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SUR IN ENGLISH March 2020
EDUCATION
&LEARNING
Round table. Experts Schoolwork Outside the
discuss the changes and showcase. Students’ classroom. Charity
challenges that lie ahead artwork, poems and events and other school
in education P11 short stories P2-8 projects P14-18
Inspiration for
the future
International schools on the Costa del Sol,
shaping a new generation
2 EDUCATION & LEARNING March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
PARTICIPATION
This year’s poems
The challenge had to contain the
words ‘memory’ and
‘window’ while the
of filling the theme of the stories
was the environment
empty page ers who had to be rejected, due
to our only three rule, all man-
aged to fill their pages and can-
vases with something that has the
Students at the Costa del Sol’s potential of being enjoyed, not
just by their parents and teach-
international schools demonstrate their ers, but also by the thousands of
readers of SUR in English.
creativity, skill and imagination in this This year, more precise guide-
year’s Education and Learning lines were introduced: the poems
had to contain the words ‘mem-
Schoolwork Showcase ory’ and ‘window’ and the short
stories were given an environ-
RACHEL HAYNES
mental theme.
As usual the judges - art critic
Georgina Oliver, former editor Liz
S
itting in front of an empty cal newspaper, printed 50,000 Parry and columnist and song-
page or a blank canvas can times and end up in the hands of writer Peter Edgerton - had a
be terrifying. You’ve been thousands more. The pressure is tough, but enjoyable, job picking
told you have to write a poem, a on. out their favourite short stories,
story or an essay, or draw or paint That’s why the schoolwork poems and pieces of artwork, and
something to hold up for all to ad- competition organised every year stressed the quality of the work
mire, or criticise. The words don’t for this Education and Learning submitted.
always come, your teacher has supplement is so gratifying. The Only a selection could be pub-
given you a deadline. What’s students whose work is selected lished in these pages, but more
more, there’s a chance that your to be sent in to us by their teach- will be posted in the Education
work could be published in a lo- ers, and presumably many oth- section of surinenglish.com
BEST SECONDARY ARTWORK
Rebirth
Lisa Xiao, Age 17
Aloha College
Art critic Georgina Oliver was in-
trigued by this oil painting.
She commented: “It manages to
look light, even though there’s a lot
going on, which is not easy consid-
ering it’s an oil painting; it shows us
into an imaginary world. It’s called
Rebirth, but it could be about crea-
tive rebirth, or the rebirth of paint-
ing as such... There appears to be a
cathedral in the background...
Malaga’s, or Nôtre-Dame..? The vis-
ual language is almost organic. I
think that’s very interesting; visual
tools that a painter might include in
a figurative painting are recycled
into a more surreal image, and the
onlooker is integrated into the sub-
ject matter. We are watching people
looking at what could be an art fair,
or a motor show – with vehicles of
the future; it’s about the world now,
the world tomorrow and the things
that inspired us in the past.”
March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
EDUCATION & LEARNING 3
SCHOOLWORK SHOWCASE
BEST PRIMARY ARTWORK BEST SECONDARY STORY
Silent Nature
Cautiously, the leafy fingers crept up around the steel skele-
tons. Luscious leaves interweaving with vines-culminating in
a dazzling array of green hues and tinges.
Victoriously, flowers rise high above the disused factories
and warehouses, which now lay sunken, broken and defeated
against the skyline. Melancholy seems to seep from the bro-
ken shells of buildings into the earth, feeding the wild and un-
predictable vegetation.
Ominously, no one comes, as steel-edged clouds begin to
gather. Poisonous rain begins to fall, the arrogance of man
captured in water.
Man thought they would harvest, control, own nature. They
thought nature would be vanquished, they thought that pesti-
cides would control the insects, that fences would control the
livestock, that houses would keep them safe.
Nature did not cry out as chemicals poured into her rivers
and oceans, nature did not scream as man cut down her chil-
dren, the trees. Nature did not wail when man burrowed un-
derneath her skin, polluting her for gold, diamonds and coal.
The rain stops. Water falling through empty buildings, ech-
oes like the voice of forgotten workers. The breeze causes
rusted machinery to creak and groan. Many years ago nature
watched silently as the bombs fell.
Summer Eva Lucia Kielstra Ortega, Age 13
Erik Shpektor, Age 9 Laude San Pedro International College
Kids Club El Campanario
Liz Parry stressed the “great use of metaphor” in this story and particu-
Georgina Oliver highlighted how “intense” this painting is. “It looks like the childhood memory of someone older. larly liked the description of the poisonous rain. “Silent Nature is a neat
You can hear the sound of the insects, and smell the wild grass. It’s almost pantheistic... The car is larger than life – personification of Nature’s suffering. Nature is victorious but building is
like a person who mattered a lot to somebody, often remembered... The colours are extremely vivid, and the image defeated. Everything manmade is going but Nature continues.”
fills the whole space.”
4 EDUCATION & LEARNING March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
SCHOOLWORK SHOWCASE
RUNNER-UP PRIMARY ARTWORK BEST SECONDARY POEM
Fleabag the Dog Coming Home The misted windows watch in awe,
then blink their curtains closed
Javier Olcina Morente,
I hit my head on the dusty frame as beams of pine
Age 5
A gorgeous, maple dome. compress my spine;
Swans Primary School I stood there swaying, no mercy this house shows.
Georgina Oliver said: “This silent praying,
is filled with rhythm. You before my childhood home. Curled tight inside the wooden jaws
can feel the child enjoying my vision blurs to black.
doing it - sense his move- Heavy steps against the floor, Through cries of rage
ments as he does it. It’s an ancient silence burns. that shake my cage
lively and appealing. The The stirring chairs there comes a vivid crack.
dog comes to life. You can shoot fiery glares,
feel the presence of the
unwanted guest returns.
child.”
