Soledad Pina

Soledad Pina Molina
Head of Lower School

 

When you become a parent, your responsibilities multiply and it is time to consider your options and decide which one to choose. If we add to the decision-making the huge change that a child brings to our lives, as parents we can feel overwhelmed, which makes it difficult to choose. We want the best for our family but, in a globalised world, where there are so many options, which is the best option?

Public, private, bilingual, international school? The choice can be a challenge. Some people have a very clear decision from the start, but others need more time to find the right answer for their family. It is not an easy task, as there are many paths that can lead our children to higher education. In this process we may ask ourselves, are international schools worth it? All doubts are valid as we want to make sure that our children will be happy while building the best future for themselves.

What does it mean for a school to be international?

An international school is an educational institution that offers a globally recognised curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British Curriculum, and is designed for students of diverse nationalities. These schools promote a multicultural and inclusive environment, where classes are generally taught in English and the learning of several languages is encouraged. Their objective is to prepare students to live in a globalised world, offering an education with an international perspective and a focus on intercultural understanding.

6 Advantages of international schools

Here are some reasons why, as a mother and as a professional, I believe it is worth considering the option of international schools:

1. Better preparation for the future

In the past, international schools were considered the destination for the children of diplomats and expatriates, but today they are an excellent alternative for parents who want to prepare their children to live in a globalised world, becoming global citizens who can contribute to improving the future.

2. A more individualised and personalised approach is promoted

International schools are defined by finding more individual paths. They equip students with fundamental skills and the knowledge necessary to choose their own path to excellence later on. International schools are aware that the path to this does not lie exclusively in the classroom, which is why they promote practical learning experiences and reflection that nurture personal skills such as creativity, problem solving and critical thinking among students. These kinds of experiences range from the design of different areas of learning and planned play activities proposed in the Infant stage in which the pupils choose according to their own interests, to experiences in companies for older pupils in which they have to put into practice all the skills and knowledge acquired to resolve real situations.

3. Growing up in a multicultural, respectful and empathetic environment

A child spends almost as much time at school as at home. Being a member of a caring community, where a child feels good about themselves and learns that they can help change the world, is as important as the curriculum that is taught. Today’s society is multicultural and multiculturalism must be present in the classroom with teachers who are well trained for this (B.C. Marro Roig, I. Mosquera Gende, P.Gómez Lorenzo).

International schools are a model of plurality and multiculturalism. Most of these schools are made up of students and staff from very different parts of the world who seek to increase their knowledge and grow personally in an enrichingly diverse community. Moreover, these schools provide more than just a curriculum: they integrate academic and cultural competence with collaborative and inspiring learning. Respect, social responsibility and resilience are taught.

4. Increased digital skills

Global citizens need critical thinking skills to participate in the global community. International schools are designed to be effective learning environments, so, among other things, their classrooms and laboratories are equipped with the latest technology at the service of education. Schools such as those belonging to the Cognita Group offer individual learning devices and trained staff so that technology is integrated into the daily practice of teaching and learning.

5. Acquisition of greater communication skills

The vast majority of international schools have English as the shared language of the centre. They focus on a truly in-depth knowledge of this and other languages (at least a third), but simultaneously offer programmes in the national language or facilitate students strengthening their own native languages and cultures. Speaking several languages is key to communicating in a global world as it helps to better understand other people’s perspectives and cultures, as well as learning to accept differences more quickly and naturally.

6. Wide variety of extracurricular activities

Due to this philosophy of educating in diversity, international schools offer a wide range of activities such as competitive sports, art, music, outdoor activities or charity or ecological projects that open doors later on and have been shown to enhance academic performance, promote mental and physical health and provide a structured and safe environment.

Many schools also have programmes abroad that allow students to have an enriching experience that fosters their independence and autonomy.

Which school to choose?

There is no doubt that choosing between a public, private, bilingual or international school can be a challenge, but the benefits of international education are well worth the effort. It is a type of education that offers children the opportunity to become students with much more creative potential by focusing on their academic and personal growth from the outset, providing them with the necessary resources to do this themselves. In this way they will be able to give the best of themselves in all aspects of their life.