00

Shaun the Sheep Lyrics

He’s Shaun the sheep
He’s Shaun the sheep
He even mucks about with those who cannot bleat

Keep it in mind, He’s one of a kind
Oh...Life’s a treat with Shaun the Sheep

He’s Shaun the sheep
He’s Shaun the sheep
He doesn’t miss a trick or ever lose a beat

Perhaps one day, You’ll find a way
To...Come and meet with Shaun the sheep
Oh...Come and bleat with Shaun the Sheep!

Shaun - Vita da pecora (Shaun the Sheep) è una serie animata britannica in stop-motion prodotta dalla Aardman Animations, trasmessa per la prima volta in Gran Bretagna nel 2007 sul canale CBBC.

"The King's Speech" - Beethoven 7th Symphony 2nd Movement Sequence

2011-11-28T20:25:00.001+01:00

To the girls and boys of IIIB

Today we watched together "The King's Speech". The sequence was fantastic and the music, Beethoven 7th Symphony 2nd Movement, absolutely amazing. Let's watch and listen to it again!

Nine-Spotted Ladybird

2011-11-27T17:47:00.006+01:00

An interesting video dedicated to those of my students who love nature, especially insects.

After 29 years, the nine-spotted ladybird (or ladybug) — Coccinella novemnotata, the state insect of New York — has been sighted.
The nine-spotted ladybug is a native species that ranged across the U.S. and Southern Canada, and was the most common ladybug in the northeastern U.S. until the 1980's, when they began to decline and it has become very rare.

Post dedicato a quelli, tra i miei studenti, che amano la natura, e che sono "curiosi di natura".
Vi ho raccontato che la coccinella in inglese si chiama "ladybird" come il nome del mio blog. Ma in America viene chiamata "ladybug". Vi ho detto anche che si dice porti fortuna e che abbia 7 macchiette nere sulle sue due ali rigide. Ebbene, New York ha adottato la coccinella come insetto ufficiale di stato. In realtà, si tratta della specie con 9 macchiette, ormai divenuta così rara, che è stata avvistata dopo ben 29 anni.

Presidential Turkey Pardon

2011-11-23T17:32:00.004+01:00

The presidential turkey pardon is an interesting White House tradition that has captured the attention of the public in recent years.
It wasn't until the first Thanksgiving of President George H.W. Bush, in 1989, that a turkey was officially pardoned for the first time. Each year since the President has formally pardoned a turkey and spares it from ending up on the Thanksgiving table. Since 2005, the turkeys have been flown to Disneyland.

Ebbene si, come vi ho raccontato oggi in classe, il tacchino che viene regalato al Presidente degli Stati Uniti viene graziato e, invece di finire arrosto col ripieno, potrà morire di vecchiaia. Con l'occasione, perché non dare una "sbirciatina" al sito della Casa Bianca http://www.whitehouse.gov/

2011-11-17T16:20:00.001+01:00

The most remarkable species

2011-11-10T14:41:00.003+01:00

Do you like this trailer? Tell me tomorrow during our lesson.

COUNTRIES AND NATIONALITIES

2011-10-26T19:02:00.003+02:00

Per i ragazzi di IA e IB che hanno ancora problemi con i nomi di nazioni e gli aggettivi di nazionalità, ecco un video e un sito sui quali esercitarsi...

SITO PER RIPASSO COUNTRIES AND NATIONALITIES

Rachel from Linlithgow

2011-10-23T17:31:00.005+02:00

On Friday 21st October Rachel H., 10 years old, from Scotland, visited our boys and girls of class IB. She is Leonardo and Margherita's cousin and she a very nice girl. She was so patient to answer to our questions about her dog, her school and so on. We learnt the most important things about Scotland. Then we showed her our school in Padua, Italy. Rachel told us that she comes from a place called Linlithgow and added that Mary Queen of Scots was born there. We can't even pronounce that name because it is so difficult for us, but we are very curious so we searched on the Internet and we discovered that Linlithgow is a wonderful town with the amazing ruins of Queen Mary's castle. We can't believe it! Are there any ghosts in it? Please, tell us (you may use "comments" or "email laybird". Thank you, Rachel!

Here are some links to learn more about Rachel's town:
http://www.linlithgow.com/
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyoverview/propertyabout.htm?PropID=pl_199&PropName=Linlithgow%20Palace

Venerdì 21 ottobre è venuta a farci visita in classe IB, Rachel H., la cugina scozzese di Leonardo e Margherita. E' una ragazza molto gentile e carina. Ha avuto la pazienza di rispondere alle nostre domande sul suo cane, i suoi gusti, la sua scuola ecc. Con l'occasione abbiamo imparato le cose più importanti che riguardano la Scozia. Poi l'abbiamo accompagnata a vedere la nostra scuola. Poiché Rachel ci ha raccontato che viene da un paese che si chiama Linlithgow (facciamo perfino fatica a pronunciarne il nome!) e che lì è nata la regina Maria Stuarda, siamo andati a vedere in Internet com'è. Abbiamo scoperto che è un posto delizioso con le magnificenti rovine del castello della Regina Maria. Grazie per la stupenda ora passata con te! E se c'è qualche fantasma nel castello, per favore, Rachel faccelo sapere!

Song 'Stereo Hearts' ft Adam Levine by "Gym Class Heroes"

2011-10-14T18:22:00.004+02:00

Let's sing along this nice song!

What nationality are you?

2011-10-05T14:50:00.001+02:00

IA-IB

There are a lot of students coming from abroad in our school. So we need an extra list of nouns and adjectives. Here is a list. You can check the correct pronunciation of the words under the heading “Dizionario di pronuncia” http://www.howjsay.com. Type one of the words, listen and repeat.