Clean through the roof, my body bursts
Across the room, the mantelpiece, a thunderous, piercing roar.
devoid of youthful flame, Sunlight reflects
steals my view off shattered specs
and draws me to as splintered showers soar
a broken picture frame.
But left in wrecked ruins stands
The walls draw closer, air gets thin the lonely mantlepiece.
my fingers touch its edge. I free a cry
The perfect smile and lift my thigh
of mother and child to bring my heel down on the beast.
hide bloodstains on the ledge.
Ceiling pressed against my head
my ankles brush the drawers. Jessica Newton, Age 17
BEST PRIMARY STORY As memories flood Swans International School
and freeze my blood,
I’m forced down on all fours. Songwriter Peter Edgerton had this to
say about this “quite excellent” poem:
The Warming loved it. Jumping from branch to branch.
This was truly an adventure. “Race you to Towards the staircase, crawling low
“Vibrant, colourful vocabulary combined
with an arresting rhythm make this poem
I never would have guessed what was com- the river,” I cried. I force out distant screams a profound pleasure to read. There’s a
ing. I mean, it is pretty hot here in Australia When I got there, I stopped dead. What of muffled fights musical tone to it, which further stirs
but never before had the red earth been so met my gaze was unbelievable. Flames en- through sleepless nights emotions.”
scorched. Never before had the air emitted veloped the trees along the banks with long that stole my childhood dreams.
such heat. Never before had the leaves claws of heat. Fire! Was this The Warming?
shrivelled on their branches and crumbled How had it happened? Humans - it had to
to dust. We were having one of those big be. Those two-legged demolishers of nature.
meetings when the koalas in the outback “Nico!” It was Henry. The fire had reached
united to speak about something important. the copse of trees we were in. The flames BEST PRIMARY POEM
“Gather round, my fellow friends, gather crept up the trunks like snakes coiling
round,” said Alpha Jestin, the leader of our around their prey. This was it. Death would
group. “We are here to discuss The Warming
- a very serious problem far to the West.
soon take us. I was a fool to have dragged
Henry into this! We stayed, huddled together
Late Night Working Cielo Davies, Age 10
Swans Primary
Whatever you do, don’t go anywhere near it! on the branches. Our only hope rested on
School
You will surely suffer a terrible death.” He the shoulders of humans. Only they could Mildred’s pale blue dress shining in the light
seemed to be looking directly at me; proba- rescue us now, but would they? Heavy rain drumming against the window “Striking imagery
bly just my imagination. The room held the scent of a memory abounds from the open-
“The Warming!” The words echoed inside I yawned slowly and rubbed the smooth table ing line onwards. Refer-
my head, releasing a gust of excitement Nicolás Minguela Espinosa de los Some whisky from my secret flask, encing the anger of
throughout my body. What could he mean? I Monteros, Age 11 To keep me awake. lightning and the scent
turned to Henry, “Let’s go and have a look!” I Laude San Pedro International College I was as tired as an old cat. of a memory were par-
ticularly nice touches, I
hissed. Midnight.
Liz Parry praised the dialogue in this story - think,” said Peter Edg-
“I’m not sure,” Henry looked aghast. The rain now turning into a storm, erton.
just like real children - and the vocabulary used
“Just a peek - come on, Henry! I know you to describe the heat. The story ends with a “You can go home,” I said to Mildred This poem was part of a
want to.” worrying question - they are in the hands of “And what if I want to stay?” she replied. project that required stu-
Henry smiled wryly. I grinned. the “two-legged demolishers of nature” he so Angry lightning flashed in a cloud dents to respond to an
We flew through the eucalyptus trees. I well describes. The thunder was so loud it was almost deafening. Edward Hopper painting.
March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
EDUCATION & LEARNING 5
SCHOOLWORK SHOWCASE
RUNNER-UP SECONDARY STORY SPECIAL MENTION PRIMARY ARTWORK
In the Name of Progress
Gonzalo Labajos,
Age 9
A monochromatic canvas torn through by the calloused hand of
Novaschool
war.
Sunland
The paint is strewn across in panicked, sloppy strokes of choked
International
greys and corpse browns. The sketchy outlines of a sky, the bruised
bodies of the clouds, and the dotted specks of black rain all frame Goergina Oliver was
the picture in a cruel portrayal of death. particularly im-
Amongst the remains of a battlefield lie thousands of strewn fig- pressed with the
ures half-buried in ash and soil. Their eyes are picked clean. Bullets movement in this im-
are planted like seeds in the basket of their yellow ribs. Amongst the age, a Yayoi Kusuma
brittle bones of faceless soldiers lies a tangle of machinery red with inspired ‘infinity
cherry’ textile design
rust. Synthetic muscles tense and pull in order to lift the machine
- Dip dye, fabric cray-
off the ground. A single eye carved down the center of its steel head ons on cotton.
glows faintly. It slowly begins to survey its surroundings. Each torn “This has an extra
limb, each rotten face, is scanned, failed to identify. The machine’s boost of life to it,
rubber torso whirrs and folds awkwardly as it moves along. more movement than
Before it can examine the other bodies, it catches movement up the actual artist’s
ahead in the wasteland. It is a man, clothed in rags with his mouth patterns. This artist
covered by a filtering mask, but a man nonetheless. He holds a makes the pattern
come to life,” she
crude metal detector in his bandaged hands and waves it haphaz-
said.
ardly over the bodies. He looks up at the hunk of metal and tips his
worn baseball hat, muttering a greeting.
“I figured there wouldn’t be any of you left after the explosion.”
The machine does not reply with an explanation, but rather with
a question.
“WHAT HAPPENED HERE?”
“Look around, tin can. What do you think happened?
The machine’s eye flickers.
“HUMANITY.”
