School Supplement CDS 22 – 28 February 2024 Issue 2016

SCHOOL

special

Education on the Costa del Sol

LIVING on the Costa del Sol and enrolling your children in schools in this vibrant region offers a unique and enriching experience for both parents and youngsters. The Costa del Sol, situated along the southern coast of Spain, is renowned for its stunning beaches, diverse culture, and excellent quality of life. Choosing this picturesque location for your family provides numerous advantages, making it an appealing destination for expatriates.

First and foremost, the region boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterised by mild winters and long, sunny summers. This climate not only ensures a pleasant

and healthy lifestyle for your family but also allows for year-round outdoor activities. The abundance of outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities, combined with a strong sense of community, contributes to a wholesome upbringing for children.

The educational landscape on the Costa del Sol is equally compelling. International schools in the area offer a multicultural environment, fostering global perspectives and providing students with exposure to diverse cultures. These schools often follow internationally recognised curricula, ensuring a high standard of education that can seamlessly integrate

with academic systems in other countries. This is particularly beneficial for families with a global outlook or those planning to relocate in the future. In conclusion, living on the Costa del Sol and enrolling your children in local schools not only offers a picturesque setting and a favourable climate but also provides a multicultural and academically enriching experience.

The combination of natural beauty, a strong educational system, and a diverse community make the Costa del Sol an enticing choice for families seeking a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle.

Extremely excited

THE International School Estepona is extremely excited to announce an expansion of their infrastructure. This is due to the increasing demand, generated from the needs of new families arriving in the local community. The expansion involves a fabulous new area for the Early Years Foundation State 1; children aged two to three years old.

The International School Estepona was established in 2004 and is the educational home to just over 100 children from all over the world aged from two-12 years. It can be found in the area of El Paraiso.

The school was purpose built and is so different to what you see from other schools in the area. During the school’s most recent inspection by the British Council, ISE achieved the full years’ authorisation. The inspectors also commented, “how unusual it was to see a small school with such large gardens and sports facilities.”

The school provides a safe, inspiring, personalised and fun learning environment for international students to learn. This is reinforced by ensuring that class sizes remain small and tailored to each child’s needs.

The school is British and the primary school Maths and English curriculum, is based on the English National Curriculum and is designed

to provide the highest academy quality of education. Based on national statistics, most children educated in a British style are a year or more ahead. The National Curriculum is renowned worldwide and allows a child to move seamlessly between another British school whether here in Spain or around the world. All other subjects are taught through themed units of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, we seek to create a safe, caring and happy environment, where a child believes that they are capable of anything. Our EYFS curriculum is designed to allow each child discover interests and talents as well as equip them to become life-long learners.

The EYFS curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning and development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, Mathematical Development, Understanding the World, Physical Development, Expressive Arts and Design and Literacy Development.

C. Azahar,12, 29688, El Paraíso daniela@marbellaschool.com

951 742 735 | 635 347 023 marbellaschool.com

etting to know the Spanish Education System

ages is normally in May for the following September, this can be done via the local town hall or by applying to a school directly. Spanish schools are governed by the ‘Ministerio de Educacion y Formacion Profesional’ (Ministry of Education and Vocational Training) and work closely with the autonomous communities.

SPAIN has a strong education system. Scoring 491 in mathematics, reading literacy, and science, Spain ranks over the average of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Spanish students spend almost 18 years in education, surpassing the OECD average of just over 17 years. Children are admitted into schools once a year (September), according to the calendar year of their birth.

This means that children born in January are the oldest in their class, and children born between October and December will start school before their third birthday. The registration period for all

There are three types of school in Spain; state schools (‘colegios publicos’), semi-private schools (‘colegios concertados’), and private schools (‘colegios privados’). State schools have no tuition fees. Part of the tuition for ‘colegios concertados’ is subsidised by the government and the family cover the rest. Private schools (including international schools) have full tuition fees.

The local communities are responsible for much of the day-to-day running of schools, including the allocation of funding, steering the curriculum, and managing education standards across local schools.

- Pre-school

EDUCATION SYSTEM: Is divided into four stages in Spain.

- Primary school

- Compulsory secondary school (‘educacion secundaria obligatoria’) - 12 to 16 years. The system is modelled on the British comprehensive system.

