Parent Newsletter January 2022

  • January 28, 2022
  • Category: Parent Newsletters
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PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS

Early Years / Foundation Stage

Foundation Stage have revealed their claws and teeth to kick off their new unit of learning: The Roaring Dinosaurs & Animals!

In FS1 the children’s entry point led them to take on the role of a paleontologist, digging for fossils for which magnifying glasses and brushes were fully utilised. The children collaborated as a team to create large dinosaur collages to display in their room.

Then, just when we thought there was nothing left to discover, a special guest, Mr Escobar, visited the children in FS1 and told us all about the dinosaur he has at home. He also told the children that it is too big to even fit into the classroom and that sadly, the dinosaur doesn’t have a name. Don’t worry Mr Escobar, we accept your challenge and will think of a name!

In FS2, the children have been staying awake to learn all about nocturnal animals and couldn’t believe their eyes when they found eggs, from an unknown animal, left at school in the classroom (we aren’t commenting on the parenting skills there). The children immediately started researching how to care for them, completed observational paintings and made nests and signs to warn others that they are fragile. You can imagine how excited they are to see if they hatch!

Over the holidays, Santa found some time to deliver a few extra gifts, one of which is in our outdoor area with children climbing all over it.

Key Stage 1

The children in Key Stage 1 have had a wonderful time learning ‘All about Plants’ and what it means to have Green Fingers. They were very relieved to find out that to care for plants you didn’t have to make your fingers turn green! They started by exploring the school grounds to see what species of trees we are host to. If you have a child in Year 2, they should be able to tell you if a tree is deciduous or evergreen – give it a go and test their knowledge!

From green finger to hairy heads, Year 1 grew Cress Heads and learnt all about what plants need to grow. In the classroom, we talked about edible plants and even tasted a variety of herbs. If your children start requesting a little coriander on their pasta, don’t be surprised. In the words of the children “some herbs were yummy and some were yucky”. You can imagine their surprise when the children found out that some ‘yukky’ ones were in their favourite foods!

Key Stage 2

Year 3 and 4 have been digging for fossils and investigating how on earth a dinosaur got into school! Their unit of learning ‘Footprints in the Past’ has involved performing dinosaur raps (who knew dinosaurs could rap?) and researching paleontologist Mary Anning.

For the first time children from Year 3 to Year 5 participated in small teams in The Bebras Computing Challenge, which introduces computational thinking to children. It is organised in over 50 countries and designed to get students all over the world excited about computing. Participants answer questions that focus on computational and logical thinking. It is completed online at school. Children who score very highly can be invited to the OUCC Challenge.

Year 6 students had to take part individually. We had some very high scorers, but the best result was achieved by Melvin from 6KFI who scored 150 points to gain the only Gold Certificate in the school! Well done Melvin, a huge congratulations from us all!

Spanish Primary

En las clases de cultura española en Año 6 hemos dedicado algunas clases al patrimonio de la humanidad. Nuestros alumnos saben ahora que en España hay 15 ciudades, entre otras Segovia, Toledo, Cuenca y Córdoba, que han recibido este título. La UNESCO lo otorga a lugares de interés cultural y natural.

También han elaborado pósters sobre algunos de los lugares del patrimonio de la humanidad en sus países como Leptis Magna (Libia), Stonehenge (Reino Unido), la ciudad vikinga de Birka y Hovgarden (Suecia), las minas de sal de Wieliczka y Cracovia (Polonia), el archipiélago de Kvarken (Finlandia), la ciudad de Edimburgo (Escocia), El Real Jardín Botánico de Kew y el Big Ben de Londres (Inglaterra).

Gracias a tantas nacionalidades diferentes en nuestro colegio todos sabemos ahora que, en cada país, existen unos lugares maravillosos que se pueden visitar.

SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS

Year 9’s Future Starts with Morrisby Careers testing

Mr Tinkler, our Head of Careers and Universitary Guidance, recently introduced students in Year 9 to the Morrisby Careers website. This organisation has been helping students to match their personal interests and strengths with suitable courses and careers for over 50 years. Our students and their parents can now access the full range of resources Morrisby offers throughout their time at Aloha, which will support them as they navigate their way successfully towards their preferred further education course or career. 

Last week, it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of Year 9 students as they completed an online aspirational questionnaire via Morrisby.com, which then generated an individual report outlining their personality traits, working style, preferred working environment and responsibilities. Each report then suggested a range of future careers and mapped out an individual journey towards those future careers, including recommended IGCSE, IB or A Level subjects and university or vocational courses. Students are able to download these reports to discuss with their parents and to prepare themselves for individual interviews with either Mr Roth (Head of Key Stage 4), Mrs Brice (Head of Key Stage 3), or Mr Escobar (Head of Secondary). These interviews together with conversations with teachers at Parents Evening, on 31 January and 1 February, will help students make their final IGCSE Options choices in time for the deadline of 11 March. 

Morrisby can also support students who are just not sure which direction to go in or who want to change direction in the future. Morrisby suggests a wide range of careers and courses and will instantly recalculate the suggestions whenever a student changes their preferences on their Home Page. So the future really does start with Morrisby and Aloha’s comprehensive Careers Programme.

Queens Gambit

Shock win in the Chess Competition! Long term Year 12 chess champion, Cristobal Rodríguez Rico, was beaten by newcomer, Amira Shaken, from 8ROC. She puts her speed and skill down to her grandmother who taught her to play chess competitively from a very young age. Congratulations, Amira!

Duke of Edinburgh 

Aloha College Marbella is proud to announce that they are now an officially licenced International Duke of Edinburgh provider.

In September 2019, Miss Dry and Ms Steel started Adventure Club for interested and adventure-minded students. For a term and a half, they had a great time taking on activities such as climbing mountains, wild swimming and team building. Unfortunately, COVID-19 came along, preventing overnight trips, after school clubs, and the implementation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme the following year. Thankfully, this year they had the go-ahead to run after school activities. Mr Freed and Mr Wahl joined the school, bringing more Duke of Edinburgh experience to the team. 

The application process began in September to become an Independent Award Centre. The International Duke of Edinburgh Award is a prestigious global framework that universities and employers value very highly (MsSteel still has her Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards on her CV!) so providers need to comply fully with several areas to ensure the proper framework and training is in place for participants to uphold the high standards set by the Award.

Students can start the Bronze Award from the age of 14. This year the Bronze Award has been offered to students from Years 10 and 11. Last term, the groups took part in training activities in preparation for their Adventurous Journey, including navigation, route planning, map reading and team building. Now that the College has this licence, students have been signed up to the online record book to manage their progress in the different activity sections. 

It takes at least 6 months to complete the Bronze Award and students must complete three different extracurricular activities that can count towards this. They choose these for themselves from each of the following sections: physical recreation, voluntary service and skills sections. 

The final section is the Adventure journey. This is the most exciting and memorable part of The Award. It is a 2-day and one night expedition that the students plan themselves and for which they are completely self sufficient. From now until Easter, students will be receiving training to prepare them for this, including how to put up tents, pack a rucksack and cook meals and a 2-day training expedition. We have also organised an outside provider to deliver a first aid course for students so they are not only fully prepared for all eventualities but obtain an official first aid certificate.

As you can see, signing up for The Award requires a lot of training and commitment, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn outside the classroom and receive official recognition for it.

Emergency First Responders training

Sixteen of our Year 12 students have grabbed the opportunity to complete a course in Emergency First Response. This vital life skill includes training in how to handle an emergency scene, CPR, dealing with bleeding, shock and choking and how to use a defibrillator. Arranged by Ms Sweeting and Mr Toal, this is being offered as part of their PE curriculum, leading to an internationally recognised qualification. We are delighted to be able to offer such important education and hope it will be here for years to come.