The rain clinks against its hollow chest and rolls down the
metal frame until it pools below its feet.
Lola Martín Higueras, Age 14
Swans International School
6 EDUCATION & LEARNING March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
SCHOOLWORK SHOWCASE
RUNNER-UP SECONDARY ARTWORK RUNNER-UP PRIMARY STORY
The Triumphant Life of Tyson
As the dust cloud settled over the African wilderness, there stood the
majestic silhouette of Tyson, a large adolescent Black Rhino.
Tyson’s life had not been easy. Born on a game farm in Zululand called
Ubizane, his first year was a joyful time. His parents were large and pro-
tective and he had lived a trouble-free life.
Tyson had loved going to the watering hole, where impalas, giraffe,
kudu and warthogs would drink as the sun set over the savanna, throw-
ing long shadows over the rippling water. He had thoroughly enjoyed
chasing the baby warthogs until one day a mother warthog had chased
him back. Thankfully, his father had been there to protect him.
When he was a year old his world had come crashing down; he had
woken to his mother’s mournful groans as she lay next to his father’s
lifeless body. Poachers had made it into the reserve during the night and
shot his father for his horns. Why did so many people think that crush-
ing rhinos’ horns into powder could be used as medicine?
From then on, the threat of the poachers was always there.
One day a few years later, he woke up confused and dazed, with a
sense that something had changed. He stamped the ground so hard
making a huge dust storm. As the dust settled he saw the silhouette
shadow of a majestic black rhino without a horn. The game rangers had
decided to have him dehorned so as to save his live.
Rhino poaching has increased 9000% since 2007. There are now only
5000 Black Rhinos left in Africa.
Thankfully Tyson is one of them.
Luke Van Rooyen, Age 11
Laude San Pedro International College
“The statistic towards the end of this story stands out - it comes as a bit of a shock-
ing twist,” said Liz Parry, who praised the description creating the initial image of
the “majestic” black rhino. “It’s nice to have a positive ending. Humans have started
by saving one black rhino,” she added.
RUNNER-UP SECONDARY POEM
There are moments that make your life. Moments you realize nothing
will ever be the same.
You, know the ones that catch you off guard- take you back to memory
lane.
The ones that bring butterflies to your throat, That make you wish that
for a moment,
they weren’t memories, But an attainable reality once again.
I missed the future.
I knew that- I would probably never again feel the damp breeze that blew
through my curtains hold me in its chilly embrace,
Or watch the racing teardrops of the muddy black sky caress the half-
opened window, as you gazed off to space,
or feel the warmth of the blankets or hear the rain’s lullaby as that pep-
permint smile of yours grew on your face.
I would like to lie and say this moment was like one of those, breathtak-
ing enough to hide the sad smile I was faking,
And through the blur of my eyelashes, I looked at my best friend as she
looked into the world, the vast open world with her emerald eyes, taking
it all in.
And at that moment -my heart was breaking.
that moment was purely as sweet as cinnamon, for I missed it,
missed it while the moon was gleaming and while the sky was dreaming.
Liubava Semenkova, Age 18 I smiled because I knew at that moment, that terribly bittersweet mo-
English International College ment, how much I would miss it, while I was still living in it.
Art critic Georgina Oliver said, “This composi- These are the moments that make your life. Moments you realize noth-
tion is very intricate; it’s like diving into the ing will ever be the same.
unconscious, into the Big Blue... It suggests an You, know the ones that catch you off guard- realize this is your memory
alternative dimension, which could be under lane.
the influence of video games, where you The ones that bring killer bees to your stomach, That let you know that
plunge into another world; these people seem for a moment,
unlikely to reach the bottom of wherever they
These aren’t memories, But the reality you’re living in.
are, and unlikely to get out either. You could
carry on looking at this picture for a very long
time, and not be sure about what it’s about,
but that’s not a problem as it’s such a joy to Silvana Giambona, Age 13
look at.” Novaschool Sunland International
March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
7
NEW BUILDING. Situated within the existing
grounds the building will have spectacular views
over Sotogrande and down to the sea
An exciting year at
Sotogrande
International School
SOTOGRANDE the increased space, modern
SIS. 2020 is shaping up to be an facilities and improved learning
exciting year for Sotogrande environment.
International School (SIS), with Phase 2 of the expansion, due for
plenty of exciting opportunities for completion in September 2021, will
students, a new building and see the creation of a brand new Students and new building of SIS. SIS
improved sporting facilities. Boarding House, nestled in the
The new building, which is wooded area around the school. Sotogrande International School,
scheduled to open in September Built with en-suite bathrooms, study with 90% of students placed at their
2020, will house 20 state of the art areas, a fully fitted gym, and access first choice of university in 2019.
middle/upper school classrooms, to the outstanding facilities at SIS, Primary school provides the
staff rooms, office space and an area the Boarding House will provide an foundation for high achieving
for older students to relax and study. exceptional environment into which students to start their educational
Situated within the existing grounds to live and study. journey. Sotogrande International
the building will have spectacular The Boarding House has been School is a fully accredited self-directed learning in the light and Distinguished School, students
views over Sotogrande and down to home to the students with the best International Baccalaureate (IB) airy indoor and outdoor classrooms. become proficient and knowledgeable
the sea. This phase of the exam results for the past two years. school, offering the Primary Years Older primary students (6-11 years in the fast-changing world of
development also includes new 5- 2018 saw Patrick Kobriger receive Programme (PYP) from the age of 3. old) are encouraged to become Information Technology.
a-side and multi-sports pitches, the maximum score at IB Diploma, In Early Childhood (3 to 6 years independent learners, think for If you would like to learn more
outdoor recreational areas, extended of 45 points, and 2019 saw Boris old), the curriculum is inspired by themselves and take responsibility about any of the programmes at
food hall, whole school library and Delev earn an impressive 42 points the Reggio Emilia approach to for their own learning. Technology is Sotogrande International School or
primary classrooms. The entire at IB Diploma. Exam results are learning. Providing many creatively embedded into the to book a visit contact
school community will benefit from consistently above Word Average at opportunities for student-centred, curriculum and, as an Apple admissions@sis.gl.