- University preparation (‘Bachillerato’) or vocational training (‘formacion professional’) - 15 to 18 years. There are four types of Bachillerato - Arts, humanities, natural and health sciences and technology.

In primary school, homework is at the discretion of the class teacher, but can be assigned to children from the first year of primary school onwards. It is usually assumed that parents will be involved in helping their children with their homework, although some hire tutors if their child is struggling.

At secondary school there is usually quite a heavy load of homework as well as studying for exams which require considerable sacrifice and self-discipline on the part of students who want to do well at school.

NOW ALSO ACCREDITED BY CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL. FROM SEPTEMBER 2024 WE WILL ALSO OFFER THE POSSIBILITY TO STUDY AN INTERNATIONAL CURRICULUM FROM YEAR 8 AND UP. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

FOUNDED in 2003, the Swedish School Marbella offers Swedish-speaking children the excellent education that they would receive in

their native Scandinavian country. Certified by the Swedish National Agency for Education, all of the teachers here gained their qualifications in Sweden and provide a responsible, flexible and creative environment for children to flourish personally and in their education.

With the advantage of small classes creating a harmonious atmosphere that enables each child to receive the best possible education; this also provides children with a safe and pro-

Swedish School Marbella

ductive space where excellent oneon-one guidance can be accessed.

At the Swedish school in Marbella, every child is treated as unique, making them feel seen, heard and accepted for who they are.

The school offers the Swedish curriculum from preschool (three to five years) through to elementary year F6 (six-12 years).

Pupils aged between the ages of 13 to 18 receive a different type of education through two virtual schools based in Stockholm, providing online education for years seven to nine and years 10 - 12.

With full-time teacher support and guidance, pupils take part in the excellent online studies provided by the Swedish curriculum in a social and engaging school environment.

They also benefit from all of the perks of the school including healthy,

home-cooked lunches, school trips and physical education.

As well as promoting good health through nutritious meals that are very popular with the students, the physical education provided benefits from the school’s wonderful garden, 25-metre swimming pool, artificial turf for football and access to large play areas with climbing trees and sandbox.

The school is also close to a large park and within walking distance of the beach.

Located in a beautiful natural area in Marbella near Puerto Banus, The Swedish School offers the best start in education and personal growth.

Urb Costalita 1, Cancelada

29688 Estepona, Spain

952 868 252 info@svenskaskolanmarbella.com svenskakolanmarbella.com

UK-Spain education cooperation

DESPITE the many changes ushered in after Brexit, both the UK and Spanish authorities have continued to work together, with the hope of further expansion in the UK-Spain bilateral relationship .

In July 2023, a significant educational partnership was forged between the UK and Spain. This collaboration was marked by the signing of a

bilateral agreement in education and higher education access, involving key figures from both nations in a ceremony that underscored their mutual commitment to strengthening academic ties. The event took place with Hugh Elliott, the British Ambassador to Spain, and Spanish officials Pilar Alegria, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, and Joan Subirats, Minister of Universities, leading the charge. The agreement came into effect on August 2, 2023, the accord has opened new avenues for students by simplifying the university admission process between borders.

Streamlining access to education

According to the press report: “This agreement enables students with UK qualifications (including A-levels and equivalents) to access universities in Spain without the need for the Spanish general university entrance exam. Additional entry requirements will only be necessary for certain competitive courses, as was the case prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Students from the Spanish education system are able to continue to access UK universities and other higher education institutions with additional legal certainty.” It symbolises the shared vision to nurture and expand upon the robust educational framework that has linked the UK and Spain for years, ensuring a bilateral flow of academic talent.

A future of collaborative learning

As this agreement takes root, the anticipation for a strengthened UK-Spain educational relationship grows. The collective effort underscores a broader objective of promoting cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration.

Photo: British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, and Spanish Minister of Universities, Joan Subirats. Credit: Spanish Ministry of Universities

Meet the Director and Owner of Calpe School, who follows in his father’s ‘Happy To Learn’ legacy, which started 50 years ago this year!

THE director takes great pride in knowing each and every child by name. This shows his commitment and dedication to primary education. It is quite rare for a director to have such a deep connection with the students, but he believes that it is essential for fostering a warm and inclusive learning environment.

