Education has the power to transform the way the world moves forward by guiding the next generation to become better versions of their predecessors and to access limitless future opportunities by overcoming the various obstacles that come their way.
Today, as awareness for education spreads throughout the world, there is an increase in the number of pedagogical facilities accessible for children and parents to opt from.
As a result, one educational institute outweighs the facilities offered by the other. This benefits the
student in general, but it can also lead to a brainstorming session for them on which institute to associate with. This wide range of options to select the best from might lead the pupil to the point of distraction, causing them to lose sight of the main reason for enrolling in an educational institute:
Learning
As at the end of the day, it all boils down to which educational institute provides a path to success as well as exposure to opportunities, allowing students to construct a successful career path for themselves; the latest edition of The Knowledge Review , 'The 5 Best International Schools in Spain, 2022,' highlights the strengths and achievements of the five finest pedagogical institutions in Spain.
These schools facilitate exceptional resources for students to excel in life, with the passion to ignite the ambition of the students at the forefront. These schools are proficient in delivering education to their students along with cutting-edge facilities fostering the all-around growth of their pupils.
Let the goals and objectives of these institutions guide you into the world of hope for the next generation.
Indulge yourself in an insightful read! T R
Anish David
Editor-in-Chief Pooja Bansal Senior Editor Managing Editor Riya Chatterjee
Business Development Executives Business Development Manager
Anish David
Editor Madhu Guleria
Digital Marketing Manager
David King
Shinde
Phill Miller Elena Brown
Olivia Wood
Jacob Smile
Rajeshwari
David, Robert
SME-SMO Executives Assistant Marketing Manager Digital Circulation Manager Research Analyst Tanaji
Yash, Gemson
Eric Smith
sales@insightssuccess.com The Knowledge Review Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-602-1754 Email: info@theknowledgereview.com For Subscription: theknowledgereview.com Copyright © 2022 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. The Knowledge Review is powered by Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. CORPORATE OFFICE www.facebook.com/theknowledgereview/ twitter.com/theknowledgerv Follow us on: We are also available on: Assisting
Barcelona High School
barcelonahighschool.com
Founded in 2020, Barcelona High School (BHS) is ranked as the best international school in Spain. The school is based on an innovative,student-centred learning pedagogy.
International School of Madrid
internationalschool ofmadrid.com
With over 70 nationalities, the International School of Madrid (ICS) has an international community and curriculum that develops open-minded, informed global citizens and leaders of the future.
Málaga Institute of Technology SLLMIT School
colegiomit.com
maxwellschool.es Maxwell School
Thames British School
thamesbritishschool.es
Málaga Institute of Technology SLL - MIT School is the only school in Malaga authorised as bilingual in English in Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary and in the three High School modes. The school combines on its educational project ancient wisdom with modern knowledge.
Maxwell School helps its students tackle the challenges of their learning while offering them emotional, social and cultural growth that will allow them to evolve into responsible and successful adults.
Thames British School prides itself on providing pupils with the highest level of education and a wide range of opportunities for personal development.
“While we are excited and humbled to be listed as the best high school in Spain, our goal has become to be the best international and American school in the world.
International American School for the Global Village
The concept of the world uniting as a global village has become a reality. With the emergence of this concept, pieces fell at the right place at the right time to provide the required acceleration for the world's rapid growth. The rapid development in technology, the emergence of social media and video games that are uniting people across the world, have proved to be significant factors contributing to the overall development and evolution of countries worldwide.
However, what truly holds all the threads together in connecting this global village with the betterment of the world is education . While all aspects of the world are changing, the
core aspects and requirements of education must change as well. With a vision to bring the world together and create a truly global village, international education is the most appropriate choice for innovators and educators helping to unite the world as a global village.
A global village involves uniting different cultures, identities, and education systems, but fitting international curriculum in that context is difficult. However, after observing these difficulties and being determined to solve these problems in the system, Founde r, Akida Mashaka, an American entrepreneur and Harvard graduate, created Barcelona High
School (BHS) . Along with the then American high school teacher, Amanda Slefo , Director and Partner of BHS , the foundation of an incredible international school was laid, to provide the complete development of students to become responsible global citizens.
Originally intended to be a school academy dedicated to student-athletes in Barcelona aiming to obtain athletic scholarships to top-tier universities in the USA, BHS quickly morphed into a micro-school with students from all walks of life. Founded in 2020, Barcelona High School, better known as BHS, is an innovative, one-of-akind, international American school in Barcelona, Spain. BHS is licensed by International American School LLC which provides accredited US curriculum around the world. BHS uniquely utilizes three pedagogical practices:
(1) Flipped Learning,
(2) The Harkness Method, and
(3) STEAM Education, to educate students combined with psychosocial curriculum for emotional confidence.
Akida Mashaka Founder Amanda Slefo Director and PartnerThrough this innovative teaching and learning experience, students are trained to become self-motivated and independent learners throughout their time at BHS and develop an astonishing amount of community along the way.
BHS can proudly call itself a truly international school as no country is majority represented since students truly are from all over the world.