CRIIO Cricket Coaching Qualification

Soon we will have eleven fully qualified cricket coaches at our school, all of them Aloha students! This amazing opportunity comes in partnership with Costa del Sol Cricket Club who are training our senior students to provide coaching for our younger students, as well as offering a trip to see an upcoming international cricket event, broadcast live on TV! Forming part of our goal to provide genuine leadership opportunities to students, our coaches will soon be running cricket coaching as an after school club, watch this space!

PSHEE news!

Students across Key Stages 3-5 have been covering a number of different topics since we returned from our Christmas break. Y10 have been looking at ‘The risks of Gambling’ whilst Y12 have started a series of lessons based on  ‘Stalking’.  Our KS3 students kicked off the new year by creating their very own vision boards. This involved reflecting on what they achieved last year and setting meaningful goals for 2022.  We can’t wait to see how our KS3 students get on. Good luck!

One subject is chosen from each of the following groups:

  1. Language and Literature (Language A). Students take their studies in a language in which they are academically competent.
  2. Language acquisition (Language B). A modern language course with an emphasis on understanding another culture through its language.
  3. Individuals and Societies: Provides for the development of a critical appreciation of the nature and activities of human activities in history and the physical, economic and social environment that people inhabit.
  4. Experimental Sciences: The exploration of concepts, theories, models and techniques that underpin each subject area and through these, develop their understanding of the scientific method.
  5. Mathematics: The development of mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles and the development of logical, critical and creative thinking.
  6. The Arts: Students develop their understanding of the dynamic and changing nature of the arts and explore the diversity of arts and learn to express themselves with confidence and competence. Students may opt to study an additional science, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.

The requirement that students take at least one subject from each of the first five groups listed ensures a balanced education. Thus, the scientist continues the study of languages and one of the humanities, while the arts student continues to take mathematics and science. Furthermore, students may choose their study programmes to take into account their interests, abilities and future career or education requirements by the choice of the sixth subject and by the choice of subjects offered at Higher Level.

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Darren Roth
Headteacher Secondary
Earned his BA(Hons) in English Literature from Cardiff University before completing his teaching qualification as a secondary English teacher at Swansea University. Over 17 years in South Wales, he held roles including Head of English, Head of Sixth Form, and senior management before joining Aloha College Marbella in 2012. A passionate educator, Darren finds immense satisfaction in students’ success.
His diverse interests extend beyond the classroom. Darren obtained his pilot’s licence at 17 through a Royal Air Force scholarship and continued training for years. He volunteered in the Camp America scheme, played water polo for Wales Under 18s, and taught children to swim.
Outside of his professional and athletic pursuits, Darren enjoys reading, cycling, and walking his rescue Yorkshire Terrier, Charley. A paddleboarding enthusiast, he finds joy in outdoor activities. Darren also has a flair for cooking and delights in preparing meals for friends. He holds a special affection for the Andalusian sunshine and seizes every opportunity to explore Spain and beyond.
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Louise Verinder
Designated Safeguarding Lead & Pastoral Care

Louise earned her BA Hons degree from Edge Hill University and went on to complete her PGCE. With a lifelong passion for sports, she always knew she wanted to become a PE teacher. She excelled, particularly in sports acrobatics, earning the honor of representing Great Britain. For fourteen years, she served as head of PE in Chorley, in the north-west of England, before embarking on what was supposed to be a year’s sabbatical in Spain.

Louise joined Aloha College in 2014 as a part-time teacher of PE. A couple of years later, she transitioned into the role of pastoral care, a role that she absolutely loves. Tasked with leading the secondary school’s PSHEE program and serving as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, she finds great pleasure in developing positive working relationships with teenagers, supporting their mental health and wellbeing, helping develop their self-esteem and confidence, as well as helping them navigate the challenges of life!
Louise is passionate about learning and developing her skillset. She is an accredited life coach with the ICF, specializing in working with teenagers. She has studied for a Diploma in NLP and has recently been awarded a Level 5 Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health-Informed Schools and Communities. 
Outside of teaching, Louise loves the simple things in life. Spending time with her family and friends, travelling, and spending time outside hiking, skiing and paddleboarding. She loves good food and she feels truly blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
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Sara Dickie
Head of Key Stage 2