Country Nationality

Albania Albanian

Burkina Faso Burkina Fasoan

China Chinese

Ghana Ghanese

Hungary Hungarian

Morocco Moroccan

Kosovo Kosovar

Nigeria Nigerian

Philippines Filipino

Romania Romanian

Pakistan Pakistani

Serbia Serbian

Senegal Senegalese

Ukraine Ukranian

Nella nostra scuola ci sono molti studenti che provengono da paesi stranieri. Abbiamo, quindi, bisogno di una ulteriore lista di nomi di nazioni ed aggettivi di nazionalità. Ecco un elenco. Puoi sentire la pronuncia corretta digitando ognuna delle parole nel sito indicato sotto “Links esterni” nel "Dizionario di Pronuncia" o all’indirizzo http://www.howjsay.com. Ascolta e ripeti.

Iron Maiden - The Final frontier

2011-09-30T17:11:00.001+02:00

IIIA-IIIB
Brian Dickinson and Iron Maiden were the topic of our reading today. Let's sing along the lyrics of their beautiful song "The Final Frontier"

Oggi abbiamo incontrato Brian Dickinson e gli Iron Maiden nel nostro libro di testo. Per chi ama il metal, ecco un'occasione per conoscere e cantare con loro il testo di "The Final Frontier".

Bagrock: pipes, rock music and kilt

2011-09-23T14:46:00.005+02:00

To the boys and girls of IIA-IIB
This post is about today topic: music and instruments.

In 2009, in Edinburgh, I listened to this terrific band. Their name is RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS. I love the sound of pipes and I love rock music too, so this new sound is fantastic for me. What do you think?

A proposito dell'argomento trattato oggi in classe (strumenti e generi musicali).
Nel 2009 ad Edimburgo ho sentito questa band in kilt che propone una miscela esplosiva di suono di cornamuse e chitarre elettriche. Piace anche a voi?

News - Baby squirrels rescued from hurricane Katia

2011-09-22T16:48:00.008+02:00

To learn more about these cute baby squirrels, click here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15000348

Per i più "curiosi" ghiotte notizie e foto deliziose cliccando sul sito della riga sopra a questa (e collegamenti a fantastiche riviste sotto la voce "links for autonomous learning").

Math Symbols

2011-09-22T14:15:00.003+02:00

Jobs

2011-09-21T18:30:00.000+02:00

Irregular verbs

2011-09-15T16:17:00.003+02:00

IIIA-IIIB - past tense review

Pronunciation 'ed' endings

2011-09-15T15:39:00.007+02:00

IIIA-IIIB - past simple review

Pronunciation: 'ed' endings by

Link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1413_gramchallenge26/

Regular verbs in the simple past all end in 'ed'. These two small letters can be pronounced in three different ways: / Id / , / t / or / d /.

The pronunciation depends on the sound at the end of the infinitive of the main verb and whether it is voiced (sonoro) or not.

/Id / infinitives that end in the sounds /t/ or /d/
needed hated dated seated
/ d / infinitives that end in a voiced (sonoro) sound
lived chilled enjoyed tried
/ t / infinitives that end in an unvoiced (sordo) sound
shopped picked wished crunched

A voiced sound is one that vibrates in your throat when you say it. For more information and for a technique for finding out whether a sound is voiced or not, watch the video.
As well as some consonant sounds, all vowels sounds are voiced.

Brompton bike

2011-09-14T13:48:00.008+02:00

To the boys and girls of IIIB

http://www.brompton.co.uk/

The world famous Brompton folding bikes are custom made in London (England).

Oggi vi ho parlato della mitica Brompton, la famosa city bike pieghevole fabbricata a Londra. Per i più interessati ecco il sito della fabbrica, un video che mostra quanto è facile e veloce piegarla e riporla, magari nel salotto di casa, e, "last but not least", ancora Freddie Mercury che ci insegna a dire "ride my bicycle" non "go", come fa ancora qualcuno...

It was raining cats and dogs

2011-09-12T16:12:00.002+02:00

It was raining cats and dogs at the end of our first school day!

Dear boys and girls of IA-IIA-IIA-IIIB,

I think this is the funniest English idiom. Do you know it? If not, it's time to learn it.

Cari ragazzi delle classi incontrate oggi per la prima volta,
sapevate già che, in inglese, per dire che piove a dirotto si dice "it's raining cats and dogs", cioè, "stanno piovendo gatti e cani"? E' un modo di dire così buffo e facile che si può imparare subito. E calza a pennello con il temporale che ci ha accolto oggi alla fine del nostro primo giorno di scuola...

Freddie Mercury

2011-09-05T15:00:00.010+02:00

It's hard to imagine the former Queen frontman aged 65. But to celebrate Freddie Mercury's birthday, watch his immortalisation as a Google doodle.

Un tributo speciale quello che Google ha deciso di rendere al genio musicale di Freddie Mercury, che il 5 settembre avrebbe compiuto 65 anni.
Attenzione: il "doodle" dedicato a Mercury è visibile sulla homepage del motore di ricerca in tutto il mondo nella giornata di oggi, salvo gli Stati Uniti, dove si potrà vedere domani, per rispetto del Labour Day (l'equivalente del nostro I maggio, festa dei lavoratori).

Back to School!

2011-09-01T18:49:00.004+02:00

Goodbye boys and girls of Galliera Veneta and Tombolo!
Hello boys and girls of Padova (Scuola Ruzante)!

The Notting Hill Carnival

2011-08-29T20:07:00.003+02:00

The Notting Hill Carnival

The Carnival - the second largest street festival in the world (behind Rio, fact fans) - takes place over the Sunday and Monday on the last weekend in August in London.