Knowing the children by name allows him to build strong relationships with them, creating a sense of familiarity and trust. This personal touch also helps him understand the individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each student. By being familiar with the students, he can provide tailored support, encouragement, and guidance to help them thrive academically and emotionally.His passion for

Mprimary education goes beyond just knowing the children’s names. He actively involves himself in various aspects of their education, such as curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and extracurricular activities.

He constantly seeks innovative ways to enhance the learning experience and ensure that every child receives the best education possible.

He will even take the time to sit with children and listen to them read! Furthermore, the director serves not only as an administrator but also as a mentor and role model for the children. By actively engaging with them, he sets an

PARTS of Spain have already taken the first steps to ban or at least limit the use of mobile phones in school. A good thing, or a bad thing? Some have pointed out the benefits of using this type of technology: built in calculator, note book, reference devised for internet use, and of course there is simply the opportunity to access help in the case of an emergency, and for parents to contact their children. Neuropychologists who have looked into this suggest that children should have limited access to mobile devices while they are in their early years and while cognitive functioning is still developing. They say that mobile devices are designed to captivate attention rather than facilitate learning.

Harvard studies have also suggested that the best way to connect what we hear to what we remember is good old pen and paper, by all means entered into a word processor later, but not done directly. We live in a world where being digitally competent

example of dedication, enthusiasm, and lifelong learning. This inspires the students to develop a love for learning and a desire to excel in their academic pursuits. Overall, his pride in knowing all the children by name and his deep passion for primary education creates a positive and supportive learning environment. It shows his unwavering commitment to the students and their educational journey, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that each child receives the attention and guidance they deserve.

Urb. Linda Vista Baja 29670

San Pedro de Alcántara 952 786 029 calpeschool.com

is no longer a luxury, but how do we get the balance between the best way to learn and improving young people’s skills in the digital age?

Should the use of computers, including mobile devices, be limited to subjects that focus on computing skills, whether that be research, or use of applications? Some of us would be lost without our Excel spreadsheets in our daily life, but so were the 1960’s children without their slide rule.

Life moves on whether we like it or not, but going all digital may have unexpected negative consequences if not carefully thought through. There is no doubt about the advantages of internet to students, but the temptation for being distracted by incoming messages, fun applications can cause a decline in test scores according to another study from Harvard University.

Alma Forest School | Where research meets practice!

ALMA Forest School, referred to in its community as ‘Alma’, is an internationally accredited school based in Sotogrande providing a progressive learning environment for students from three years old to 14 years old. The school is currently gaining widespread popularity in Europe, recently being featured in the Financial Times and La Vanguardia for its innovative learning approach. As parents and educators increasingly recognise the limitations of the traditional education system, there is a growing demand for alternatives that prioritise the wellbeing and whole-brain development of children. Alma’s approach to childhood education offers a compelling vision for the future.

Philipp Klaus, the Principal of Alma elaborates on their approach: At Alma, we consider each child to be on their own, unique, learning journey with a curriculum that embraces their individuality and supports their learning through a robust academic curriculum. The foremost priority is nurturing

intrinsic motivation within our students. We firmly believe that when a child’s innate curiosity is kindled, it paves the way for meaningful learning experiences that can foster a lifelong passion for education.

The founder of Alma considered not only on its unique curriculum but also the design of the school space, which has been built in a way to encourage and support students to be creative, take risks, ask the big questions and feel empowered to problemsolve.

The founder, Sharyn McFarlane, says: “The benefit of building a school from scratch meant that we were able to consider all the current research on how children learn and how their brains’ develop and meet that research with a school and curriculum designed accordingly. Typically, such research takes 20-30 years to enter the mainstream system but as a parent, I did not have that sort of time to wait. So, we set about building a school that

Kiddo Fuengirola

KIDDO FUENGIROLA stands as a beacon of joy and family bonding on the Costa del Sol, offering a meticulously designed haven where every family member, regardless of age, can find joy and engagement. This exceptional facility is not just another indoor playground; it is a comprehensive family entertainment centre that caters to the diverse needs and desires of both children and adults alike.

At the heart of Kiddo Fuengirola is its expansive, air-conditioned soft play area, thoughtfully constructed to provide a stimulating, fun, and safe environment for children to play and explore. The facility prides itself on its unique addition of a dedicated baby room, ensuring that even the youngest members of the family can enjoy a space tailored specifically to their needs and safety. Understanding the importance of family celebrations and gatherings, Kiddo Fuengirola is more than just a play area. It is a community hub where families can come together to celebrate

life’s milestones - from birthdays and christenings to communions and baby showers. The venue is fully equipped and bookable for private events, offering a seamless experience that includes delicious food, refreshing drinks, and memorable experiences for everyone involved.