Currently, the countries represented by the school's student body include Australia, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, China, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Portugal, Pakistan, Hungary, Venezuela, Mexico, United States, Canada, Brazil, Tunisia, France, Ireland, Chile, Egypt, Iraq, Germany, Greece, and South and North Korea.
The mission of BHS is based on a promise that it makes for its students. That promise is to help teenagers excel academically, socially and psychologically in an engaging, caring and international environment.
Talking about this promise and the school, Akida Mashaka says, "While we are excited and humbled to be listed as the best high school in Spain, our goal has become to be the best international and American school in the world."
The Dynamic Duo
Akida Mashaka: The Flame that Drives the Growth of BHS
Barcelona High School is the brainchild of Akida Mashaka. Before graduating from Harvard Law School, Akida attended undergraduate university in the USA on a tennis scholarship where he graduated #1 in Psychology in his class. His
background and experiences are a major reason why Akida places mental health as an integral component of BHS.
After moving to Barcelona, Akida recognized problems with both private and public schools in Barcelona, including American schools, IB and British schools, especially in the secondary and high school years. Akida realized that the problem was not only in Spain, but worldwide, and even in his home country, the United States.
Talking about Akida's vision of creating a holistic school, Amanda Slefo says, "Unlike traditional schools that are still the same as when students' parents attended them, Akida created a school concept that focuses on smaller class size across multiple grade levels, in fun, social and
The 5 Best International Schools In Spain, 2022
“
We expect each student to achieve their full potential at BHS while helping them to discover more about their own identity and learning style through interactions with their peers and their academic work.
individualized learning environments with a family-like atmosphere. With innovative digital learning tools, along with career, life, and university advisement, and emotional intelligence skills necessary to be successful in today's world."
Amanda Slefo: The Guiding Lamp of BHS
Talking about his partner, Amanda, and the torchbearer of the school, Akida Mashaka says, "Before joining BHS as a Director, and overseeing educational learning, academic performance, and university placement, and then becoming a Partner, Amanda Slefo, was a distinguished American high school teacher at Evanston Township High School in Chicago."
"As a high school teacher, Amanda received multiple outstanding teacher awards. She has a bachelor's degree in History, Secondary Education Certification, and English Language Learners Certification, and served as Education Director of the Assyrian Cultural Foundation. She has extensive experience with university placement and specializes in creating dynamic learning experiences for students," Akida adds.
Being an international school, BHS has realized that the priorities and goals of each student differ. While students focus on achieving top grades, they also focus on the depth needed to expand their knowledge in areas outside their academic curriculum as well as in emotional intelligence, which simultaneously diversifies both their university applications and future options.
Talking about the learning process and outcome, Akida and Amanda highlight, "We expect each student to achieve their full potential at BHS by helping them to discover more about their own identity and learning style through interactions with their peers and their academic work."
"We also expect students to pursue passion projects that propel them to new levels of engagement with their own interests in the hopes of combining their personal and professional lives in the future. In short, we want them to be happy with themselves, their schoolwork, and their future," Akida and Amanda add.
The concept of international schools was developed and introduced to bridge the gaps in the world as a global village. With that vision in mind, BHS encourages its students to share and discuss their cultural identities and experiences with one another through guided conversations, psychosocial curriculum planning, and school outings.
Talking about this initiative to build a global community in the school, Amanda says, "We believe that through exposure to such a diverse student body, students learn to broaden their mindsets about both each other and the world. For example, at the beginning of the year, we do an activity called 'Ancestor Investigation', which calls for students to have discussions with their family members to unearth the oldest family story they can find, record it and share it with their peers in small groups."
Passionate about the initiative, Amanda adds, "The stories students came back with are astonishing and range from having ancestors who escaped the
Bolshevik revolution to Canada, to grandparents who had both survived the Holocaust but did not know their spouse had survived, to the parent who had escaped North Korea, and many more. These types of stories simply would not be shared in any kind of environment other than a truly international one, and the students walk away from activities like this with a deeper understanding of both themselves and others."
As a part of curricular and extracurricular activities, BHS has started a student club culture to bring unity and engagement and help students develop important life skills. Students are encouraged to join and start clubs that meet during and after school which are tailored to their specific interests. Expounding on the club culture started at the school, Amanda explains, "We have the student-led Polaris Club, which was started by new students to ensure that incoming students feel comfortable, happy and accepted at BHS. Many students elect to participate in a higher level of athletics ranging from playing highly competitive tennis to soccer and water polo players who compete with traveling clubs."
"We also meet personally with each student to better understand where their interests lie and see if we can find something in the city that aligns with it. For instance, students take guitar, dance, Spanish and other classes after school with each other," Amanda adds.
“ We have the student-led Polaris Club which was started by new students to ensure that incoming students felt comfortable, happy and accepted at BHS.
BHS has combined three modern means of education—Flipped learning, The Harkness method, and STEAM education—to provide innovative and relevant education for students.
Talking about this unique learning pedagogy combination of the school, Akida says, "Flipped learning calls for students to engage with content before it is taught to them. This in combination with the Harkness method, a radically student-centered approach, which creates pragmatic problem solvers. STEAM - which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - is implemented at BHS to truly create a well-rounded emerging learner."