The Carnival arose from the racial tensions that were prevalent in the area in the mid to late 1950s. Britain's first race riots broke out in Notting Hill in August 1958. The carnival emerged as a response to them in 1959 as an indoor event; in 1965 it took to the streets and has evolved into the massive event we know today.

The main part of the carnival is the parade which stretches out over a route roughly three miles in length. Numerous sound systems and stages are set up proving typically Carribbean music, as well as that more pop-chart orientated! You'll also find many stalls selling food and drink to help get you in the spirit. Just don't forget your whistle!

Links
Notting Hill Carnival The official website
Guide to the 2011 Notting Hill Carnival Great guide from Time Out
Notting Hill Carnival from Wikipedia
Notting Hill Carnival Pages from the council website

Sta terminando il carnevale di Notting Hill a Londra, la consueta parata che si svolge ogni anno l'ultima settimana di agosto. Nella foto una ballerina abbraccia un poliziotto. Tantissimi gli agenti schierati per le strade e i controlli sono molto severi, proprio per evitare disordini a meno di un mese dagli scontri che hanno messo a ferro e fuoco la capitale inglese.

2011-07-07T22:46:00.004+02:00

Hi. My name is Laura and tomorrow I'm having my Terza Media exam

2011-06-13T18:48:00.002+02:00

To the boys and girls of IIIB

Here is an article for you, in Italian this time, to let you know that there are 593.372 students in Italy who are studying for their first school exam, the Esame di Stato di Scuola Secondaria di I° Grado.
Good luck, kids.

Ciao-mi-chiamo-Laura-e-domani-ho-l'esame-di-terza-media

Happy Republic Day!

2011-06-02T11:09:00.001+02:00

Republic Day is celebrated in Italy on 2nd June each year. It marks the establishment of the Italian Republic on June 2, 1946 by a popular referendum in which the people chose between a Republic and a Monarchy.

Queen's Historic Visit to Ireland

2011-05-19T18:25:00.003+02:00

During the first visit by a British monarch since Ireland gained independence in 1921, the Queen has laid a wreath in Dublin, in the garden dedicated to people who fought for Irish independence from Britain, the Republic of Ireland's Garden of Remembrance.

Come vi ho raccontato in classe, oggi terminerà la visita di stato della regina Elisabetta in Irlanda. Essa é considerata, da molti, una visita di importanza storica perché si tratta della prima sovrana britannica a mettere piede sul suolo dell'EIRE da quando, quella parte di Irlanda, conquistò l'indipendenza dalla Gran Bretagna. Tanti irlandesi morirono per ottenere la libertà e alla loro memoria è dedicato un giardino di Dublino, dove Elisabetta ha posto una ghirlanda di papaveri in loro onore. Si spera che questo sia l'inizio di un periodo di distensione tra i due paesi.

Pirates of the Carribean 4 - On Stranger Tides

2011-05-09T19:06:00.006+02:00

I know that many of you will appreciate this new trailer...

Anche i trailer dei film sono un modo divertente per aggiungere un altro po' di inglese a quello imparato in classe. Allora ascoltiamoci la "vera" voce di Johnny Depp nel nuovo trailer di "Pirati dei Caraibi 4 - Oltre i confini del mare" (come potete notare, il titolo inglese non è esattamente lo stesso...). Il film è stato presentato ufficialmente oggi e tratta, oltre che di pirati e galeoni, di una fontana della giovinezza, di sirene e di "Barbanera". Come vengono dette queste parole in inglese?

The Royal Wedding Interactive Route Map

2011-04-28T18:32:00.004+02:00

On Friday 29th April HRH Prince William of Wales will marry Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey. The Royal Wedding Procession will take in the capital's most prestigious sights, promising a truly memorable event in the most picturesque surroundings London has to offer. This interactive guide will let you be a part of this wonderful regal celebration.

http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/royalweddingmap.aspx

Il matrimonio reale del Principe William con Kate Middleton, che avrà luogo domani, è una ghiotta occasione per visitare il cuore di Londra con questa mappa interattiva.

Romeo and Juliet

2011-04-14T19:58:00.007+02:00

To the girls and boys of IID Tombolo
An unusual video dealing with "Romeo and Juliet" by W. Shakespeare for you
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/dramaromeojuliet/romeoplotact.shtml
Plot: a boy (Romeo) and a girl (Juliet) fall in love. But they come from families which hate each other, and know they will not be allowed to marry. They are so much in love they marry in secret instead. However, before their wedding night Romeo kills Juliet's cousin in a duel, and in the morning he is forced to leave her. If he ever returns to the city, he will be put to death.
Juliet is then told she must marry Paris, who has been chosen by her parents, who do not know she is already married. She refuses - then agrees because she plans to fake her death and escape to be with Romeo.
She takes a sleeping potion and appears to be dead, so her parents lay her in a tomb. However, Romeo does not know about the plan, visits her grave, finds her 'dead', and kills himself. Juliet finally wakes up, finds Romeo dead, and then kills herself.

Did you like the film "Shakespeare in Love"? Are you ready for your school trip to Verona?

Silent Invaders

2011-04-04T18:15:00.005+02:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/spelling/soundandspell/silentletters/game.shtml
Can you spot the silent letter in the word to save the World from silent invasion?
Sono sicura che questo giochino non vi dispiacerà... Let's have fun and learn!

Jacked Potato

2011-04-01T18:34:00.011+02:00

An easy recipe to make with your parents! Watch the video, try the recipe and enjoy!

Cari ragazzi di IID, volevate sapere come si preparano le patate con la buccia al forno (jacked potatoes). Eccovi accontentati! Fatevi aiutare da un genitore quando usate il forno. Alla fine non dimenticate di aggiungerci sopra un pò di burro. Delicious!

HAPPY 15OTH BIRTHDAY ITALY!