For those looking to bring the Kiddo Fuengirola experience to their own home or event, the facility offers an exceptional service that includes soft play and staff hire, covering all event needs throughout the Costa del Sol. Whether it’s for a party, wedding, or any other function, clients can expect a range of engaging activities, including a ball pit and wooden Montessori play equipment, ensuring a fun-filled and educational experience for the little ones.

Kiddo Fuengirola is dedicated to fostering growth and development in children of all ages. With a wide array of classes such as Playgroup, Cooking class, Baby massage, Sensory class, Yogabears, and

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more, the facility is committed to providing enriching experiences that support the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children. Additionally, services like Nanny service and holiday camps are available, ensuring that parents have the support they need, when they need it.

reflects those ideals highlighted in the research, today, so that our children could have access to such an environment, immediately.

What is clear from walking around the Alma space, is that it is a community of learners where the open and honest exchange of ideas is valued, and where students are able to get to know themselves better and develop a life-long love of learning and discovery, all in a safe and supportive environment.

Alma stands out from traditional educational institutions, embodying an educational environment where students have the potential to succeed academically, professionally, and personally in the 21st century.

San Enrique de Guadiaro,11310 San Roque Province: Cádiz 646 596 155 almaforest.com

Conveniently located C. Asturias, 24, in Fuengirola, Málaga, Kiddo Fuengirola is open daily until 10pm, making it a versatile and accessible destination for families seeking quality time together. With a focus on safety, fun, and family, Kiddo Fuengirola is more than just a place to play - it’s a place where families grow together.

For more information or to book an event, interested parties can reach out at 667 360 229 , where a world of family fun awaits.

Marbella International University Centre: British education in southern Spain

Introduction:

HAVE you ever wondered about what school in paradise would look like? Learning amongst historical Roman ruins, connecting with your peers under the sun, and furthering your career in a tropical climate? If so, you should consider attending the Marbella International University Centre (MIUC). MIUC stands as a prominent campus under the University of West London in Spain, providing a unique opportunity for students to attain British-accredited degrees in the vibrant southern region of Spain. This university offers more than just a phenomenal education - it offers a phenomenal way of life.

Academic Programmes: MIUC offers a range of both

undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with all courses fully taught in English. The key focus emphasises delivering high-quality education in three main fields in both post and undergraduate programmes:

International Business Management Marketing and Social Media Politics and Relations

The courses are designed to be practical, industry-led, and rooted in real-life case studies, preparing students for the global job market.

Exclusive Partnership: MIUC’s exclusive partnership with the University of West London in the UK further solidifies its commitment to providing a world-

class British education in the heart of Spain.

Personalised Education:

A key highlight of MIUC is its commitment to personalised education. MIUC has a notable professor-to-student ratio of 1:10, allowing students to form more personal connections with their professors. Additionally, students can form relationships within a diverse student body containing over 90 different nationalities.

Along with a multitude of courses, MIUC provides a plethora of internship opportunities. These internships enhance the practicality of classes, giving students realworld experiences to complement their theoretical knowledge.

Location Advantage : Marbella, sitting perfectly on the picturesque Costa del Sol, offers more than just academic excellence. Conveniently located near the Malaga airport, Marbella is easily accessible and boasts a favourable climate, making it an ideal destination for international students. The region is renowned for its international investments, a multitude of international schools, and a relatively cheaper cost of living than major cities.

Avenida Don Jaime de Mora y Aragón, s/n, Finca El Pinillo , 29601 - Marbella 952 860 000 info@miuc.org miuc.org

Changing schools

SOMETIMES changing schools is necessary, for instance, if you move to another location or the current school does not suit your child. In Spain, a child can move to another school at any point in the academic year, but in some areas school places are at a premium, so changing may need to be well planned and done for the beginning of a new academic term or year.

Changing to a new school follows a similar process to enrolment. If you’re relocating, you

may be required to provide the new school with proof of your new address or other documentation from the previous school. When relocating to a different autonomous community, it’s important to contact the education department in your new area to understand what documentation is required. This varies among communities.

