SEK-Santa Isabel recently upgraded flexible spaces enable collaboration and team work between students and teachers. The school has open and glazed spaces where:
It boasts different learning spaces that are leading international standards in terms of the use of school space and teaching activity.
We are surrounded by the museum triangle (El Prado, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen Museum), the Royal Spanish Language Academy (Real Academia de la Lengua), the Royal History Academy (Real Academia de la Historia), Las Letras Quarter (Barrio de Las Letras), the Royal Botanic Gardens and the El Retiro park. Learning takes place inside and outside the classroom since our campus covers the entire cultural and historical environment of Madrid.
Therefore, both students and teachers have designed Learning Paths around the School, to contextualise and apply the knowledge acquired.
These paths, including “History,” “Artisinal” “Literature,” “Culture and Music,” “Sports and Wellness,” and “Science,” are based on collaborations with local organizations and enrich our students’ learning experiences, connecting them units of inquiry and their curriculum. Each grade level in Primary and Early Childhood Education has Learning Paths specifically designed for them, places where students can learn, inquire, experiment, and connect with their surroundings.
Outdoor learning encourages exploration and independent research. Students can decide what to explore, observe, and how to do it, giving them a sense of agency and discovery. This methodology represents a collaborative learning approach that involves teaching teams, students, families, connecting the school to the local community.
In this collaborative process, families not only participate in the creation of the paths but also accompany the students, contributing to the observation and documentation of learning.
We are proud to mention that this methodology has been recognized by Harvard as a best practice. Learning Outside-In | Project Zero
We are collaborating on a multi-year project with Harvard to analyze the impact of these experiences on students’ sense of agency, belonging, curiosity, and delight. Our goal is to develop tools for educators to use as they design and assess community-based learning experiences and well-being.
We have our own sports facilities, a gym and two outdoor patios with a climbing wall and the UCJC Sports Club (in Villafranca del Castillo) that boasts extensive sports facilities, among which are:
Thanks to our collaboration and proximity to Parque El Retiro, our students do Physical Education and sports in the sports centre located in the emblematic park, “La Chopera”.
STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) are present in the daily life of the school. During the school day students enjoy one hour per week of maker activities that work on the following skills:
Learning through DESIGN FOR THINKING and DESIGN FOR CHANGE students can explore, create, innovate and share their own creations.
We place the latest teaching methods at the service of our students:
The development of all competences is worked on including education in values, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, multiple intelligences, public speaking and debate.