Learning Spaces

FACILITIES: INNOVATIVE SPACES

SEK-Santa Isabel recently upgraded flexible spaces enable collaboration and team work between students and teachers. The school has open and glazed spaces where:

  • The students are the protagonists.
  • They develop the ability to inquire and work based on the context of their units of inquiry.
  • Learning is facilitated in intentionally designed environments.

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.

Tour Virtual

SEK-Santa Isabel is located in the Barrio de las Letras, the historical center of Madrid, which serves as a unique backdrop for our students’ education. Our campus extends beyond the classrooms, providing exceptional educational experiences. The “Learning Paths” offer students opportunities to learn in real-world contexts, going beyond the traditional classroom.

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:

  • 1,000 m2 sports court
  • Tennis and fronton courts
  • Basketball courts
  • Heated swimming pool
  • Beach volleyball court
  • Horse-riding

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:

  • Educational robotics kits, 3D printing, programming.
  • Students are made aware of the best way to use the devices we make available to them such as digital whiteboards in each classroom, iPads and computers.
  • Experimentation and good habits for a healthy life are encouraged in our laboratory.
  • The audiovisual room has a film set where students can record and edit videos.

Learning through DESIGN FOR THINKING and DESIGN FOR CHANGE students can explore, create, innovate and share their own creations.

Educational innovation is always present in our classrooms:

We place the latest teaching methods at the service of our students:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality: Various projects are carried out so that students understand and know how to use the latest technologies within our reach.
  • Passion Pursuits: Boosting their agency, students choose their own projects where they develop their creativity in areas related to art, technology, media or design, and social entrepreneurship. They realise any idea that they are passionate about or that develops their autonomy and entrepreneurship.
  • Learnometers: Students measure air quality with devices to reach optimal learning conditions. They serve to support the knowledge that they are studying and to improve the quality of the air, acoustics and light in our spaces.
  • Emotional Intelligence: In the school lobby there is a RULER emotional meter, a tool that allows us to capture the emotional state of children. All teachers at the school are trained to work in this important area and help improve the well-being of students. It is implemented as part of the Institutional Well-being Project.

The development of all competences is worked on including education in values, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, multiple intelligences, public speaking and debate.