8 EDUCATION & LEARNING March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
SCHOOLWORK SHOWCASE
RUNNER-UP PRIMARY POEM SPECIAL MENTION PRIMARY STORY
My Favourite Trip The Beauty of the Sea With a slow voice the turtle told him, “Young
man, please don’t pollute the ocean or the
fish your species eat will be full of the plastic Juan Rafael Cabezas
Going from Paris to, As the sun slowly rose in the rich, royal or- that you throw into the ocean and you might Rambla, Age 9
Disney Pixar, ange sky, Conner woke up, put his clothes on, get sick. Maybe if you stop polluting, less peo- Swans Primary School
My memory, had breakfast and happily went outside. As ple will be sick.” After saying that, the turtle
Through the window, he walked around the deck, he thought about went back into the dark water.
Moon like a meteor, how calm and relaxed he would be on his va- Slowly, a colossal whale came up to the sur-
Darkness of train ramp, cation on the cruise. Conner took a water bot- face, found Conner and said with a deep
Black cars like chaos, tle out of his pocket and heard the seagulls voice, “Young man, please don’t pollute or
The dark Eiffel Tower squawking and the waves as he drank it. Af- there will be more natural disasters and the
Looked like, ter, he threw the bottle into the sea and went ice layers of the poles will melt. If you don’t
A giant ink machine, inside for his fishing rod. stop you will end up destroying the world.”
Broken, When Conner started fishing, every one When he finished, he went down into the
Elevator, fish out of five he caught were dead. When he depths of the ocean.
Jammed. got tired, he ate a packet of crisps, threw it After some time, Conner woke up and real-
into the ocean and caught one last fish. Since ised he had been sleeping for one hour. As he
he had stayed up late last night, Conner put got up, Conner drank a can of coke but just as
Youssef Riyani Elkhiln, Age 7 his fishing rod and the bucket of fish in his he was going to throw it into the sea he saw a
Laude San Pedro dormitory and stretched his body out on a whale, a turtle, a group of dolphins and lots of
deck chair. Since there was no one around other fish looking at him. He realised that the
International College
him, Conner was put to sleep by the silence. ocean was important to the Earth and he
Suddenly, a turtle went up to the surface couldn’t destroy it. Conner hesitated and after
and found Conner sleeping on the silent deck. a few seconds he lazily put the can in the bin.
SPECIAL MENTION SECONDARY ARTWORK SPECIAL MENTION PRIMARY ARTWORK
Ava Herron, Age 10
British
International
School Marbella
This work was one of
several submissions
that used photography,
in this case exploring
colour in a way that im-
pressed the judges.
Elena E, Age 14
Sunny View
School
This cityscape par-
ticularly impressed
the judges due to the
combination of build-
ings from different
parts of the world.
Elena Ramírez Emma García,
Salas, Age 14 Age 10
Laude San Pedro Novaschool
International Sunland
College International
This painting is titled This “incredibly cheer-
Essence of Spain. The ful” work is a Lucy Tiff-
judges enjoyed identi- ney inspired pattern
fying possible refer- design using tempera
ences to flamenco and paint and collage.
Cervantes as well as
bullfighting in this
painting.
March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
9
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Satisfactory completion of this
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10 EDUCATION & LEARNING March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
EDUCATIONAL PROJECT. Enjoyment of
learning, technology and languages are the pillars
that support this innovative school
MIT, a centre
recognised for its
educational excellence
MÁLAGA pils, parents and all the MIT staff.
SUR. In little more than a year, the The educational centre has fol-
MIT School in Málaga has received lowed a very clear path to reach all
5 awards: the best school in Spain of these achievements. The MIT
in Integral Education (2019 Edu- School is firmly committed to for-
cational Excellence award to the eign languages, which are rein-
Best School in Integral Education); forced with teaching of Chinese
best school in Andalusia (1st La (from the age of 3), German (as
Razón Andalusian Awards); one of of Year 1 of Primary school), French
the eleven best bilingual Primary and Russian (as extra-curricular
schools in Spain and one of the four activities), teaching of values such
best bilingual Secondary schools as effort, persistence, dedication,
in Spain (an award given by the Bi- hope, respect, courtesy and work,
lingual Education Association); gold all of which are the main pillars that Javier Díaz, director de MIT School. SUR
medal for work (awarded by AE- support this educational centre
DEEC); and one of the 50 most im- which is committed to exchanges ness. Of course, they are aware that as they work with the latest ad- antees of success for the future,
portant businesses in Spain in teaching and learning, backed the efforts of every member of the vances in the sector. This is com- but at the same time, and this is
(awarded by El Economista and up by the support of the new tech- educational society are required bined with the centre’s work to in- the most important thing, they are
leading Commercial, Financial, Sec- nologies, with wireless networks, for this process. To this respect, stil a particular style and manner also progressively acquiring an
torial and Marketing Information intelligent whiteboards, virtual re- the school doesn’t just prepare its of doing things to successfully meet emotional balance that will end up
company Informa D&B). ality, etc. pupils academically, it also serves the problems pupils may face in becoming a real equanimity, es-
All of this was thanks to the ef- Education at MIT implies enjoy- as a school for life. their personal and professional sential for control of our own lives,”
forts and joint work of the school’s ing learning and seeking individual Technology plays an important lives. “In this sense, our pupils are the head of the centre, Javier Díaz,
entire educational community: pu- routes to development and happi- role in the students’ day to day lives developing academically with guar- stresses.March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
EDUCATION & LEARNING 11
Elvira Báez, Raúl Rico,
moderator Carmen Álcaraz,
Alex Mitchell, Mercedes
Colmenar and Miguel Ángel
Garrán. SALVADOR SALAS
Concerns over future employment
are inevitable among older students,
and the experts discussed ways in
which they prepare their students
for the future.
