Dear Staff and Students,

We hope this email finds you well and happy 

Happy Valentine’s from Yorkshire English School! 
Welcome to February, the month that celebrates love and friendship, with Valentine’s Day being celebrated on 14th February every year. 
This edition of our newsletter is dedicated to exploring the “Language of Love” in English literature and culture. 
Plus, don’t miss our write-in question to share your thoughts on love!

Expressions of Love

Expand your vocabulary with these charming expressions:

• “Lovebirds” (noun) people who are obviously very much in love (*romantic love*). e.g. “Look at those two lovebirds- they can’t stop laughing and smiling at each other”. 
• “Head over heels” (adj. phrase) completely in love (*romantic love*). e.g. “He is head over heels- he can’t stop thinking about her!”.
• “Fall in love at first sight” (idiom) fall in love the moment you first see or meet someone (*romantic love*). e.g. “They fell in love at first sight- they knew they were in love from the moment they met”.
• “The apple of my eye” (idiom) someone who is the most important to you or who you love the most. e.g. “Her daughter is the apple of her eye. She is so proud of her”.

Love in Literature

Literature has always been one of the ways for people to show love- for family, friends, and yourself.

Love poems in particular have been a tradition for people to show their love to someone they care about.

For Valentine’s Day, people sometimes write poems in Valentine’s cards– here is one of the most famous:

“Roses are red, 

violets are blue, 

sugar is sweet, 

and so are you!”

Poem of the month: 

‘Love After Love’ 

by Derek Walcott

This month we will look at a famous poem called ‘Love After Love’ by Derek Walcott. This poem explores the ideas of self-love and self-acceptance:

The time will come
when, with elation 
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

Staff Film/ Movie Suggestion of the Month: 

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

This thoughtful romantic film explores the complexities of love and memory. The story follows Joel and Clementine, who try to remove memories of each other after their relationship ends. However, they rediscover their deep connection, and the importance of both good and bad experiences in love.

Language Learning Tips:

For Lower Levels: Watch with English audio and subtitles in your 1st language.

For Higher Levels: Watch in English with English subtitles.

Talk to us!

Question of the Month

We want to hear from you! Feel free to write your answer in English and send it to us at info@yeschool.uk (or drop it off at reception). We’ll share some of the best answers in next month’s newsletter!

Famous Love Quotes 

Question:

What is your favourite love quote (from any person, book, film, or poem)?

You can also write a message and see all previous issues of our Newsletter on our YES Blog.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for interesting and exciting content!

Last Month’s Question:

Question: 

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2025?

Student Write-In (Moumen- Jordan):

“My new year resolution is to start studying a masters degree”.

Staff Write-In (Murriam):

“My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to pick up a new sport and stick with it until December. The aim is to keep moving, have fun, and stay committed!”

Staff Write-In (Abbi):

“☆ – Learn to drive – Choo Choo. Oh sorry I mean – BEEP BEEP

☆ – Maintain my health and explore new food

☆ – I want to progress in my endeavours!”

Staff Write-In (Gwyn):