One way to build a high school student's transcript is to incorporate Advanced Placement (AP) courses which are extremely rigorous and available at BHS. Amanda guides students in every step of the way to consider their postsecondary plans, from researching possible careers, countries and universities, to the actual university application process.
Asserting the preparation process, Akida and Amanda say, "We really want students to understand what their strengths are and how to use those strengths to create a future that is meaningful to them. Various initiatives that cater to these strengths include a partnership with a leading coding platform so students can learn various coding languages such as JavaScript and Python. Students who complete this program receive an accredited certificate as well as receive course credit on their transcripts."
Other initiatives BHS has launched include Movement Therapy courses which help students become reflective and engage with themselves internally, and introducing students to concepts such as the Alexander technique to learn how to reduce stress from their bodies. BHS is also launching an NFT minting project alongside creative art courses, as well as exposing students to cryptocurrencies and Blockchain. The next frontier for BHS is to create future entrepreneurs who will unite the world as a global village.
BHS plans on expanding while still keeping a familial atmosphere at the school. Akida and Amanda say, "The goal
“I've been attending BHS for two years now, and I've never felt more comfortable in my life. Assignments are fun and challenging, and electives are endless, so I chose graphic design because I'm majoring in it next year since I'm graduating this year. Barcelona High School changed my perspectives on schools because I was always very anxious at the schools, but everyone here feels like family, and it's my home away from home, and I never really expected to say that about an educational school system. I've felt more creative ever since I started attending BHS. I also felt very loved and understood when I needed to be. Thank you, Akida and Amanda, for creating a healthy, safe space for everyone to learn, to be safe, comfortable and enjoy school!
- Nancy Hamza, Studentis for students to know they have a home here with us and to see us as an added level of support outside of their homes."
Advising the future educators entering the education sector, Amanda says, "Really study the whole child. 'Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by the ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid'. Psychosocial curriculum planning matters. Soft skills matter. These things give students agency and the confidence to go out into the world and pursue interests that matter to them."
This school taught me to collaborate, respect others, not judge and most importantly, to be there for other people. Also, the way of learning taught me to be more responsible for myself and to always look at things from multiple perspectives. This place feels like a second home.
- Anas Snobar, StudentI attended BHS for my last year of high school. From day one, I knew I had made a good choice. At BHS, I feel safe, heard and supported. Students are kind and accepting, and there is a sense of collaboration and support in the group. The school holds a powerful community, adaptable to different learning styles and needs. I am forever grateful to the teachers, Amanda and Ciarán, who really listen to the students and provide amazing guidance and care. As well as feeling safe, I feel challenged to grow and question my beliefs through numerous group activities and discussions. Thank you, Amanda, Ciarán and Akida; it is a pleasure to be at BHS!
Choosing the right school for yourself plays a big role in your development and growth. Having been to multiple different schools in my lifetime, ending my academic year with BHS as a 12th grader is the best decision I've made so far. All schools promise a supportive environment and a place for you to build your character and excel academically, but not one of the seven schools I've been to lived up to their expectations. I have so much support from my teachers and the principal himself. BHS truly and genuinely cares about you and makes sure you live up to your potential. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I'm presented with. You're not just another addition but rather a valued member of the team. I encourage you to take on this experience with BHS and see how far it could take.
- Celyn Dia, StudentAkida and Amanda and the rest of the staff worked elbow to elbow with my daughter, and it's been her best school experience so far. Like a family and high-quality education!
- Vero Parellada Eller, Parent - Tahlia Wenban, Student
pain offers numerous options to S study for students from all walks of life. The Spanish culture and the educational system create favorable conditions for pursuing a good education. Along with all the specialities of the Spanish education system, the availability of international schools can be considered one of the significant ones.
The amalgamation of rich Spanish culture and the international school system can collaboratively work to
create students capable of excelling on a global level.
International schools undeniably offer many educational advantages in Spain. Along with the international curriculum, the cross-cultural environment offered by international schools can make the students ready to sustain themselves on the global level. It allows students to get familiar with students and faculties from different backgrounds.
Since international schools are aimed at a wider audience, it is likely to have higher competition. This competitive environment brings positive changes by pushing students to perform better.
International schools do not just have advanced curricula, but they also offer chances for better involvement in extra-curricular activities. It keeps the students engaged and helps them to nurture their hobbies.
The education system in international schools is offered to match foreign education. In the time of globalization, this is an important aspect. Generally, the education system can be based on British, American and other systems, but it is also likely to have an education system which is a combination of these all. These combined courses are better suited to the global market.
International schools provide extraordinary opportunities for the development of language skills because classes are held in a foreign language, typically English. Additionally, these schools provide a wide variety of additional language classes: German, French and Japanese.
Language proficiency gives a significant advantage in a professional career. Students from international schools are expected to have better employment opportunities anywhere in the world.
Spanish education is required in all international schools, public and private. Foreigners can use this opportunity to improve their communication skills, learn more about Spanish culture, and adjust to society.
It also ensures that children from the locality who attend the international class or school will not fall behind in learning their native language, as well as local geography and history. It indicates that international schools keep on providing Spanish knowledge along with teaching the curriculum developed from international standards.