Raúl Rico said that it is important
not to take away a student’s passion
for a future career even if work pros-
pects are apparently difficult. “It’s
better to follow their hearts before
doing something they don’t want to
do just because they can get a job
easily,” he said.
Elvira Báez said that students need
positive motivation from their teach-
ers and a careers guidance depart-
ment that can show them their op-
tions inside and outside Spain.
Mercedes Colmenar of Laude San
Pedro said that it was difficult to pre-
pare students for their future ca-
reers, especially when a lot of jobs
ROUND TABLE. Experts share ideas and experience will no longer exist in the future. “We
have to prepare them to have op-
portunities, to be ready to continue
learning for the rest of their lives,”
Innovation in education and
she said.
Students should also be prepared
to be entrepreneurs, added Raúl
Rico, saying that representatives
challenges faced in 2020
from the business world were also
invited to his school to give talks.
“Enterprise should be a subject,”
said Elvira Báez, “but children should
be taught to be enterprising in their
day-to-day lives.”
For Miguel Ángel Garrán, it is not
MALAGA sity in another country. Phoenix Col- the school’s role to teach children to
Rachel Haynes. The changing times, lege teaches A levels and prepares do business, but to prepare them for
with the influence of modern tech- students for study at British and other the future, teaching them how to
nology in all areas of life, have universities. work as a team, to carry out projects,
brought advantages to the world of The fact that young people now and to prepare them for university.
education. have such a huge amount of infor- Alex Mitchell pointed out that it is
Instant information and connec- mation at their fingertips is some- more important to give the young
tivity provide new openings to stu- thing that schools are having to take people the self-confidence to be able
dents and teachers, but also chal- advantage of. to be entrepreneurs in the future.
lenges for the classroom. According to Raúl Rico, technical First though, many of the students
Experts from several schools in director at the British School of currently at the international schools
the province of Malaga - Novaschool, Malaga, “Schools have to be able to on the Costa del Sol will be prepar-
Laude San Pedro International Col- use the mobile phone as a useful ing to study at university, and most
lege, Phoenix College and the Brit- tool,” he said, adding that children probably at one outside Spain.
ish School of Malaga - were invited are not always aware of the damage Alex Mitchell commented that now
by SUR this week to share how their an image or a comment on social not just students from the British
schools are dealing with the chang- media can do. system but also those from the Span-
ing scenario now, and how they see Mercedes Colmenar is head of Ad- ish system were planning to study
the future. missions at Laude San Pedro Inter- The participants at the SUR offices in Malaga. S. SALAS in the UK or another country.
One important change over the national College. She agrees that Mercedes Colmenar said that stu-
years is in the students themselves. schools and parents have to find a that this education in using technol- learning, rather than teaching, he dents at international schools such
“No two students are the same,” said “balance” between taking advan- ogy in the right way has to be done pointed out. as Laude already speak two or more
Elvira Báez, the Educational Direc- tage of the information available on- from a young age, not just among Raúl Rico of the British School of languages and have no frontiers when
tor of Novaschool, a group that has line and being aware of the dangers adolescents. Malaga agreed that the focus is it comes to higher education options.
four private schools, including Sun- internet poses for young people. A new challenge for schools is pre- changing, especially among older Among the challenges ahead, for
land and Añoreta, and five infant Miguel Ángel Garrán is director cisely that students who have grown students. “They have to learn by Raúl Rico, these include preparing
schools in the south of Spain. general of ISP (International Schools up with new technology often know themselves, with the supervision of students to be able to “learn how to
“You have to adapt, year after year; Partnership), the group which in- more than their teachers. their teachers,” he said. learn”.
that is one of the challenges of to- cludes the British School of Malaga Miguel Ángel Garrán of ISP sug- For Alex Mitchell of Phoenix Col- Alex Mitchell stressed the need
day’s society.” and Laude San Pedro. Schools have gested that the role of the teacher lege, schools have to be more flexi- to give students “flexibility to be pre-
Alex Mitchell, one of the founders to make technology their “ally” he in the classroom was changing. Be- ble. He gave the example of how pared for the future with their feet
of Phoenix Sixth Form College in said. “With so much information, fore, teachers made 90 per cent of some of the college’s classes are firmly on the ground”.
Malaga city, pointed out that stu- children have to learn to be selec- the effort in the classroom, he pointed taught from a distance by an expert There are exciting times ahead,
dents are now much better informed tive,” he said, “to tell the difference out but the ISP group wants to in London and that is not a problem, pointed out Miguel Ángel Garrán, as
than before and both students and between a piece of fake news or a change that, so that the students rather an advantage for the students, neuroscience develops to help us
their parents are much more open good academic study, for example”. become more active and “busy learn- using technology to provide a higher learn more about how students
to the idea of studying at a univer- Elvira Báez of Novaschool added ing”. The emphasis should be on level of education. learn.March 6th to 12th 2020
12 SUR IN ENGLISH
Students of Swans. Swans
Central to the programme is the
pre-university task of researching
and producing an Extended Essay
(like a mini-dissertation on a topic
of their choice). In addition students
have to study the Theory of Knowl-
edge (essentially a crash course in
philosophy), and also engage in a
range of extracurricular sporting ac-
tivities, creative achievements and
community work to fulfil the require-
ments of the other core element -
Creativity, Activity and Service, or
CAS for short. Students then study
six subjects at either standard or
higher level; these subjects span
the disciplines, from their own lan-
guage and a second language, to
humanities, science, mathematics
and the arts.