2011-03-17T08:22:00.002+01:00

Today is the 150th anniversary of our beautiful country, Italy, as a united nation! Let's enjoy our holiday and this new beautiful doodle by Google.

Picasso's most expensive painting

2011-03-08T10:12:00.007+01:00

The most expensive painting ever sold at auction, Picasso's Nude, Green Leaves and Bust, is on display show in the UK for the first time.

Cari ragazzi di IIIB, una notizia utile per l'esame finale di terza media. Il quadro più caro del mondo, un'opera di Picasso, è in mostra da ieri alla Tate Modern di Londra. Si tratta della tela ad olio intitolata «Nude, Green Leaves and Bust» («Nudo, foglie verdi e busto»), dipinta da Picasso in un solo giorno, il 9 marzo 1932. L'esposizione è stata organizzata a meno di un anno dalla sua aggiudicazione record ad un'asta di Christiès a New York il 4 maggio 2010, quando il quadro fu venduto per 106.482.500 dollari, cioè 81 milioni e 991.000 euro. Questa somma ha stabilito il record dei record per un'opera d'arte venduta all'asta. La tela raffigura una delle amanti dell'artista spagnolo, Marie-Therese Walter, con sullo sfondo un profilo dello stesso Picasso.
Non vi sembra che le "Green Leaves", ricordino lo "shamrock", il trifoglio, e che fra 9 giorni sarà "St Patrick's Day"? E il busto, non vi sembra che ricordi un po' William Shakespeare?

Insects and Bugs

2011-02-24T14:43:00.001+01:00

Next week we are visiting ESAPOLIS, a museum about insects or bugs.
Let's learn some English words for the Italian "ape, formica, farfalla ecc.". You already know which is my favourite one, the ladybird, of course...
Click here for more
http://visual.merriam-webster.com/animal-kingdom/insects-arachnids/examples-insects_2.php

Ophelia

2011-02-11T19:40:00.002+01:00

Dear IIIB girls and boys,
this morning we learnt about Shakespare's Hamlet and about Ophelia's tragic end. This is one of the most famous painting about Ophelia by tha Victorian painter MILLAIS at the Tate Gallery in London. You can learn more at the site of the gallery
http://www.tate.org.uk/ophelia/

Emily Carr

2011-02-09T17:52:00.000+01:00

We had an amazing lecture on EMILY CARR today, thanks to our Canadian teacher, Barbara.
Now we know that a fantastic painter lived more than 100 years ago. We learnt about her life and incredible paintings on nature and native culture. What surprised us most were the totems. Barbara told us that they are made of wood, are very tall, can have different shapes, are all carved and, they are used to tell the story of a family group. Really interesting! You can learn more at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Carr

Superbowl 2011

2011-02-07T18:50:00.005+01:00

The Green Bay Packers are the Super Bowl XLV champions after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I Green Bay Packers del Wisconsin hanno vinto il 45/o Super Bowl. Ad Arlington, in Texas, hanno battuto gli Steelers di Pittsburgh per 31-25
Here is a fotogallery:
http://www.nfl.com/photos/09000d5d81e26376?module=HP_spotlight#id:09000d5d81e2b3bb

Let's visit the National Gallery!

2011-02-02T19:40:00.005+01:00

You can visit the National Gallery without going to London.
Discover the 30 "must see" paintings. Click on http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/explore-the-paintings/30-highlight-paintings/
or explore it with Googleartproject at
http://www.googleartproject.com/museums/nationalgallery

Barbara from Canada

2011-01-31T21:03:00.001+01:00

We are very lucky. We've got a lovely Canadian teacher in some January and February classes. Her name is Barbara. Here is her photo.

She told us about Canada and Canadian symbols.

The famous "mounties", the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The beaver, which is also a Canadian symbol

The moose, with its big antlers

A map of Canada

The Canadian flag, with its maple leaf.
We all would like to leave at once and visit Canada with her!

Fish 'n' chips

2011-01-31T18:32:00.006+01:00

This fish is called COD (merluzzo in Italian)

and this fish is called HADDOCK (eglefino in Italian).
I told you today that both are used for FISH 'N' CHIPS, the famous street food which is 150 years old.

Canada from a helicopter

2011-01-26T07:03:00.002+01:00

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S FACE?

2011-01-25T18:50:00.001+01:00

Dear the boys and girls of IID and IIIB,
I told you that William Shakespeare's biography is a mistery as it is his face.
Recently, scientists recreated this 3D 'image' of Shakespeare... but have they got the right man?

Canadian Currency

2011-01-21T18:54:00.002+01:00

Dear boys and girls of ID,
this morning our lovely Canadian teacher, Barbara, told us about the banknotes and coins she uses in her country. Here are some pictures for you. Do you know the name of the animals on the coins? Can you find Queen Elizabeth's face on the banknotes?

NATIONAL HUG DAY

2011-01-21T15:11:00.007+01:00

DID YOU KNOW?
National Hug Day or National Hugging Day is an annual holiday occurring on January 21, officially recognized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The holiday was founded on January 21, 1986 in Caro, Michigan, and has since spread to Canada, England, Australia, Germany, Poland and other countries.

Oltre alla giornata nazionale dell'abbraccio, esiste l'espressione Free Hugs (in italiano abbracci gratis) che si riferisce a un'iniziativa sociale nata a Sydney, in Australia, ed in seguito diffusasi in molte altre città del mondo.
Vi partecipano persone comuni che offrono, appunto, abbracci gratis ai passanti, in luoghi pubblici come parchi e grandi vie pedonali.
A Sydney, i free hugs esistono almeno dal 2004 ma ha acquisito visibilità internazionale soprattutto dal 2006, grazie a un video musicale diffuso attraverso YouTube.
L'organizzatore originale dell'iniziativa ha affermato che lo scopo degli "abbracci gratis" è semplicemente quello di offrire un atto casuale di gentilezza disinteressata.