Assessments on a regular basis are essential to track the progress of the students. Not only do international schools use foreign curricula, but they also use assessment methods from other countries. They are frequently more motivating for children and adolescents than the traditional grade system. It allows these schools to guide students to perform better since the assessments give a clear idea about the progress of students.
The multicultural atmosphere of an international school is one of the greatest benefits. Students learn about different cultures. Because of this, they learn how to work together with people whose characteristics, practices, and cultural norms are different from their own.
Additionally, they acquire tolerance, mutual respect, empathy, and a comprehension of the behaviors, motivations, aspirations, and values of others. Ideal citizens of the world are shaped in this way, and they will easily feel at home anywhere.
Teachers can give each child individual attention because the student-toteacher ratio in international schools is marginally better. This aids in the process of instilling the concepts of
each subject in each student in accordance with their own learning capacity.
Students who spend more quality time interacting with their teachers are more likely to develop confidence, acquire solid fundamentals, and go beyond their textbook knowledge.
Degrees and other certifications from international schools are highly valued everywhere in the world since these students obtain high-level knowledge. Along with the high level of knowledge, these students also get a chance to develop their personalities through extracurricular activities. Knowledge of international languages can also be a key here. All these specifications open global doors for them.
When one examines the list of benefits and drawbacks associated with attending international schools, it is abundantly clear that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. Students in Spain have a significant advantage in the job market thanks to high education levels, international standards, and a culturally diverse environment.
Curriculums that focus on a student's overall development, not just their knowledge and academic skills but also their personality and soft skills, help to educate mature, responsible citizens. In today's world, where the ability to work together, develop communication skills, and gain practical knowledge are highly valued, graduates of these schools find success quickly.
Iwas teaching science with a class of 5- and 6-year-olds last week. The children had just visited the local natural history museum and were learning about the classification and grouping of living things. The lesson was about birds, and the question I wanted the children to be able to answer was, 'What makes a bird a bird?'
I began by asking the children if they knew what birds were. Some did, some thought they did, and some didn't. One boy said, 'A sheep is a bird,' and another agreed. I asked why and others joined in and told me that there were lots of animals and birds living in the world and named a few animals, sheep (again), birds, cows and others. Some of the children disagreed and named some birds, such as eagles and parrots, but none could tell me why a sheep wasn't a bird.
This became the starting point of the lesson and allowed me to explain some of the common features of birds and that there were many types of birds. I gave some examples, showed some photos, played some video clips, and then we all looked out the window to see birds flying past or perching on branches.
I explained six things common to all birds. Features, beak/bill, laying eggs,
wings (not all birds fly), two legs, hollow bones. I asked the children to explain these features to their partners and to me, 'These are some of the things which make a bird a bird.'
I then showed the children a picture of a sheep. Explained how it gave birth to its young ones and was covered in fur/wool and asked the children to explain to partners again and me, 'Why is a sheep not a bird?' and they could all do it. They could explain why a sheep isn't a bird, why people aren't birds, why cars aren't birds, and why tables aren't birds, but why swans, pigeons and sparrows are. Chickens had to be clarified as several children didn't realise the food they eat comes from the bird, even though it has the same name.
The entire lesson was based on interactions between the teacher and pupils. Questioning to establish understanding and misconceptions. Explanation to support learning and understanding. Assessment to establish if the class, and individual students in the class, understand and can explain and apply their knowledge. Everyone could.
It is quick and easy to do this. A show of hands isn't enough. 'Who knows what a bird is? Hands up!' doesn't tell a teacher anything. When a teacher can
establish where the students are in terms of understanding simply by asking, asking students to tell a partner and giving feedback to the class, the focus of teaching and learning can be crystal clear.
A teacher who frequently interacts with students can model their thinking, their choices of words and phrases, and their 'live' explanations in real time, adapting, expanding and deviating as required. Students also have regular opportunities to explain their understanding, turning thoughts and ideas into words for an audience which is able to react, confirm, challenge, and correct. When students are explaining what they know and think, teachers can respond immediately and guide them towards a strong understanding of any concept or content.
I hadn't intended to teach the lesson about birds using sheep. It was the students who took me to that point. It allowed me to build on background knowledge and misconceptions and also to assess their understanding as we moved forward together. Next time I teach this lesson, I will start with questions: 'Is a Sheep a Bird? How do we know? Why? Why Not?'
A lot of the value and significance of student-teacher interaction can be explored through the work of Lev
Vygotsky. Vygotsky's theoretical framework concludes that social interaction plays a critical part in the development of cognition Vygotsky believed everything is learned on two levels. Through interaction with others and then integrated into the individual's understanding. Learning comes from interaction with others. Explanation, clarification, correction. Teachers who value interaction don't simply tell students what they need to know. They listen, adapt and constantly invite students to share their own understanding. Do they have the language they need to compose the sentences required to convey meaning and clarity to someone else?
Vygotsky also has written much on 'The Zone of Proximal Development,' a space which exists between not knowing something and understanding it deeply. Teacher-student interactions are vital and enable teachers to know where to go next when to take some steps, when to re-teach something or when to move more quickly.
Without interaction, I could have simply taught my lesson about birds and told the students what they needed to know. Would some students have still thought a sheep was a bird? Possibly. Would some students have realised that chickens were birds? Perhaps.