Our Sixth Form students find the
programme both challenging and
rewarding. The challenge they face
over a two-year period is more than
rewarded when they start univer-
sity. More and more, it is found that
students enrolled on an IB pro-
PRESTIGE. The benefits of the International Baccalaureate programme with Robert King, IB gramme are better prepared for uni-
Development Advisor, Swans International School versity life than students enrolled
on national post-16 programmes.
In addition, the drop-out rate for
non-IB students has been far higher.
A Reflection on the Changing Face
Similar studies across the world, in
Asia, Australia and the Middle East,
show IB students far more ‘outward
looking’, geared for leadership, and
of Sixth Form Education
better able to manage their time.
For me, studies closer to home
are very interesting. The English and
Welsh A-levels that most children
undertake in the UK (outside of Scot-
land) have a battle on their hands,
in terms of higher education pre-
MARBELLA paredness. IB Diploma students
Robert King. Twenty twenty is a are far more likely to attend one of
symmetrical anniversary for me. the more prestigious universities
It’s been twenty years since I nerv- than their A-level studying counter-
ously stood in front of a class for the part. Forty seven per cent of IB Di-
first time and began my teaching ca- ploma students enrol at a top twenty
reer. For the first fifteen years I taught British university, compared to thirty
in England (teaching history and me- three per cent of A-level students.
dia studies), whilst the last five years At Swans, we now have students
have been here in Spain, teaching regularly gaining over 40 Points in
film studies, media studies and his- the IB Diploma, which puts them in
tory. During my time in the UK I saw the top 10% of students worldwide,
countless initiatives come and go, but what is interesting is the atten-
survived eight secretaries of state tion that IB students get from pro-
and adapted my practice to teach- spective universities who immedi-
ing different subjects and the de- ately recognise the academic rig-
mands of different qualifications. our of the programme.
But it was when I first arrived in Spain, It is also interesting to note that
to take up my post at Swans Inter- the drop-out rate once at university
national School in Marbella, that I is again lower amongst students
had my first experience of teach- understanding between nations. exacerbating the situation, with Eng- who studied the IB Diploma; they
ing the International Baccalaureate The IB curriculum is now taught lish and Welsh secondary and Sixth are also more likely to leave with a
(IB) Diploma Programme. across the world and, unlike national The IB Diploma is a Form qualifications becoming more first class honours degree than their
The IB Diploma is a programme qualifications such as GCSEs and and more inward looking. A-level counterparts.
that is designed to provide students A-levels (the two qualifications that programme that is When I started teaching film stud- My experience supports this. As an
at Sixth Form, who are usually six- I was most familiar with before my designed to provide ies as part of the IB Diploma at A-level student myself in England I
teen years old or over, with a bal- move to Spain), it is not bound by Swans in September 2015, I real- was wholly underprepared for my first
anced and broad experience of a the demands of national policy pres-
students at Sixth Form, ised I was dealing with a fresh new years of university. While, admittedly,
range of subjects. Based in Swit- sure and intervention or a change who are usually sixteen challenge that was wholly different the world has changed dramatically
zerland, it is a progressive qualifi- of government. My former secon- years old or over, with a to anything that I had taught before. since then (fire has been invented
cation that attempts to encourage dary colleagues back in England The IB requires students to be much and church services are now in Eng-
students to be open minded learn- have seen rapid and constant change balanced and broad more flexible and creative in how lish!) one thing I know for sure is that,
ers and critical thinkers, with an out- in the subjects and examinations experience of a range of they approach their learning. Criti- when I say a fond farewell to this
ward looking perspective. It’s in- that they teach; many would argue subjects cal thinking is at the core of the ap- year’s Swans School IB Film students
ception, fifty years ago, in the heart that this culture of ‘permanent revo- proach, as is taking risks and being in two months time, they are going to
of a Europe recovering from two lution’ has left students and teach- independent enquirers – this is an be thoroughly prepared to succeed
world wars, sought to educate young ers alike, bewildered with what is ethos that has been fully embraced at university and beyond. More in-
people in a way that would encour- required of them and students be- for the demands of university. An- by Swans School throughout both formation: www.swansschoolinter-
age international cooperation and coming more and more ill prepared ecdotally, they see Brexit as only primary and secondary. national.es.March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
1314 EDUCATION & LEARNING March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Joining forces in the name of
scientific research
Students from IES
Pablo del Saz and
Swans School
International are
participating in the
Science IES project
Participants read a few pages before joining a discussion. SUR
Secondary students from IES
Pablo del Saz and Swans School
International in Marbella have
been working in collaboration
with the University of Malaga
Students at British School
(UMA) as part of the SCIENCE
IES project.
Malaga start up book club
The project, which was created Students in the Biology Department during their first visit to UMA. SUR
by Javier Cáceres at the Institute
of Astrophysics of Andalucía in Two students at the British essays. After reading a few
Granada as part of PIIISA - CSIC get hands-on experience in a wide side students from other schools School Malaga started a book pages, they stop and discuss
(Consejo Superior de Investiga- range of areas, including Astrol- (to promote social interaction and club in September which has their thoughts on how the plot
ciones Científicas) in 2010, has ogy, Mathematics, Chemistry, Phys- peer learning), they will work to- gradually grown over the last has been developing, as well
expanded across Andalucía and ics, Biology and Psychology. gether and at the end present the few months. as the themes and style.
to other cities in Spain. Students from both schools outcome of their research in an The group started by read- The current book should be
Now, professors, lecturers, schol- have been able to select topics for oral presentation in English. ing Stone Cold before moving finished by the end of term at
ars and scientists from UMA have which they will attend UMA for This school year 190 students on to The Giver by Lois Lowry. which point more new mem-
designed projects which allow stu- three days to carry out research will benefit from this experience The group reads for fun - it’s bers will be welcome when the
dents, teachers and scientists to in the laboratories. There, along- in Malaga alone. not about writing reviews or group starts a new book.