Try to keep any hurdles to a minimum. Especially important for those who are relocating, keep the school calendar in mind

such as starting dates. If your child is moving from a public school to a private school, you will need to consider things such as students not going home to have their lunch. Private schools have a shorter break and more hours in the classroom so it is vital to consider how these sorts of changes my affect your child. If switching from public to private, you might want to reduce the hours of extra-curricular activities due to longer classroom hours.

Remember that many private schools have waiting lists so forward planning is essential. Before changing to a state school, you first need to register your new address on the town hall Register (Padrón) Then, you must visit the Education Department at the local town hall to obtain a school registration form. You must also provide a medical certificate that gives a full medical history for each child.

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 Curriculum - from 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 Partnerships’) 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

About Queens

QBGS is a relatively new school in Spain and opened its doors to students in September 2016. In eight years, it has earned a reputation for excellence in academic delivery and a commitment to a pupil-focused approach. With its growth in popularity, the school has increased in student numbers and last September, the school moved to its own privately owned building; its own secure grounds with a swimming pool, and excellent outdoor and sporting facilities.

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 A-Levels 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 experience 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

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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.

“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.”

A Avda. La Coruña, 2, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara (Marbella)

Tel: (+34) 952 799 900

Web: laudesanpedro.com

Instagram:instagram.com/laudesanpedro

The school teaches the ‘national curriculum of England and Wales’ to children between the ages of three years to 18 years. From its inception, the school has been inspected by NABSS on behalf of the British Council and it has recently achieved certification for the maximum period. The school is also an approved examination centre by Cambridge Assessment for IGCSE and A’ level subjects, leading to university admission.

QBGS focuses on providing an exceptional academic experience, which recognises the importance of hard work, discipline and excellent teaching, to create a nurturing environment for pupils. All classes are delivered by British qualified teachers who have English as their first language, except for teachers of foreign languages. Pupils are provided with a high level of support and encouraged to excel in their studies. Spanish is of course, a compulsory part of the curriculum. The school also offers a wide range of after-school clubs, including inter alia, golf, dance, art and Chinese cookery.

If you would like to know more, contact our Av. Costa Galera, 34, 29693 Estepona / jessica@queensbritishgrammar.school / 627 519 363 QBGS.education

Enjoying sport

ONE of the great advantages for children living on the Costa del Sol is the weather which in turn allows them to enjoy sports in all of its forms.

Schools do encourage competitive sports and local councils provide a great selection of public facilities plus there are also numerous clubs that welcome youngsters of all ages. Apart from sports played outside such as athletics, basketball, football, golf, netball, rugby, tennis and even cricket, there are indoor facilities such a swimming pools, gymnasiums where the practice of martial arts is very popular and much more with some suggesting that dance should also be considered a sport.

No matter what your child’s interest may be, even if it’s as cerebral as chess then there is bound to be a club or facility either in their school or relatively nearby. So many parents complain about their child’s obsession with social media and virtual games but to a great extent it is their fault for not enforcing rules which require the youngster to put down the phone, take off the pods and actually get out and enjoy exercise with their friends.

Not everyone is going to be the next Nadal or Messi and it is important that parents don’t try to live their sporting past though their children but with encouragement coupled with advice from their school, there is no doubt that they can enjoy a healthy and productive sporting life.

Equally, as children grow, they have to be careful not to over extend themselves or to become too obsessed with their chosen sport and that’s where parental guidance is so very important.

World of hockey

JOIN the exciting world of Fuengirola LIONS and dive into a diverse sporting experience unlike any other! At Fuengirola LIONS, based in Santa Fe de Los Boliches, Fuengirola, you can take the plunge into a new sporting experience or brush up your skills with inline hockey, floorball, and junior ice hockey for all ages and mix with almost 30 different nationalities. Groups are mixed and no previous experience is required. Build up your skills and get the opportunity to play in the national inline hockey league as well as the Andalucian leagues of different age groups and levels.