It's quick and easy to interact with students throughout any lesson. Asking questions and listening to answers can provide constant feedback to all teachers and mean that any lesson becomes a unique experience and a shared journey towards learning for students and staff alike.
Chris Williams has been teaching for 25 years in primary and special education and now works with school leaders, teachers and students at schools all over the world, focusing on removing barriers to learning, language and explanation skills and teaching through interactions. He is the founder of Chatta, a teaching approach based on image and spoken language. Chatta has been voted into the world's most impactful education innovations for three successive years by Helsinki-based education influencers and innovation-seekers, Hundred.
At the end of the lesson, I asked one of the students who thought sheep were birds why they weren't . 'Well, for a start, sheep have four legs, so they can't possibly be birds,' he said as other students began to join in with other reasons.
Student-teacher interaction can be the very essence of teaching and learning itself. Simple questions can elicit the most powerful responses and act as a golden thread through any successful lesson. 'What do you think? Why? How do you know? What else do you know about this? What don't you know? What aren't you sure about? What questions do you have?'
There is nothing more powerful!
Chris WilliamsEvery parent's dream is to build
a strong education foundation, which will help their children become more creative and innovative with the transforming developments of the world.
Having said that, to provide strong excellence in the early ages of the children, parents seek such schools where their children get a structured pedagogical curriculum which assists a successive career in their future.
Along with a structured curriculum, everyone wants their children to learn fundamental values like Respect, Loyalty, and Friendship for being responsible citizens of the country and the world. While saying so, the children don't learn all these values at their college; they learn all these fundamental values during school.
The school shape the children into better and successive human being. Moreover, integrating the fundamental values and structured curriculum helps the children get their desired future path. While imbibing excellence, the schools adopt a British curriculum in their schools.
Furthermore, when anyone apprehends about British curricula, they begin reminiscing the British empire with its long list of honours, triumphs and inventions.
Apart from it, the British empire is also widely known for its education system.
The country has been providing one of the world's best educations for centuries that helps the pupils learn the mixture of tradition and innovation that makes the students culturally diverse.
Catering to the comprehensive and innovative curriculum, the International School of Madrid (ISM) , located in the heart of Spain's capital, Madrid, has followed the British curriculum from the early years foundation stage.
The school's 80 percent syllabus emphasizes the British curriculum as it helps the pupils to get global platforms all over the world. And 20 percent of the syllabus focus on Spanish languages, literature, and culture, which prepare students for their future pedagogies.
In the quest for 'The 5 Best International Schools in Spain, 2022' , we catered the International School of Madrid (ISM). We interviewed the Head Teacher , Mr Richard Cook , where he shared the school's inception journey and its future endeavours.
To get detailed information about the institute, dive down.
The Blooming Seed International School of Madrid (ISM) is a British school located in the centre of Madrid, the capital of Spain, and was founded in 1971. From the Early Years Foundation Stage at age two to
the Sixth Form at age 18, where students study for A-levels, the school adhere to the complete British curriculum (equivalent to a Spanish Bachillerato, a French Baccalaureate or st the 1year of university undergraduate in the US).
Although the school's students enrol in universities all over the world, including the United Kingdom and the United States, about 20 percent of the curriculum is dedicated to the Spanish language, literature, and culture so that those students who wish to stay in Spain are well prepared for the future. This is in addition to the British curriculum.
th
The institution celebrated its 50anniversary last year. With almost 800 pupils, the school has maintained its family atmosphere; it has expanded from a small school to one of Madrid's first international institutions while producing exceptional academic outcomes.
When we ask Mr Cook about the vision and mission of the institute, he says, "Our mission is to prepare our students to be engaged citizens who can thrive in any city or country in which they might live in the future. We educate children of many races, beliefs and languages, so they may live in peace and harmony, appreciating and understanding each other's backgrounds and cultures. Currently, we have students from over 35 different
nationalities within the school, which allows us all to learn from one another."
Sliding down further, he states, "We believe in practical, hands-on learning that prepares pupils for the real world. Our theme is not 'I teach; you learn' as much as ' We are all here to learn from each other.' The school's motto is ' Respect, Loyalty and Friendship,' which includes the importance of good manners and correct social behaviour, as well as positive discipline, in which we teach children to figure out the benefits of this discipline for themselves. We also encourage selfexpression, along with individual skills and talents, as well as outstanding academic achievement, our pupils excel in sports and the arts."
Richard Cook is currently in his 18th year at the ISM; before that, he spent several years as a primary school teacher in London and as part of a UK government programme to increase
academic attainment through artsrelated activities.
Until 2014, he worked as Deputy to ISM's founder, Anne Mazón, where he quickly learned the importance of knowing every child individually – by their names, skills and interests, strengths and areas for development.
He gained the ability to be a 'hands-on head,' to be an active participant in all facets of school life and to understand the immense power of forgiveness and patience. Richard is not just the current head teacher but also the Executive Secretary of NABSS and a seasoned inspector of British schools (National Association of British Schools in Spain). He plays a crucial role in defending and advancing British education in Spain because he is an executive committee member.