SIXTH FORMS. The college offers A-level courses and PCE (selectividad) cussing Brexit as part of their Poli- row,” they confide. Next door in the
subjects for Year 12 and 13. We are an independent day-school located in tics A-level. Some consult the re- Student Room, students work away
search they have open on their lap- in silence, one with a cup of coffee
the centre of Málaga tops to underpin their arguments, & a couple of biscuits. Lured by the
others have brought prepared es- sound of singing, we wander into an-
says while some quote details from other free classroom and come
A Walk Round Phoenix College the morning’s TV news. It’s a dy-
namic, living subject, brought even
more to life by a variety of study
methods and Mr Riley’s passion for
across two students practising
Keane’s “Somewhere Only we Know,”
accompanied by a year 13 boy on
guitar. The College tutors, as part of
debate. the PSC programme, encourage stu-
MÁLAGA Next door in the Maths room, Head dents to set themselves targets and
SUR. This Spring finds this new of Maths Dean Clifford supports his take on extra activities outside their
Sixth Form College recruiting stu- year 12 class as they wrestle with academic studies, promoting well-
dents for their third year – “And algebra problems, helping each stu- rounded development. In the last
our fourth,” shares Kirsty Ridyard, dent individually. On the 50-inch year, students also enjoyed a range
Co-Director. “We’ve been visited screen at the front are various on- of trips, including a University Fair
by lots of year 10 parents and stu- line resources to supplement the in Madrid, Manchester in the UK,
dents wanting to put their names student’s textbooks which the Col- CERN in Geneva and Paintballing.
down already for September lege supplies. At the back of class At Christmas, they went carol-sing-
2021.” One of the first things visi- are a couple of year 13 students, ing at the local AFA centre.
tors comment on is the atmos- working away quietly with their head- In the laboratory, Miss Ridyard
phere – welcoming, friendly, yet phones on, seeking support from appears to be doing something weird
focused on the prime directive of Mr Clifford if they need it. and wonderful with her year 12
the College, which is to help each In the Staff room we see evidence chemistry group, though on closer
student achieve their individual of another Phoenix priority; teacher inspection, the students are the ones
best – “Be that A* or E grades,” support at all times. Head of Eng- doing all the work. “We’re learning
adds Miss Ridyard. “Personal lish, Ms Critchley, guides a student how to do titrations,” they explain
growth is just as vital.” as she wrestles with her course- excitedly. Phoenix’s laboratory is
Each prospective new student work. At another desk, a year 13 fully equipped so that students can
and their parents have a personal- student is working through some carry out all the essential practical
ised orientation meeting with the Physics problems, waiting for Alex experiments in all three sciences.
Co-Directors to discuss their goals Phoenix Mitchell, Co-Director and Head of On the College patio, two year 13
enabling a flexible study strategy to College Physics, who is about to finish a girls are explaining to a visiting year
be planned. Málaga stu class. 11 student what life is like at Phoe-
Beginning in the Humanities room, dents and In a nearby free classroom, two nix College Málaga. “As it’s small, I
the domain of Co-Director James staff. MD year 13 girls are revising maths to- thought I wasn’t going to like it,” we
Riley, where a handful of students gether, covering the whiteboard in overhear. “But I still see all my old
(the maximum class size is twelve, impressively complex formulae, ar- friends outside school and the teach-
though the College average is closer guing in what seems like a foreign ing here is just fantastic. We’d rather
to six or seven) are animatedly dis- language. “We have a test tomor- be here than anywhere else!”March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
15
NEWS. The school continues to improve
New principal at
The Benalmádena
International
College Host families
required
The college will be receiving a
BENALMÁDENA number of Norwegian students
Paula Watch. It is with pleasure this September to study the
that I introduce myself as the new «Having come from a British Curriculum.
Principal of Benalmadena Interna- We will need host families to
tional College. community school, it accommodate these 16 year
Having forsaken the ‘sunny’ east has been a delight to old students from September
coast of Scotland for the Costa del 2020 to June 2021. The colle-
Sol, I have been made to feel very
find another small ge will pay 700€ per month to
welcome by the pupils, the parents school with a big heart, cover accommodation, food
and the staff of the College and am one where nobody goes and travel. A spare room will
grateful for the support and encour- be required and the travel
agement I have already received. unnoticed and everyone distance from the college
Having come from a community has a voice» Paula Watch. B.I.C should be no further than a 30
school, it has been a delight to find minute drive.
another small school with a big If you are interested and would
heart, one where nobody goes un- grow and enhance the school as it of our pupils so that our young peo- Please feel free to arrange a visit like further details please
noticed and everyone has a voice. moves into an exciting new phase. ple can fulfil their potential in a sup- and allow me to extend a warm contact the college on
I am looking forward to working My focus for this year is to sup- portive, challenging and aspirational B.I.C. welcome to you all. Kind re- 952561666 email info@bic-be-
alongside staff and parents alike to port staff to develop the experience learning environment. gards. nal.com.16 EDUCATION & LEARNING March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
OUT OF THE CLASSROOM FOR CHARITY
Students conquer La Concha
in aid of suicide prevention
A group of 70
students from the
English International
College climbed the
mountain behind
Marbella in aid of
Darkness into Light
Swans pupils took the cheque to the PAD shelter. SUR
Students from the English In-
ternational College set out to EIC students with their certificates from Darkness into Light. SUR School shows how correct
conquer the 1,200 metres of La
Concha mountain behind Mar-
bella for a charity challenge in
spelling can help animals
January.
