The University of Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) examinations are taking place over the next few weeks at Aloha College, the examination centre for the area. The diplomas are internationally recognised by educational institutions and companies as a true reflection of an applicant’s English language skills. Students are currently examined at 4 different levels.

On Saturday 29 May our Year 13 students celebrated the end of their IB exams with a dinner at the Hotel La Quinta Golf. On this unforgettable evening they were accompanied by their class tutors, Elaine McGirl, Jane Arredondo and Graham Morgan-Smith, and members of the senior management team. After the dinner, Head Students Tania Rahmany and Sam Morgan-Smith gave an emotional speech remembering past years at school and wishing everyone the best for the future. It’s been a stony road but in the end we’ve made it! I wish you all the best in your new journey.

Year 12 Visual Arts student Marco Bajjali had an opportunity to work alongside award winning Film Director Peter Gold.

Year 5 and Year 6 are currently enjoying their residential trips at the Granja-Escuela at Alozaina and El Chorro Farm, Alora, respectively. All sorts of activities are on offer – rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, paintball, swimming, tirolina, archery, pony-riding, as well as activities to do with the farm produce and animals. For some Year 5 children, this may be their first experience away from home and it is an ideal way for them to achieve certain independence while still being surrounded by friends and carers.

Aloha College’s contribution to the “Marbella Crea” Art competition this year has been a significant one.In the “Crea Arte” Lauren Ellis won third place for her tattoo sculpture and Clara Kristensen gained a special award for her egg paintings.

Year 5 enjoyed their visit to the Vigil de Quiñones park, where they were able to see lots of different species of trees and plants.

On Monday and Tuesday 31 May and 1 June, the summer Bookfairs took place for the Junior and Senior schools. This is a great opportunity for students to choose the books they like; with summer approaching there will be more time for relaxing reading, especially for those students who will have finished their exams! Proceeds from the Bookfairs go to purchasing additional books for the Libraries – we thank parents for their support.

Reception spent two lovely mornings out of school, one at Agro Jardin garden centre and the other at Nagueles park. We went on the school bus to the garden centre where we were able to plant a plant and learn about how to care for the many different types of plants and trees from all over the world.

Francisco Gómez Espigares, pupil of Aloha College for 13 years, visited school again to show pupils of Years 7 and 10 his new interactive programme “Audience Response Systems”.

As part of their Sociales programme, Year 4 pupils visited Ronda’s streets and sites, including the Bandolero Museum and the Mondragón Palace, and were able to inspect the flora and fauna of the Ronda mountain range. Their behaviour was even better than usual!