Technology plays an essential role in school life. The school has three computer suites, interactive screens, and computers. The school has started implementing a 1:1 device programme in 2021, ensuring that every student in grades 3 to 9 can access a tablet or computer for research.
Every student has a Google Classroom account, and the school has
subscriptions to many educational websites, such as Pearson's Active Learn and Oxford's Oxford Owl.
While mentioning the advancements, Mr Cook mentions the global exposure for the students, asserting that he postulates, "Over 35 nationalities are represented at our school, and we regularly learn about these countries and their cultures. Many of our students choose to spend one term or one year of their school life temporarily in another country, such as France or England. Career events expose pupils to universities from around the world and around 20 percent of our students each year go on to study in universities outside of Spain or the UK."
While envisioning the future, Dr Cook notes, "The school will always be a family school. Our values will never change. However, we will keep enhancing our facilities, increasing our use of technology and adapting our curriculum to ensure that it meets the st needs of 21-century learners and citizens of the future."
“
We educate children of many races, beliefs and languages so that they may live in peace and harmony, appreciating and understanding each other's backgrounds and cultures.
Small changes can make a big difference
Along the developmental progression, the evolutionary timeline has been generating the need for humans to adapt to change throughout their life. These basic needs are essential in the growth and development of the human race and have made various efforts and implied essential measures for ensuring a better future.
This ideated future-centric mindset and the correct measures to promise better development have proved that the human mind is not only extremely capable but also intelligent for the socio-economic development of society.
Such a mindset has been the key aspect of global advancement in the education niche. These essential changes, followed by an optimistic attitude, have been possible with the introduction of education around the globe.
Education is an important part of contemporary society that has been playing a vital role in the advancements of human civilisation. Parallelly, inclusive leadership in the space of education is uplifting society with Málaga Institute of Technology SLL – MIT School
Under the light of its Principal, Javier Díaz Cabrera , the institution has been aiming to provide better education to the students.
In the following story, we will walk through the achievements of MIT and learn about the ways it provides better education.
The world has been shifting towards advancement, and in the process, MIT leaves no stone unturned. Travelling has been the prime factor in the developmental changes that have been introduced to the world. While travelling, humans have learned and adapted the traditions and methods of various countries that have been grabbing the global spotlight. And the most important thing that humans have learnt from each other is language.
As known worldwide, the acquired knowledge of the regional language of any country is essential in the modern era. This has given rise to the inclusion of different languages in the school curriculum.
To ensure that the students have proper knowledge of different languages, MIT has based its curriculum on 'bilingualism' . Moreover, it is the first and only school in Europe (maybe in the world) to include Chinese Mandarin in its syllabus back in 2010.
MIT offers total bilingualism for 3-5 years old students, gives priority to the proper learning of these students, and has made it mandatory for the use of English as the main language at school for students between the age group of 6 to 15. All subjects except Spanish are in the English language. Along with English, the institution also teaches German language from 3rd of Primary onwards.
Sounds astonishing, right? But this is just the start.
Javier quotes , "Apart from the educational part, MIT also offers Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Holograms, Technology and Programming, Robotics, Aikido, Horse Riding, Chinese and Yoga/Taichi in its compulsory curriculum."
"Students will also have the opportunity to get the official Cambridge / Hanban certificates for English and Chinese, and the Dual Diploma (US High School certificate)," he further adds.
The primary focus of every institution must be the education of its children. It provides a chance for students to be literate, move ahead in their careers,
and safeguard a good life. Various institutes come up with different strategies to focus on this goal and ensure proper learning and a better future for the students.
Moreover, as globalization is spreading its wings worldwide, learning about different cultures worldwide has been an essential part of education these days. Aligning its vision with the aforementioned objective, MIT has become the exchange point of teaching and learning methods, using the latest technologies like wireless networks, remote tutoring, digital interactive whiteboards, etc.
Highlighting the institute's mission, Javier says, "MIT is on a mission to get the best results from each student. The institute offers determined programs based on languages, emotional intelligence, sports/ activities and new technologies. This provides an opportunity for the students to obtain maximum results in the different disciplines."
Vision:
MIT has been a prestigious institute for a long time. It has always retained its reputation by enhancing its skills and programs with time. The institute has always looked up to the betterment of its students and their future.
Pressing extra emphasis on MIT's vision, Javier highlights , "We were working with an intensive exchange program for students in 2019, before the COVID entered Spain and
Happy students will become happy people; consequently, happy people with outstanding language levels will be prepared for any challenge that they may find in the future.
Europe, sending our students to China and programming new exchanges with Germany and the UK. This will come back soon to our project and plans for the future. We will also open and establish the first Spanish school in China and increase the number of places with remodelling works at the current school."
Every institute requires a leader that can devise the best strategies for the advancement, development and growth of the institute and its students. MIT has one such leader, Javier Díaz Cabrera, who is taking the institute and its students towards a holistic arc of development.
Intertwining the institute's objective with his personal goals, Javier says, "Our mission is to see beyond what is happening right now. We must prepare students for a reality that they will find 15 years later to say the least."
MIT is an institute that mainly aims to provide students with the pleasure of learning and make them capable enough to reach their full potential and forge their way towards a happy life.