2011-01-01T11:09:00.003+01:00

New UK Coin

2010-12-26T17:58:00.003+01:00

This is the latest issue from the Royal Mint: a £5 coin celebrating the Royal Engagement.

La zecca britannica (Royal Mint www.royalmint.com) ha appena emesso una moneta da 5 sterline in occasione del fidanzamento reale del principe William con Catherine Middleton. Ed è stata subito oggetto di critiche perché molti dicono che il viso di Kate non è stato reso bene. What do you think?

2010-12-24T10:44:00.008+01:00

Qualche videogame natalizio online per divertirsi durante le vacanze? (+ inglese sai + ti diverti...) Clicca qui http://www.corriere.it/cronache/10_dicembre_23/giochi-natale_5ce81f32-0ec4-11e0-bfcf-00144f02aabc.shtml

Mr Brown for Haiti - We Can Make a Better World all Together

2010-12-10T18:16:00.002+01:00

Hi students I’m your English Teacher
- Hi MrBrown!
Have you done your homework?
- Yes Sir.
Are you sure students?
- Mmm
Now I’m going to give you a lesson. Are you ready?
-2-3-4
Yes we studied all day long
all day long
all day long
Yes we studied all day long
As you told us
Yes we studied all day long
all day long
all day long
Yes we studied all day long
As you told us
Yes we studied all day long
all day long
all day long
Yes we studied all day long
As you told us
Lesson n.1
What is the nose?
The nose is for breathing , for smelling fresh bread, flowers and sparking a memory.
Lesson n.2
What is the mouth?
the mouth is for eating, drinking, talking, laughing, kissing and singing,
but best of all you use your mouth to smile
We can make a better world
with a smile on your face
we can make a better world
all together
We can make a better world
with a smile on your face
we can make a better world
all together
Lesson n.3
What are the eyes?
The eyes show who you are
They cry when you are sad,
they shine when you’re in love
Lesson n.4
What are the ears?
Your ears are there to let the words in
Listen to the music
And shhhhhhhhhhhh! Appreciate the silence!
There is nothing you can’t do
with a smile on your face
There is nothing you can’t do
all together
We can make a better world
with a smile on your face
we can make a better world
all together

Back from London

2010-12-08T18:28:00.011+01:00

Been there, seen that!

Over the Clouds

Snow around London

The Big Ben

The Houses of Parliament

The Tower Bridge by Night

The National Gallery and the Norwegian Christmas Tree

The British Museum

A Horse Guard

The Changing of the Guard

Buckingham Palace (the old lady before the palace is not the queen...)

The Changing of the Guard

The Tower of London

Henry VIII as a Christmas Decoration

Tower of London Guards

Henry VIII's Armour

London

2010-12-01T16:59:00.005+01:00

Dear boys and girls,
you know that the day after tomorrow I'm going to London.
I couldn't be more excited!
Everything is blue, red and white to me!
I'll tell you all about my trip there on 9th December 2010.
Bye for now,
Mrs Gobbo

2010-11-24T15:58:00.003+01:00

2010-11-19T17:38:00.003+01:00

Happy Thanksgiving with Charlie Brown and the Beatles!

Who can check the spelling and find mistakes in the video?
Vediamo chi trova gli errori di spelling nel video...

English Pronunciation by John Peter Sloan

2010-11-16T18:12:00.004+01:00

Caro John, dammi una mano tu per far capire quanto importante è curare la pronuncia dell'inglese che stiamo imparando in classe!

Groundhog Day

2010-11-15T17:42:00.004+01:00

Oh, yes! This is Phil, the groundhog we have in our English book (number 2). Isn't it lovely?
You can learn more on www.groundhog.org or on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day

Great Migrations Preview

2010-11-06T14:29:00.004+01:00

If you love wild animals and nature, you cant't miss Great Migrations on TV or on the online or paper magazine by National Geographic.

Molti animali affrontano epici viaggi di massa in cui solo una cosa conta: assicurare la sopravvivenza della specie. Il National Geographic sta presentando un imperdibile reportage in TV e sulla rivista online (in inglese su www.nationalgeographic.com in italiano su www.nationalgeographic.it) o in versione cartacea in edicola.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T11:13:00.001+01:00

Google has used Scooby for its today Halloween doodle. Do you like it?

Jason Derulo - Riding solo

2010-10-27T17:14:00.002+02:00

This song is good to review the present progressive, isn't it?

INTERNET SAFETY

2010-10-27T14:37:00.005+02:00

Questa volta, i video sono in lingua italiana. Perché? Perché si parla di sicurezza in Internet e quindi è necessario capire bene cosa viene detto. Utili anche a quei genitori che si preoccupano per i loro ragazzi e vogliono capire un po' il loro mondo...
E se, in famiglia, desiderate approfondire l'argomento, cliccate sul seguente link di innovascuola: http://www.innovascuola.gov.it/opencms/opencms/internet_sicuro/index.html

Emperor stag killed

2010-10-25T17:57:00.006+02:00

Sad news today from the UK: a red deer stag called the Exmoor Emperor - believed to be Britain's biggest wild animal - has been shot dead.
In you want to read more, click on http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/oct/25/exmoor-emperor-stag-shot-dead
Il cervo chiamato "Imperatore", di 136 kg., alto circa 2,5 mt è stato ucciso oggi da un bracconiere. La Gran Bretagna è indignata. Anche il nostro Corriere della Sera ne parla.
http://www.corriere.it/animali/10_ottobre_25/ucciso-imperatore-exmoor-cervo-rosso-gran-bretagna_cda8bcba-e046-11df-a41e-00144f02aabc.shtml

The Cave by Mumford & Sons

2010-10-24T16:11:00.004+02:00

No matter how you interpret this song, it is amazing. It is encouraging. It is just beautiful.

