STUDYING ABROAD
Çiğdem Savcı from EDUMAR Yurtdışı Eğitim gave a seminar on the educational facitilies and study conditions abroad. Mrs. Savcı talked about universities, especially in England, America, Canada and Germany. At the end, they answered the students' questions.

SUMMER SCHOOL
On 21.01.2009 Cem Uçak from SEMPA gave a powerpoint presentation to our students about summer schools in England and in Spain. Mr. Uçak explained the type of education and the activities that students would take part in. He also gave information about summer summer camps, fun activities and excursions abroad. At the end of the meeting, he answered the questions from our students.

PARENT MEETING DAYS
During the parent meeting days, students were interpreters for Monica Souto Gonzalez and Ayhan Atiş. We would like to thank Birtan, Emircan, Aslı, Zeynep and Derin Övgü for their effort.

PORTFOLIO DAYS
AT EKREM ELGINKAN HIGH SCHOOL
Between 14 -17 April 2009 we had Portfolio Presentation days and we had a great time! The students gave their English and Spanish presentation and displayed their portfolio files.
Portfolios are collections of student work representing a selection of assignments. The main aim of the European Language Portfolio is to help students become more efficient and effective learners. These skills include planning, drafting, speaking in front of large groups, presentation skills, referencing, searching for information, self-assessment and building self-confidence.
Self-learning is very important in learning languages. Portfolio presentations are very important because students prepare their own files for their year end presentation. The students themselves conduct and control their own learning.
Students quotations from Portfolio Days:

- 'I have learnt to speak more fluently and how to use gestures during a presentation in front of large groups.' (Ece Reis & Tuğçe Gencal, 9/C)

- 'I believe that the Portfolio Presentation at our school allowed us to gain lots of speaking and writing skills. It helped us to write essays and to give presentations. I learned lots of new vocabulary while researching about my topic.' (Kübra Gül, 10/B)

- 'Before preparing my portfolio presentration I tried to make it as interesting as possible.' (Orhan Kuyumcu, Prep A)

- 'I think that it helps us to present our ideas in public. It also helps us to research and learn detailed information about the topic. I believe that we have improved our English and Spanish. Moreover, I also think that it is great preparation in order to prepare us for college.' (Christin Cemcem, 9/A)

- 'I think portfolios help improve our English and Spanish. When I tried to write something in English and present it, I had to practise long hours for my speech and this helped me understand how difficult it is to perform in front of a large group. It was exciting and so enjoyable, you need to choose a good subject and you have to know every detail about your subject. It was a very good experience for me.' (Cem Yakut, Prep A)

GAME CORNER
During lunch breaks students play different games at the Game Corner- Our game corner provides students a great chance to really have fun while learning English. Students play a wide variety of games such as Scrabble, Clue, Taboo, Gossip Girl and Imagine If. It is a great opportunity for students to challenge each other, socialize and have fun all in English.

ENGLISH BOOK FAIR
During the 3 November-7 November week an English Book Fair is organized for our students to buy the books they would read throughout the year. During the week, our students chose and bought the books they would like to read according to the levels given in the chart below. At the end of the given months, an exam is given corresponding to the books they have read.

SPANISH SEMINAR ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SPANISH
On 21 April 2009 we hosted a seminar on 'The Importance of Spanish'.
Dr Maria Jesus Horta, an Istanbul University Teacher Assistant, Nihat Tarkan, a Masters Student, and Eva Dural, a parent of one of our students were the guest speakers. They gave speeches on Spanish Culture, universities and the importance of the language. During the seminar and at lunch time students sang Spanish songs. In addition, Spanish food was served for the lunch.