With its primal focus on academic learning, MIT is also focused on being an institute that teaches its students about life. The school wants to be remembered for its way of handling
things to ensure that the students can deal with any obstacles in their personal and professional lives successfully.
MIT prepares its students to face reallife challenges to attain true success and lead a life full of happiness.
We asked Javier about this unique perspective of the school, to which he said, "Happy students will become happy people; consequently, happy people with outstanding language levels will be prepared for any challenge that they may find in the future."
Enhancement of International Students through e-Learning Globalization has brought the world closer. Also, it has removed the global barrier that was once created by distance.
Moreover, in contemporary times, people want their children to be educated and civilised with respect to st the norms of 21-century. Students travel to various countries to complete their education and gain the knowledge required to carve their way towards a good life.
Travelling is not always possible for students with various circumstances that pose to be barriers. In such times, online education is the perfect solution considering the context of international
students; e-Learning provides a perfect opportunity to learn without travelling anywhere.
One such circumstance has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon enquiring Javier about the school's response in dealing with the pandemic situation, he puts, "We are offering face-to-face classes nowadays, but in March 2020, we were the first and only Spanish school and high school in the province offering a full online schedule to all the students, respecting the same timetable as before the lockdown, including subjects as PE, Yoga, Aikido, Music, etc, subjects that other schools decided not to impart."
The institute also includes the secondary school and dual diploma program that allows the students to complete two qualifications at the same time.
The world has well recognised the need for education in the modern era, but there are other elements apart from conventional education whose need has been recognised recently. These elements are extra-curricular and cocurricular activities, and the list may go on!
Globally, people from all over the world know the importance of these curricular activities. As a school, MIT
understands this and allows its students to participate in different activities to enhance their physical and mental strengths.
The school offers more than 30 different options for all grades. These options include Horse Riding, Abacus, Ballet, Aikido, Language support, Paddle tennis, Robotics and even Car Driving lessons for high school students.
"We assume this comprehensive program that will work from October to May and from Mondays to Fridays will be available again for the next academic year," mentions Javier.
'Everything is possible' has been the uproar of the global community. Following this, humans have developed several skills that have helped them achieve many goals, along with a multicultural approach that has become the need of the hour. This has also led students to choose to learn in other countries.
Stating about the initiatives launched by the institute to provide global exposure, Javier expresses, "We are the only Spanish school in Andalusia with more than 40 percent of the total
number of students not being Spanish speakers and coming from more than 25 different nationalities, all of them following a very specific successful Spanish support program that will allow them to get the best results at the same time they are achieving their respective grades successfully."
Adding further, MIT has opened its gates to students from all over the world. The institute provides them with better education according to the student's needs. And students from many countries have been happily studying at the institute and aspire to enrol in the coming years.
As the future of any student does not depend on education alone, one needs to learn about leading a good and meaningful life. A healthy body and mind are the ultimate gift for any student in every stage of life. Also, knowledge of new technologies and gadgets is important to compete in the modern technological world. Javier notes, "The use of new technologies for learning purposes, extra sports activities, horse riding and top languages levels are available for our students that makes a big difference with the rest of the Spanish schools."
We must prepare students for a reality that they will find 15 years later.
MIT aims to help their students not only with their education but also with the way of life they will live after completing their studies.
MIT has been active in every aspect of society. It has the vision to provide every opportunity to each of its students and never fails in its accomplishment. The students from this institute have participated in many competitions and have won with flying colours.
Similarly, MIT has also won several awards for its services and skills. Some of these achievements are:
Ÿ Gold Work Medal 2018, One of the 50 best Business Companies in Spain 2019
Ÿ One of the two best Bilingual schools in Spain 2019
Ÿ Best School in Spain 2019
Ÿ Best School in Andalusia 2020
Ÿ Certificate of Excellence in Business Management 2021
Ÿ First Prize on Digitalization in Spain 2021
Ÿ First European Prize in Innovation and Technology 2022.
Along with providing high-
quality education, it is equally important to provide ethical values to the students. In society and in their professional lives, students will have to interact with people from all walks of life. The values of inclusion learnt in the schools can be the key to this aspect. Getting familiar with diverse people from an early age makes it easier in the future for students to indulge and accommodate people from various walks of life.
It is the right of every child to study in a discrimination-free environment, and international schools try to preserve that with innovative practices and policies.
International schools, more than traditional schools, are expected to have diversity. It includes students and teachers. The aspect of inclusion is highly prioritized at international schools and to help specially-abled students. It is usually done through collaborative learning.
The belief that every child can learn and reach their full potential if they are given equal opportunities to participate in school, are supported with the resources they need, and are taught in a way that meets their needs, becomes the foundation of inclusion in education.
Although inclusive learning is applicable everywhere, it becomes more relevant in the international school environment.
A system of education in which students from different backgrounds learn together is called integrated education. It is an inclusive procedure that emphasizes equality and inclusion. Everyone comes together for a more meaningful experience, including students with special abilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Children are instilled with a sense of belonging and respect from a young age, which will help them become better people in the future. This practice encourages community education. To make it possible, it is essential to make education more engaging, and the use of new technologies can be an ideal solution to this.