Canzone che si presta a varie interpretazioni, ma che comunque infonde coraggio, speranza e gioia di vivere.

HALLOWEEN: interactive quiz

2010-10-21T20:47:00.002+02:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4350000/newsid_4357100/4357122.stm
Sulla CBBC, la BBC dei ragazzi, un simpatico quiz per prepararci ad Halloween.

Hungry pelican

2010-10-14T19:37:00.002+02:00

Today visitors were shocked to see a pelican swallow a pigeon in St James's Park, London. We were shocked as well...

Oggi, in un parco di Londra, un piccione è andato a finire in bocca ad un pellicano. Guardate questa incredibile immagine.

Countries and nationalities

2010-10-11T16:54:00.004+02:00

Do you want to learn the names of countries and nationalities? Click on this useful link.
http://www.audioenglish.net/english-learning/basic_countries_nationalities_pronunciation1.htm

And if you like flags, the following link could be interesting for you:
http://www.markfennell.com/flags/

Il primo link serve come aiuto per chi fa fatica ad imparare i nomi di nazioni ed aggettivi di nazionalità o per chi ci tiene ad impararli bene, riascoltando più volte la pronuncia. Il secondo collegamento è dedicato agli appassionati di FLAGS, ovvero di bandiere. Ragazzi del primo anno, al lavoro!

The first video doodle

2010-10-08T14:32:00.007+02:00

On his 70th birthday, Google doodle has a very special John Lennon video doodle with the famous Beatles song Imagine playing on Google's homepage logo. It is also, in our knowledge, the very first video Google doodle. Just log on to Google.com and click on the play button to play a 32-second audio clip from John Lennon's Imagine song on today's Google doodle on Google's homepage.

Avevamo già parlato del famosi doodle di Google. Ebbene, oggi è stato pubblicato il primo video doodle, in ricordo del 70° compleanno di John Lennon, l'indimenticabile componente dei Fab Four, i Beatles. Che ve ne pare?

UK ROAD SIGNS

2010-10-05T19:40:00.003+02:00

Dear third year students,

these are real road signs as seen from a car.

Alcuni segnali stradali reali, così come si vedono mentre si corre in auto, specialmente per gli studenti del terzo anno.

Quiz

2010-10-03T09:17:00.009+02:00

Let's try this nice quiz

click on http://www.nextstoplondon.org/try_quiz

Un quiz di British Culture da provare subito...

Alphabet, spelling & colours

2010-09-21T16:15:00.009+02:00

Dear first year students,
as I told you and as you can see and hear from the video, the alphabet and spelling are very important...

Cari studenti del primo anno, come vi ho detto e come vedrete e sentirete nel video, conoscere l'alfabeto e saper fare lo spelling è molto importante...
e per quelli di voi che non si accontentano dei nomi dei soliti colori base, ecco una tavola un pò più ricca...

Pope Benedict XVI is in Scotland

2010-09-16T14:26:00.006+02:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/11325274

The Queen has welcomed Pope Benedict to Edinburgh at the start of the first papal visit to the UK for 28 years.He was officially received at Holyrood House ahead of a parade through the city. On his arrival at Edinburgh Airport, the pontiff was first greeted by the Duke of Edinburgh. He is now at Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh. If you wish to see the Pope and the Queen together at Holyrood Palace, watch the video.

GOOGLE DOODLES

2010-09-15T16:05:00.006+02:00

Agatha Christie is a Google doodle today. If you are fond of Google logos, you can find all of them at

http://www.google.com/logos/

AGATHA CHRISTIE was born 150 years ago

2010-09-15T15:52:00.007+02:00

Google is always in the news with its famous Doodles. Google has launched a new Doodle on British and Irish Platforms, to celebrate the 120th anniversary birth anniversary of Agatha Christie, the queen of crime writers. The Doodle appears on Google.co.uk. This British author is famous for his detective novels. She has written more than 90 books, largely detective novels, which have been sold as estimated about four billion copies worldwide. Agatha Christie was known by the creation of the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and his friend Hastings and known by their second main character Miss Jane Marple.
The logo on assessment has been replaced by an elaborate stage, a stage adaptation of a detective novel by the author. Each letter of the logo is embodied by a character extracted from his novels. Thus the letter “G” has taken the shape of the author’s mustachioed Belgian Detective Hercule Poirot and letter “o”, in this case wearing a set of pearls.
She was on 15 September 1890 in Torquay in the county of Devon born and died on 12 January 1976 in Wallingford.

Con uno dei suoi famosissimi loghi (doodles) nella homepage del motore di ricerca, Google festeggia oggi i 120 anni dalla nascita della più famosa scrittrice di romanzi gialli nel mondo e l'autrice britannica più tradotta, compreso Shakespeare. Nata a Torquay, nella contea di Devon, il 15 settembre del 1890, Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller deve il suo nome al marito Archibald Christie, militare di carriera, che sposò nel 1914. La Christie diede vita al suo personaggio più famoso, l'investigatore belga Hercule Poirot che esordì nel primo libro, ''The Mysterious Affair at Styles'' (in Italia tradotto come ''Poirot a Styles Court''), del 1920. Dieci anni più tardi sarà la volta di Miss Marple, protagonista di ''The Murder at the Vicarage'' (''La morte nel villaggio''), mentre risale al 1934 quello che viene considerato il suo capolavoro, ''Assassinio sull'Orient Express''.