Nearly seventy students of all Swans School primary pupils To coincide with the event, the
ages joined teachers for the as- turned spelling into more than children gathered for an assem-
cent to raise funds and aware- 5,000 euros’ worth of help for bly in which they learned more
ness for Darkness into Light, the abandoned animals in a recent about the hard work the volun-
global campaign for suicide and charity initiative. The annual teers put into protecting uncared-
self-harm protection. sponsored spell, in which chil- for cats and dogs, with the hope
The expedition raised nearly dren memorise 24 difficult words of finding them new homes.
500 euros for the charity which and were awarded donations for Teachers also brought in their
supports the Dublin-based Pi- spelling them correctly, raised own rescue animals in to meet
eta House organisation as well 5,169 euros for the Mijas Costa- the children. Some of the chil-
as the Costa del Sol mental based association PAD (Protec- dren visited the PAD shelter to
health association Afesol. The group at the summit of La Concha. SUR ción de Animales Domésticos). present the donation themselves.
Covering
kilometres
for Save the
Children
Youngsters from MIT school in
Malaga donned their running
shoes at the end of January for a
national campaign to help Save
the Children.
Pupils took part in the ‘Kilome-
tres of Solidarity’ race, along with
230,000 children and 17,000
teachers at more than 800 schools
around Spain for the international
organisation’s project to help chil-
dren affected by war.
The younger children raced
around the playground, while the
older pupils ran around the lake. MIT youngsters running for children. SUR Older runners ran around the lake. SURMarch 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
EDUCATION & LEARNING 17
EXCELLENT. The school revolves around its care for the children’s
happiness and wellbeing, while independent learning and personal
development are an integral part of the day-to-day curriculum
Aloha School
the best national and international ience. The school revolves around
Among the elite of international universities.
The excellent quality of Aloha Col-
lege Marbella was detailed in an
its care for the children’s happi-
ness and wellbeing, while inde-
pendent learning and personal de-
schools of Spain for over 35 years outstanding report carried out by
the Independent Schools Inspec-
velopment are an integral part of
the day-to-day curriculum. A wide
torate some years ago: the inspec- range of sporting, cultural and ar-
tors found that “An outstandingly tistic activities are on offer in our
MARBELLA ing 57 nationalities. We offer edu- for the 2 pre-university years, the caring, supportive ethos engenders co-curricular after-school pro-
SUR. One of the largest and most cation to all key stages from Early International Baccalaureate Diploma a highly empowering learning envi- gramme, which puts to excellent
well-established schools in south- Years to Sixth Form (Foundation to and International A-Level pro- ronment, which enables the school use our Arts and Sports Hall. Pu-
ern Spain, Aloha College Marbella Year 13). We teach the English Na- grammes. Students can also receive to fulfil its challenging aims”. pils have access to the latest tech-
is a not-for-profit educational foun- tional Curriculum, International Pri- qualifications under the Spanish ACM’s core values are Honesty, nology in a safe environment with
dation with 850 students represent- mary Curriculum and IGCSE and, system, allowing them access to Respect, Effort, Care and Resil- extensive and modern facilities.18 EDUCATION & LEARNING March 6th to 12th 2020
SUR IN ENGLISH
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Performing arts
students dazzle
audiences with their
talents at Swans
A number of events and shows
have been put on by Swans In-
ternational School throughout
the year to showcase its students’ We WIll Rock You, performed at the Palacio de Congresos. SUR
talents. The biggest was its pro-
duction of the musical We Will
Rock You, performed on the stage
of the Palacio de Congresos.
Over five hundred people got Schools from across the world participated. SUR
to enjoy a musical spectacular
saluting the music of Queen, in
which pupils from all age groups
contributed, whether in creat-
ing the scenery, controlling the
EIC hosts prestigious
lighting, performing in the live
band or playing a role on stage. COBIS Student World
Musicians had their day too,
with the Battle of the Bands, a
new event added to the school’s Battle of the Bands. SUR
Debate Competition
lively annual calendar. Artem and
Sophie claimed top prize with
their rendition of Zombie. The English International College 15 schools in 11 countries took
Budding filmmakers have also in Marbella hosted the prestig- part in this year’s event.
been recognised this year with ious Council of British Interna- The Plate final saw the Inter-
the inaugural Swans Film Festi- tional Schools (COBIS) Student national British School of Bu-
val. Over the course of two months World Debate Competition at the charest triumph over the Brit-
short films were written, scripted, start of February. ish School of Amsterdam, while
filmed and edited by students The programme included two the Cup final saw St George’s In-
from Year 3 to Year 13 in their days of heated debates for both ternational School, Luxembourg,
spare time. the Plate and Cup competitions, take on the British School in the
Three winners were selected plus a cultural excursion day in Netherlands. It was the latter
from the nominated 16 by a panel Malaga city. which won, completing a Dutch
of judges. All nominated and winning filmmakers. SUR More than 100 students from double.
The two winning Sotogrande debating teams. SUR
First Interschool Debate event showcases
talents of impassioned Costa youngsters
Sotogrande International School pate in a day that commenced in support of the motion and the
came away with two trophies from with a public speaking tutorial other assigned to refute.
the first Costa del Sol Interschool by Kate Haycock, the school’s Independent judging was set
Debate event, hosted by Swans Head of Drama. for each debate, with feedback
International School in Marbella, Teams were then divided into provided at the end of the session.
at the end of last year. two tournaments, separated by The final debates, including on
Four schools (Aloha College, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. the contentious topic of Brexit,
Laude, Sotogrande International Subjects discussed included vot- were well-informed and passion-
School and British School of ing, school age, taxes and the ate and Sotogrande emerged as
Malaga) were invited to partici- monarchy with one team acting the victors in both categories. Swans International School’s KS4 and KS5 teams. SURYou can also read