Over the years, e-Learning has been helpful in educating children, especially in the last few years when the pandemic prevented them from attending school. The system is flexible
and effective. Today, several audiovideo tools are available to teachers to keep students engaged even when they are learning from home.
Digital education has also helped students gain technological skills, which have become crucial in the current times.
Implementing an integrated school management system is the ideal way to construct an inclusive school system. In order to provide the ideal learning environment for all of its students, regardless of their backgrounds or other factors, every educational establishment ought to take this step. International schools have prioritized this since there is usually more diversity than in traditional schools.
Students with mild to moderate needs typically receive special education services at international schools. The majority of international schools divide students with special needs into categories like mild needs, moderate needs and intensive needs. Some students are expected to face mid-level difficulties while learning, and it is important to take special care of them. It is important not to let them feel that they are being left out.
In mainstream education practices, students with special needs are kept in the same class as regular students. Mainstreaming is slightly different from normal inclusive learning practices. In mainstreaming, the students are not completely part of the regular classrooms. They will need extra care in some subjects, and in other subjects, they may study with regular students. It is important for regular students to be supportive of
students with special needs. It also benefits the regular students by allowing them to interact with special needs students. The entire classroom becomes more sensitive. Sometimes, students with mild special needs adjust to the regular classroom environment, and thus, they can be regular students too.
According to research, educating special needs students alongside regular students fosters an environment of acceptance and tolerance that better equips students of all abilities to operate in the world outside of the classroom. Participating in an inclusive physical education program for regular students results in improvements in self-concept, tolerance, self-worth, and an improved understanding of other people. These students can be ideal civilians in the future, and they will help in creating an inclusive environment in society.
Students with special needs will have better social skills with mainstreaming. With mainstreaming, they will be in regular contact with the regular students. This interaction will give them higher self-esteem. Mainstreaming will also push them to perform better, and they can be more successful academically.
International schools, with a diverse environment, are expected to make extra efforts to include all the students in the learning process. Along with special needs students, there can be other students from different backgrounds and specifications. These people may also find it difficult to interact with others with a lack of social skills and low self-esteem. International schools can make them feel comfortable with the inclusion practices.
One of the challenges many international students face when they prepare for admission into UK universities is struggling to write a personal statement.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a crucial part of the application process for admission into UK universities written by the applicant (student). It's the only part where students have full control with the opportunity to talk about their unique individuality, demonstrate their talents, passion, ambitions, skills, experience, and why they want to study the university course degree, they plan to apply for.
How to write a personal statement?
There is no right formula for how to write a personal statement. Redraft your statement until you're happy with it. However, it can be a key factor to complement your application and your chance to demonstrate what makes you unique and something memorable about yourself to the university admission team, which would give them a reason to want to meet you in person and offer you a place.
What should your personal statement include?
Since a personal statement is meant to identify your uniqueness, never try to copy the other personal statements
from the internet. There are plenty of resources online, which you can read for inspiration, but you should never at no cost copy and paste.
What is the typical format?
A personal statement can be up to 4,000 characters long (equivalent to 47 lines) and no less than 1000 characters. Choose your words carefully, and avoid complicated fancy words to sound smart; simplicity is the key. Try to avoid italics, bold, underlining, fancy fonts, or adding hyperlinks. Make sure you check the grammar, spelling and punctuation carefully.
Why are you applying?
Your reasons for choosing the course and explanation of why you particularly want to study in the UK.
Why does the chosen subject interest you?
Include evidence that you understand what's required to study the course.
What makes you suitable?
You can indicate any particular skills and experience that will help you to succeed in the course. A brief of how you have already gained knowledge of the subject you wish to study. Any work or activity that relates directly to the subject you wish to study, including interests, hobbies, and voluntary work. What do you enjoy most about your current or previous
studies? Future career plans (how you will use your qualification after you finish the course).
Here are a few questions you may like to reflect on that may help you when drafting your personal statement –
Ÿ Why have you chosen this course?
Ÿ What excites you about the subject?
Ÿ Is my previous or current study relevant to the course?
Ÿ Have you got any work experience relevant to the course that might help you?
Ÿ What life experiences have you had that you could talk about?
Ÿ What achievements are you proud of?
Ÿ What skills do you have that make you perfect for the course?
Ÿ What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?
Remember you have to write it to cover all the courses you're applying for, so avoid mentioning a university or college by name and ideally choose similar subjects. If you're planning to apply for varied degree courses, then write about common themes - like problem-solving or creativity. Check what skills and qualities the university(s) you are applying to are seeking, that you may have and you can emphasize.
She spent over 18 years working as a UK Higher Education consultant and admission expert, where she is a member of many professional educational organizations.
Having dealt with hundreds of students and parents since 2005, and seeing how many struggles with making vital decisions when it comes to educational choices and knowing what would be the best option for them, she understands the questions and concerns many families face during this puzzling but exciting time in the student's educational journey.
She has successfully guided numerous families and students through the decision and admission process with simplified steps, her first-hand knowledge of the admission world and unique approach helps families and students to identify the best match, with valuable solutions to various problems and concerns faced during their journey.
She is involved in social and government projects and holds various webinar awareness and conference talks to the community on university admission planning and preparation. Her mission was to enable students and families to make informed decisions for their educational path.