Twins Day Festival

2010-09-10T17:35:00.010+02:00

The world’s largest annual gathering of twins takes place in Twinsburg, Ohio, where the Twins Days Festival began in 1976. Every year, twins, triplets, and other multiples from around the country travel with their families to the northern Ohio town to compete, celebrate, and socialize.
You can find a lot of funny shots of young and old twins in these photo galleries

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/09/twins/twins-text

You can even test your memory by finding all of the matching sets of twins. Play the TWINS MATCH GAME
at http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/09/twins/match-game

C'è da divertirsi a visitare la galleria di immagini proposta nel numero di Settembre del National Geographic: ci sono le più incredibili coppie di gemelli di tutte le età che si ritrovano ogni anno da 35 anni in Ohio, USA. C'è anche un gioco tipo Memory.
Un saluto speciale ai nostri gemelli nostrani, Alessia e Andrea D. di seconda a Galliera e Giorgia e Domenico C., sempre di seconda, a Tombolo...

A hole in the sole of the Queen's shoe

2010-09-06T20:09:00.017+02:00

Yesterday the Queen and her son were at the traditional Highland Games in Scotland. The event is called the Braemar Gathering. It is held on the first Saturday of every September and regularly attracts visitors from around the world to the village. The only downside was what appeared to be a hole in the sole of the Queen’s shoe.

Lo vedete anche voi il buco sotto la suola della scarpa, che la regina indossava ieri ai giochi tradizionali delle Highlands? Buco vero o falso, sembra che la regina si stesse veramente divertendo, assieme al figlio, il principe Carlo (in kilt).

BACK TO SCHOOL!

2010-08-31T19:08:00.002+02:00

Glitter Graphics

Bye, bye summer! It's time to sharpen your pencils...
Mrs Gobbo is back! (Galliera Veneta and Tombolo)

2010-07-17T14:16:00.004+02:00

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 14

2010-07-16T14:56:00.011+02:00

This is our last day here in Dalkeith, Edinburgh. We feel a little bit tired and homesick but we don't like finding hot weather in Italy. They say it's about 40 degrees C there! This morning Rachel, the activity leader, took us near the National Gallery, in the city centre, but we decided to walk and buy our last souvenirs. We had a big big chocolate muffin under the Scott Monument. We are having our last lessons in the afternoon and a Talent Show in the evening. We'll miss this fantastic place!

BYE BYE SWEET SCOTLAND!!!

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 13

2010-07-15T21:33:00.011+02:00

This morning we visited the Edinburgh Castle. As you can notice from the photographs, the weather was not fine but we enjoyed the visit very much all the same. As usual we went there with many other students of our college. 18 students are from Cittadella and they are here with Mrs Kuferzin, Mrs Gobbo's colleague. Other 16 students are from Salerno and they are a bit too noisy... The students of Galliera chat with almost all of them. In the college there are also more than 50 other students coming from Russia and Latvia. A few students come from Spain, Germany and Austria. The summer school has a blog, in which you can see the face of students of other countries who are in this college:
http://www.eacnewbattle2010.blogspot.com/

And, in the evening, disco...

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 12

2010-07-14T19:46:00.010+02:00

Awful weather today! We can't believe it! Yesterday it was sunny and hot and today the sky is clouded and it is drizzling. It looks like a November day. Nothing better to do than going to the Edinburgh Dungeon. Blood, bones, skeletons, ghosts and so on. Mrs Kuferzin accompanied all the guys inside because Mrs Gobbo hates horror things.

It's 10,00 p.m. STORIES AND HUNTING GHOSTS is starting in the Chapel of our very old college...

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 11

2010-07-13T17:13:00.016+02:00

This morning we climbed Arthur's Seat, a famous hill in Edinburgh. It was a sunny and clear day, so from the top we could see all the city and the Firth of Forth. We could also see Holyrood Palace, where the queen is at the moment. Beautiful white gazebos were ready for the traditional Garden Party.

Ceilidh dance is the evening activity. It is the traditional Scottish dance, do you remember?

Tiger Woods, the golf champion, is in St Andrews. He will try to win his 3rd Open. If you want to learn more read the interview of 3 hours ago. This is the site:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jul/13/the-open-tiger-woods

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 10

2010-07-12T20:57:00.011+02:00

If you want to know where Queen Elizabeth II is, we can tell you. We saw her at 12.25 in the city centre of Edinburgh. She was in her Rolls Royce going to Holyrood Palace. She was wearing a light pink jacket and hat and she was smiling.
Some English people in our college have never seen her so we feel very lucky.

Last week the students had lessons in the morning and free time in the afternoon. This week they have free time in the morning and lessons in the afternoon so this morning we could have a long walk and visit Dean Village that is a former village immediately northwest of Edinburgh. It was known as the "Water of Leith Village" and was a successful grain milling hamlet for more than 800 years. At one time there were no fewer than eleven working mills there, driven by the strong currents of the Water of Leith. However, for a number of reasons, Dean Village's trade diminished. For many years, the village became associated with decay and poverty, and it reached a low-point by around 1960. From the mid 1970s onwards it became recognised as a tranquil oasis close to the city centre, and redevelopment and restoration began, converting workers' cottages, warehouses and mill buildings. The area has now become a desirable residential area.

We could also see some beautiful paintings at the Modern Art Gallery. Professor Trombetta wouldn't believe it!
http://www.nationalgalleries.org/whatson/seasons/5:19208/date/2010-07-12/19141

Speed Dating was the evening activity.

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 9

2010-07-11T21:21:00.011+02:00

Another adventurous day here in Scotland!