Graduated from the University of Plymouth with a BEd (hons) specialising in English Literature and teaching children in the primary age range.  For the next 17 years, Sara worked in large, central and outer London schools.  As a senior leader in the UK, Sara raised attainment and supported curriculum development across groups of schools in the local area and worked with the local education authority to provide training across boroughs. She ensured the success of school improvement in roles such as leader of English, Maths and SEND provision over the years.  Sara moved to Spain in 2017 and is currently our Head of Key Stage 2.  

Sara has travelled to many fascinating destinations across the globe and still counts travel as one of her interests.  However, she now spends more time at her rural finca in the Andalucian mountains than ever before due to the increasing number of rescue animals she supports.  Outside of education, Sara loves to spend time in the countryside with her horses, dogs and many other animals under her care. 
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Liz Keys
Teaching & Learning

Liz gained a BA.Hons degree in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Hull.  After her PGCE  she began her teaching career at a state Primary School in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Her passion for teaching and her love of travel soon prompted her to take up her next role as a Reception class teacher at Bangkok Patana School in Thailand where she gained invaluable experience of working in an international environment. 

A desire to move closer to the UK prompted Liz to join Aloha College Marbella in 1997 where she has been a Key Stage leader in both KS1 & KS2. She is passionate about providing children with a Creative Curriculum which  provides exciting stimuli and first-hand learning experiences. Her interests are reading, travel and sampling different cuisines.
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Anna Sweeting
Head of Key Stage 3 and Enrichment

Completed her degree in Business, Accounting and Finance, then later a Certificate in Mathematics. Having worked in banking, accounting and education finance she started teaching by founding a tuition company in 2006 and lecturing part-time in a further education college. These both grew, and a decision was made to sell the business and lecture full time, while also leading GCSE Maths. Anna made the move to secondary education in 2015, then joined Aloha College in 2016.

Anna loves inspiring students to try new things and to grasp opportunities, you never know where they will lead! She enjoys performing in theatre shows and singing, but the most drama in her life comes from being an avid follower of Blackpool FC, a curse that she has passed on to her two sons.
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Jacqueline Brice
Head of Key Stage 4

Achieved a first class Honours degree in Mathematics and Physics from Kings College London before pursuing a career in broadcasting. She indulged her curiosity in the latest scientific and technological advances as a producer of scientific documentaries for BBC Radio and Television and then moved into fly-on-the-wall documentary making for Channel 4 with the police and the Royal Navy. Her broadcasting career has taken her flying through thunderstorms with lightning chasers in North Dakota, to crime scenes with the Metropolitan Police murder squad and from the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious to Gibraltar by Sea King helicopter. 

As her young family took priority in her life, she turned her degree into a Post Graduate Certificate of Education and brought her family to Spain, where she has continued to share her love of mathematics, science and life-long learning with the students of Aloha College for almost two decades. Over the years, she has thoroughly enjoyed leading the Mathematics Department and Key Stage 3 and now she is working as the Head of Key Stage 4, hoping to instill a love for learning and international travel in our young adults and to encourage them to value a broad range of creative, analytical and communication skills.
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Ellen Richards
Head of EYFS

Studied at the University of Chester where she completed her BEd (Hons) in  Primary education, specialising in the Early Years. She believes there is no age range more exciting and inspiring with which to work, and feels fortunate to have truly found her vocation. 

