We understand that the importance of a school nowadays lies not so much in simply transferring knowledge, but rather to be able to become the framework for meaningful interrelations with classmates and adults. It should be a place where essential values are acknowledged, such as, friendship, companionship, appreciation and respect for others. The overall aim should be to create an “optimum mental and physical setting”, i.e. a positive and stimulating environment for learning. To achieve our objectives, we set ourselves a number of methodological, pedagogical and organizational requirements. We employ skilled staff with exceptional qualities to ensure that our students will be able to meet the challenges of the future.
During a child’s development there are various stages featuring different types of learning: tactile, linguistic, physiological and motor skills. The understanding of new concepts is key to learning, particularly in Pre-school and Primary Education. During these stages, fundamentally, a child is eager to acquire new knowledge through experience. For this reason, and to fulfil our philosophical principles, the pillars of our school are based on:
a) Active Methodology. We work to actively involve each student in all learning processes: studying, researching, experimenting, reflecting and applying what they have learnt.
b) All educational processes are oriented towards the acquirement of Key Competencies.
c) We use cooperative, rather than competitive learning methods to carry out activities in which students can share their knowledge and learn from each other, reflect and give and receive structured feedback.
d) We strive for our students to work on authentic activities linking their knowledge to real life situations. This approach should always include the opportunity to evaluate and analyse the learning processes and to assess achievements.
e) The active methodology which we refer to would not be possible without a safe emotional environment; a relaxed, yet stimulating atmosphere in which our students can freely try out things, make mistakes, correct and try again. Our students feel that we can support their hope and expectations, thus promoting a non-stressful atmosphere.
f) We place great emphasis on the development of Multiple Intelligences (Linguistic-verbal, Logical-mathematical, Spatial, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Bodily-Kinesthetic and Naturalistic).
g) Individualized teaching and learning: We value and respect each student as a unique individual, his/her learning style, the way he/she is able to process information. We focus on strengths, not on weaknesses in our students. We give special attention to those students who at some point may need help, by providing them with continuous support given by specially trained staff.
h) Pedagogical coordination, teaching methodology and assessment techniques are based on learning accomplishments achieved in various aspects: knowledge, skills and abilities, attitudes, values, emotions and behaviours. Teachers and coordinators meet weekly to review, modify and adapt classroom curriculum.
i) We create values of respect and teamwork, and the concept of "I can". Every day we ensure there is a good atmosphere in the classroom and with everyone we come into contact with, encouraging empathy.
j) We believe in holistic learning, through academic, physical and creative activities. Through sports and competition we grow healthy and open-minded, we learn to respect rules; we develop discipline and learn how to work as a team to achieve a goal. Music, literature and art in general give us a broader view of the world, a sense of beauty, comprehensively cultivating our mind and personal life.
k) We are committed to making every student count in the school and in return we hope the school will become a part of their life. A school which they can be proud of and can become immersed and involved in, where they can learn how to be happy and courageous, resolve conflicts; know how to reason, listen, discuss and enjoy themselves.