Today a taxi took us to Oatridge College and there we got on a coach.
First we visited St Andrews, a town near the sea famous for its golf Course and the beautiful ruins of its cathedral. The important OPEN golf competition was taking place there.
If you wish to learn more click here:
http://www.opengolf.com/en/TheCourse.aspx

Then we visited one of the most famous castles in Scotland, Glamis Castle. Some ghosts haunt the castle. We couldn't take photos inside so you can get images and information from the following site:
http://www.glamis-castle.co.uk/visitus.cfm

Outside the castle there were many beautiful MINI cars. One of them had a really Scottish look!

On the way back to Oatridge College our coach broke down so another coach took us to the college.

And another taxi took us to Newbattle College. We were very tired but in time to watch the football match Holland-Spain on TV!

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 8

2010-07-10T23:21:00.009+02:00

Our photos will tell you where we went and what we did today...

Stirling Castle

Sporran

Bonnet

Dirk

The Regimental Museum

National Wallace Monument

Shopping

Night Games

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 7

2010-07-09T21:33:00.019+02:00

Today is the last day of lesson of the week. We had fish and chips for lunch! In the afternoon we went to the city centre by bus and visited two museums. Gus, our Scottish activity leader, accompanied us. He is very patient and careful, so Mrs Gobbo is very happy when he comes with us. At the Writersʼ Museum Mrs Gobbo tried to explain how important are Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde), Sir Walter Scott (Ivanohe) and Robert Burns (Auld Lang Syne) for Scotland and for literature. The Museum on the Mound is a new museum of the Bank of Scotland on money, banks and mints. On the Royal Mile we met another funny mime king. In the evening some students and Simon and Gus had the Wacky Races activity. The students "built" cars and raced.

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 6

2010-07-08T19:24:00.008+02:00

Today we visited a famous attraction here in Edinburgh: OUR DYNAMIC EARTH.
Have you ever heard of it? Click here.
www.dynamicearth.co.uk

And, in the evening an incredible DISCO took place in the crypt.

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 5

2010-07-07T22:18:00.018+02:00

Today you can come on board of the Royal Yacht Britannia and visit it with us and if you want to learn more visit this website
http://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 4

2010-07-06T18:59:00.010+02:00

The students had two lessons in the morning. Mrs Gobbo had a long walk in the wood near the College. There are very big old trees, especially enormous yews and beeches and some birches and chestnuts. There are also many hollies. You can find some birds and other animals: wood pigeons, magpies, blackbirds, buzzards, rabbits and grey squirrels. Besides the wood there is a big exclusive golf club. After lunch (beef and veggies) we went again to the city centre, this time to Calton Hill. There is a monument to Nelson but the important thing is that you can have a wonderful view of Edinburgh from there: the Old and New Town, Holyrood Palace, Arthurʼs Seat, the North Sea. Our activity leader, Gus, who is from Edinburgh, took us also to Hard Rock Café, where we bought cool T-shirts. After that we had some more shopping around there. For dinner we had chicken, French beans and ice-cream. After dinner we had a great traditional Scottish dance session. Gus and the other boys of the staff were wearing a kilt!!! We had great fun.

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 3

2010-07-05T13:37:00.005+02:00

This morning the students were worried about the test. Actually, it wasn't very easy. After the test we could have a walk around the amazing garden of the palace. At 10.45 the students had an induction lesson and at lunch time they were smiling again. Delicious Scottish salmon was in the menu but most of the students had chicken for lunch. In the afternoon a double-decker bus took us to Edinburgh for our first walking tour. We saw the Scott Monument and part of the Old Town (the castle, St Giles, part of the Royal Mile) and met pipers and mimes. We could also buy some souvenirs.

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 2

2010-07-04T23:28:00.015+02:00

A coach took us from Oatridge College to Newbattle Abbey College. As you can notice from the pictures the two colleges are not at the same level...
We also went to Loch Lomond, a big Scottish lake, and had a cruise. Unfortunately, we had awful weather: wind, rain and short sunny intervals all day long. From the boat we could notice some beautiful palaces. After that we visited the interesting Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow. In the evening we had a delicious dinner with vegetable soup, meatballs, fried potatoes and cheesecake and we could sleep in our new comfortable rooms.

SCOTLAND - A BLOG IN THE BLOG - 1

2010-07-03T21:27:00.008+02:00

If a blog is a kind of diary, this is a diary of a journey inside the all school year long Ladybird diary.
The school finished three days ago and this morning we (Mrs Gobbo, Chiara, Ilaria, Letizia, Tommaso) left for our study tour to Edinburgh. We met at Marco Polo airport, near Venice at 9.50, but the hall was so hot and crowded that it was very difficult to check-in. Gery, a flight assistant, helped us to cross the security barrier. We would have missed our flight without her help! At last, we took off at 12,25.
We had a comfortable flight.
Our red-and-grey Jet2 plane was full of British passengers.
We landed at 14,20 (British time) and a young man was waiting for us in the hall. He took us to a taxi, that took us to Oatridge College. Why aren’t we at Newbattle Abbey College? Because our rooms aren’t empty yet. So we’re sleeping here for one night. No problem. We could visit this beautiful agricultural college. Hundreds of animals and wonderful landscapes.
And in the evening a man wearing a kilt, played the pipe and taught us a little bit of ceilidh dance (traditional Scottish dance).

Have a Great Summer!

2010-06-27T08:43:00.004+02:00

Wavin' Flag song by K'naan

2010-06-12T19:19:00.005+02:00

World Cup 2010 - South Africa - Viva Africa!!
You can read the lyrics of the song at
http://www.metrolyrics.com/wavin-flag-lyrics-knaan.html
and the translation in Italian is in the following video

The 78 Statues of the "Prato della Valle"

2010-06-06T12:02:00.012+02:00

http://www.turismopadova.it/Monumenti/cultura/pratodellavalle/index.htm
If you want to know more about each of the 78 famous statues of the Prato della Valle, click on the link and then on the green points.