No gear? No problem. Everyone has to start somewhere, and Fuengirola LIONS has over 30 sets of equipment available, so there is no excuse for not giving this a try. They can even accommodate groups or schools and not worry about having the right gear. Although specialising in inline hockey they do have the opportunity to play on ice from time to time. Fuengirola LIONS are also developing Floorball, a type of floor hockey and will soon have a specialist floor surface just for this, but you can still call them and perhaps pick up

a game. A special environment: This Club provides unique opportunities to enjoy a multicultural environment which supersedes language. The only thing you will have in common with the others is a passion for hockey and love for the sport. You will find here a a vibrant active community where everyone matters and no one is left aside. Hockey is for everyone. We have very qualified trainers and excellent atmosphere. They are now in their 10th season with experienced players who are there to share their knowledge and expertise and make it an excellent experience. Inline hockey is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm till 11pm,

and floorball on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm till 8:30pm. Ice hockey on occasional Sunday mornings. Find them via Facebook, Lions Hockey Fuengirola or Instagram lionsinlinehockey, email: fuengirolalions@ gmail.com. Located in Los Boliches next to the football field and opposite to Mercadona. Just look them up on Google Maps: Fuengirola LIONS, Av. Las Salinas - complejo deportivo… already over 30,000 people have done it before so it can’t be difficult. Ready to embrace a new challenge and forge international friendships? Join Fuengirola LIONS today and let your love for hockey thrive!

Welcome to the Swedish International School

THE Swedish International School situated between Estepona town centre and San Pedro Alcantara, a suburb of Marbella offers students a Swedish education but with the added bonus of Spanish elements. The school prides itself on the fact that its students aged from two to 18 benefit from the latest technology which assists them in their learning process and by keeping classes to a maximum of 16 (15 in the kindergarten), each child can be

assured of the ongoing attention of a qualified teacher. SIS offers a safe and comfortable environment for all students no matter what age they may be or indeed their level of achievement. As the school was only opened in 2023, everything, including the concept behind the schooling is new and up to date. Whether a family is in Spain because one of the parents is on a set time contract or if the family has made the decision to settle in Spain, the intention is to prepare all of the children in a way which would ensure that they could easily fit back into school or college if they return to Sweden or other country.

But it’s not all about Sweden as those attending will be helped to settle into Spain and the Spanish way of life rather than them feeling completely out of place if they went straight to a Spanish school.English which is still a very useful language almost everywhere in the world is also part of the curriculum with the aim of helping each student achieve as much as possible.

Another really important feature of the curriculum is that as children get older and work perhaps becomes more complicated, there is a special house within the campus where they have access to remote teaching via computers with qualified teachers specialising in individual topics such

as mathematics who are based in Sweden thus expanding the quality and variety of teaching. Unlike some schools of old, the ethic here is to include both children and parents in much of the decision making and the students are encouraged to share their thoughts in a number of areas and as well as parents evenings, because the school is relatively small, Principal Goran Holm welcomes parents at the school gates, especially in the case of those attending the kindergarten. Sport, healthy eating and focused activity is an important part of attending the Swedish International School and one of the teachers is actually a professional basketball player.

All nationalities are welcome to enrol at the school and currently there is a real mix in the kindergarten but as the emphasis is on the Swedish curriculum, older students may not find this appropriate.

Visit sweintschool.com to find out more about the Swedish International School and parents who think that this may be the ideal option for their child are advised to complete a short online expression of interest.

Urb Costalita 1, Cancelada Estepona, Spain

607 14 83 31 info@sweintschool.comsweintschool.com

Principal Goran Holm

Come join us! The Benalmadena International College

IF you are looking for a great school for your child, look no further than The Benalmadena International College - we are now currently enrolling new students for September 2024 and have some availability for immediate starts.

Why us?

We are one of the most established British owned and managed schools on the Costa del Sol. We have been a delivering high quality British curriculum to young people from all over the world, for almost 30 years. We are truly international and are proud that our students are able to adapt so easily given the high levels of intercultural understanding, acceptance of new students and general welcoming atmosphere. Given our experience and small class sizes, we are used to receiving students with many different starting points and can boast year on year about fantastic results.

Our academic curriculum offer is wide. We follow the English National curriculum which enables our students to access internationally recognised and respected qualifications, with a trouble-free transition between other British and International schools. We are also UK inspected by ISI which conducts inspections of all private schools within the UK, therefore, we operate to the highest possible standards and offering the

highest quality of education to our students.

