Innovative learning. International Mindset Laude San Pedro International College

SINCE September 2022, Laude San Pedro International College has a new Principal, Andrew Atkinson. He has been involved in international education for over 30 years.

Laude San Pedro International College is an inclusive school with a programme focused on academic excellence, teaching the British National Curriculumfrom age three to 18 - and, from age 12, offering the possibility of studying the Spanish ESO and Bachillerato curriculum (with up to 65 per cent of classes in English). We have a strong focus on academic standards - our GCSE and A Level results, as well as the Spanish Selectividad, are well above national averages in both countries.

We are part of the global education group ISP ('International Schools Partner- ships') one of the largest education groups in the world. It is a highly international environment with students of over 50 nationalities enjoying a unique learning environment designed to meet their needs. All our UK curriculum teachers are native English speakers and have many years of experience in the UK and abroad.

Our excellent facilities include an artificial turf football pitch, two multi-sports courts and a gymnasium with changing rooms for over 400 people. We also have state-of-the-art digital learning facilities including four computer rooms, a multimedia lab and a graphic design room, as well as the latest technological devices (iPads, Chromebooks and interactive whiteboards). Innovative science labs to support the science curriculum through to ALevels and dedicated rooms for drama, food technology labs and a new radio studio. We have a large 200- seat dining hall with its own kitchen where school meals are prepared and an extensive library to encourage our pupils to develop an interest in reading and research. We offer a unique and incredible educational experi- ence to each one of our students, which we call ‘Amazing Learning’: having the ability to improve day by day, and be amazed at everything learned, whatever the starting point was. We work so that the student feels happy and motivated in an environment that generates confidence.

“What I most like about Laude is our school community. Friendly staff is one of the most dominant things at Laude. Our children are physically safe from a safeguarding perspective and well looked after for their well being. We really encourage students to be vocal and speak their mind, which also leads to a sort of personal safety of mind.

We have happy kids in our school. I think that's partly due to our community demanding that we offer a balanced, holistic education for children, rather than a driven, purely academic one.

“We all want our students to have broader skills, to be content, to be challenged, not just simply get the exam results. We're just beginning some work on something called global life competencies. They’re the sort of broader cross subject skills that children learn how to do, like the ability to think critically or the ability to communicate effectively or the ability to self manage and self organise yourself.

“So as well as getting a grade for language, maths and science you get feedback on your ability to research or your ability to manage your time or your ability to be creative. This is really exciting stuff to me.”