Ellen has taught at international schools in Guangzhou, China, Bangkok, Thailand and London, UK, before joining the Aloha College Marbella team in 2018 where she is currently Head of Foundation Stage. Having attended international schools herself in Maseru, Lesotho, Yokohama, Japan and South Wales in the UK, Ellen feels a strong sense of belonging within our multicultural community.
Outside of work, Ellen is most content exploring all and any creative pursuits, be it in a rather haphazard way! What she lacks in finesse she makes up for in enthusiasm, and will happily while away the weekend with her sewing machine. 
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Elaine McGirl
Head of Key Stage 5

An experienced educator with over two decades of expertise in the field of science and education. Originally from Ireland, Elaine graduated with Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Limerick after earning a Bachelor of Science in Education majoring in Biology and Chemistry. 

Driven by a passion for understanding how students learn best, Elaine has held diverse roles in education, including lecturing and tutoring in educational psychology to undergraduate students. She has extensive experience teaching various curricula, including the International Baccalaureate, A Levels and the Irish Leaving certificate, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of various educational systems. 
In 2007, Elaine joined Aloha College Marbella, where she has served as an IB and A-Level Biology teacher, General Science teacher, and Head of the Science Department. Currently, she holds the position of Head of Sixth Form and IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to guiding students towards academic excellence and personal growth.
Outside of teaching, Elaine enjoys Irish dancing, Flamenco, and salsa. She can play several instruments from her days in a youth marching band. Elaine loves traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with animals.
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Anne Ross
Head of Key Stage 1

Began her teaching career with a Foundation Degree in Early Years from the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland. She managed and developed a Nursery School in the Highlands for several years and was very involved in raising the awareness and the importance of Early Years education throughout many schools in the Highlands and North of Scotland. Anne then furthered her studies, experience and expertise by gaining a PGCE at the University of Buckingham to further her career in Primary education.

At Aloha Anne has always been passionate about extending her knowledge and learning, she is currently studying to become a certified Well-Being coach. She is a strong advocate of student wellbeing, emotional intelligence and social development, these important life skills ensure our students emerge more resilient and ready to face future adversities. 
Even though Anne has lived in Spain for over 20 years, she loves to explore Spain’s rich culture and many hidden treasures. She is an enthusiastic traveller with a love for diverse destinations and learning from different cultures. Anne has always been passionate about sports and keeping fit and in her spare time she loves Crossfit classes, family time and reading.
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Emma Saunders
Primary Designated Safeguarding Lead & Pastoral Car

Emma has dedicated her entire teaching and professional career to ACM. A Saint Mary’s University London honour’s graduate, holding a Masters Degree in International Education from Oxford Brookes, Emma has shaped her career into a student-centric narrative. Her experience and research into “Third Culture Kids’, which recognises our students unique educational, international and Spanish experience, was used in crafting and developing the Primary PSHEE programme, facilitating essential skills appropriate to academic, psychological and emotional well-being.

Emma’s professionalism at Charity, is helping change lives for the vulnerable, in Málaga and Africa where ACM has initiated educational programmes in Kampala. Her work as a rapporteur for the COBIS ConnectED sessions is established and recognised. As a qualified Catechist, Emma’s Pastoral Care role is busy and engaging. As a safeguarding expert and officer, fluent in Spanish, Emma analyses the latest programmes, developments and policies, at national and International level.
As a former ballerina, Emma trained young dancers for school shows and Marbella events in modern/Irish dance, and regularly performed in her native West End. Emma also enjoys entertaining family and friends, however Tara the Afghan Hound as the newest member of the Saunders family, is the one who now steals the show!
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Kate Edwards
Headteacher Primary

Kate graduated from the University of Central England with a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education, specialising in the Early Years. As an experienced leader in both UK and international educational settings, Kate is committed to providing students with a learning environment that celebrates effort and achievement in both academic and personal endeavors. In July 2019, Kate, completed the Cobis Program for Aspiring Heads, before taking on her first headship with us in 2023. 

In her spare time, Kate loves spending time with her husband and three children. They often enjoy trips to the park, constructing Lego masterpieces, strolls along the beach and splashing about in the pool. When time allows, Kate also loves to bake.  At home you’ll often find her whipping up a storm in the kitchen. Rumour has it, she dreams of donning the iconic apron on the Great British Bake Off one day! 
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