Equally we also offer accredited Spanish qualifications to enable homologation of UK qualifications within Spain at the end of your child’s studies with us. Whilst our academic offering is extremely important, we are always striving to offer our students the best experiences to enables them to be even more internationally minded and culturally aware. Some of our recent school trips have included our annual year 6 residential in El Chorro, study trips to Amsterdam, London and as far as New York! Looking ahead we have plans to extend our offer further via our Erasmus educational links. Exciting opportunities are certainly ahead for our students!

Our facilities are fantastic and we have always invested heavily in school infrastructure including most recently a new primary building. Why? Because the environment where young people learn is key to ensuring that our students are comfortable in their learning ensuring that they have every opportunity available to them whilst at school.

Our sports programme includes a wide range of activities. We regularly host inter sports competitions with our competitors. Looking ahead we are currently developing a large multipurpose sports complex, including gymnasium, swimming pool, spa and restaurant facilities. We do not stop in our quest to provide the best for our young

people and families! So, if you are looking for a truly pupil centred environment for your child, please look no further than The Benalmadena International College.

Don’t believe us?

Come and see for yourselves and speak to our outstanding students and teachers. You will not fail to be impressed by our fantastic school. Simply drop in or make an appointment.

Nueva Torrequebrada, C. Catamarán, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga 952 561 666 bic-benal.com

CrossFit Elviria

ARE you tired of the same old gym routine? Ready to level up your fitness game and achieve results you never thought possible? Say hello to CrossFit Elviria, your ultimate destination for functional training in Marbella! Located conveniently in the industrial area behind the Repsol petrol station, CrossFit Elviria isn’t just another gym - it’s a community of like-minded individuals committed to becoming the best versions of themselves. How is CrossFit Elviria

unique? We’re not just about building muscles or burning calories.

We’re about building strength, resilience, and confidence that extends far beyond the gym walls. With our focus on postural correction and scalable exercises, our expert coaches will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you get results safely and effectively.

From yoga to calorie-crushing sessions to kids’ classes, there’s something for everyone at CrossFit Elviria. And

here’s the best part: if you’re new to CrossFit, bring a friend and you both pay half price for the month! It’s the perfect opportunity to share the experience and support each other on your fitness journey.

With over 20 years of experience in the field and a team of highly qualified coaches, CrossFit Elviria is your partner in fitness success. Contact us today through our Instagram account or WhatsApp to learn more about our classes and special promotions.

Don’t settle for mediocrity. Join the CrossFit Elviria community and discover what you’re truly capable of! Políg. Ind. Elviria, Naves 38, 29600 Marbella, 667 115 150 crossfitelviria.com

Reach higher, see further, shine brighter: The Shine International Academy Promise

IN the heart of Mijas, a revolution in education is unfolding at Shine International Academy. With a pledge to ‘Reach Higher, See Further, Shine Brighter’, this British International School is setting a new standard

for educational excellence, offering an innovative learning environment distinctly different from traditional schooling methods. At Shine, we believe education is not just about acquiring knowledge but engaging hearts and equipping minds for the challenges of tomorrow. Our approach is rooted in the latest educational thinking, where Project Based Learning and physical movement intertwine to forge not only academically proficient but holistically developed individuals.

What sets us apart? It’s our profound understanding that the conventional classroom setting may not cater to the diverse needs of today’s youth. Hence, we’ve adopted methodologies that ensure our teaching practices are as forward-thinking as our curriculum. Our educators are deeply committed to their professional growth, ensuring that their impact resonates beyond the classroom walls.

In essence, Shine is a community where each student is acknowledged, understood, and valued. Learning here is tailored, making it relevant, challenging, and, importantly,

enjoyable. Education transcends the traditional spaces - it happens in classrooms, gardens, patios, parks, beaches, and even during the simple, everyday moments like the journey to school or dinner conversations at home. Central to our philosophy is the concept of a Growth Mindset. We diligently nurture and practise strategies that strengthen both mind and body. Inclusivity is at our core, welcoming every child into the Shine family, fostering a sense of belonging and contribution to our vibrant, multicultural community.

For parents, Shine offers a unique promise: a collaborative approach to your child’s education, ensuring that as a family, you’re integral to the journey of reaching higher, seeing further, and shining brighter.

We invite you to join us in this educational adventure. Contact Shine International Academy today to schedule your visit and witness firsthand how we’re transforming the future, one child at a time.

Arrabal Sector 41, 5, 29650 Mijas, Málaga 951 744 876 enquiries@si-academy.com si-academy.com