Parent Newsletter May 2023

Dear parents,

This is my last newsletter! Yet again, this month has been filled with news to share.

Here are just a few highlights:

Nursery Assemblies

The two Nursery classes performed their assemblies this week in front of very proud moms and dads. Their singing was amazing – it brought tears of happiness to everyone’s eyes.

Well done to all our nursery children and thank you to all our nursery staff.

Look at our champion of Taekwondo – Congratulations Alex!!

Such an artist

Daniela in Year 6 below, with a very proud Mr Smith, completed this amazing art piece (with a little help from her big sister , Milana)

RUGBY U12 Champions

Last weekend, 3 Year 6 students Artur, Oisin and James travelled to Madrid to compete with their Marbella Rugby Club U12 teammates against the highest-level clubs from all over Spain.

1,400 Under 12 Rugby players gathered to compete in the most important National Rugby Festival in Spain, bringing another Marbella Rugby Club season to a close.

Our boys and their teammates did amazingly well, playing intense matches, and were declared champions.

Well done to our boys who were congratulated for their high level of Rugby and great attitude, and are amongst some of Spain’s most promising future Rugby players.

Gymnastics

Jasmine in Year 5 competed in the Andalusian Championships of Rhythmic Gymnastics and won third place in her category. 

Congratulations future Olympian!

Year 5 Greek Style Painted Pots

Year 5 have been learning about Ancient Greece and Rome in their IPC – History lessons.  As part of an art project related to the theme, the children brought in flower pots and painted them in the style of the ancient Greeks.  

In the secondary section, the place is buzzing with pupil examinations and PCTs.

IB students in Year 13 can now relax as their public exams have ended, whilst the A-level students have hardly begun.

Keep up your efforts, everyone, and may all your hard work reap rewards.

A group of pupils took the DELE B1 exam in Malaga.

Gala Dinner

Please remember there are still tickets available for the Gala Dinner to be held on 9 June – Tickets will be on sale every day in school and on Saturday 3 June at Family Fun Day.

Family Fun Day

This takes place on Saturday 3 June and promises to be another fantastic day for all our community to share.

The highlight of last year’s event was the “Bake a Cake” competition.

Why not start planning your cake donation, and be brave enough to enter this year’s competition.

Alongside this are many other activities. I look forward to sharing the day with you.

Gates open at 10:30 am.

Now enjoy further news from the Primary and Secondary sections.

PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS

This month has been full of excitement, energy and looking to the future as children have participated in school trips, residentials, World Bee Day, class assemblies, Yr 6 transition days to secondary and much more. 

“Playing dress-up begins at age five and never truly ends.” —Kate Spade. 

This was so true as the whole college came together to raise money for our Aloha Spirit fashion show. Our youngest pupils were delighted with themselves, with exclamations of, “Do you know, I’m a top model?!”. They were coached on their walking technique by Mrs Ele, Lior and Liat’s mummy and did a phenomenal job of strutting their stuff! They modelled the beautiful ‘Beads of Hope’; artisan jewellery made of recycled paper designed and created by individuals living in the Kantanga slum in Kampala, Uganda.We were also entertained by a dazzling performance of Flamenco and Hip- Hop dancing. It was truly a night to remember and one which is sure to be a fixture on the Aloha calendar. 

Our youngest learners in Nursery wowed their parents with an intimate assembly in which they taught us all how to look after plants and help them to grow. The children did us all proud and truly showed us how lucky we are to have them in our school. Thank you to all of our teachers, children and, of course, all of our wonderful parents for supporting the children with their costumes and performance. 

Calling all fashionistas! A group of girls from RCKHO were keen to support our Aloha Spirit charity fashion show. Amy gathered her friends, Victoria, Siena and Kenza. The girls set to work designing a range of fashion-inspired greetings cards. Amy says that she would like to open a clothes shop when she grows up and send all of the proceeds to charity. 

Although the term is flying by we still have a lot of learning to do and many memorable events and celebrations planned. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at these events.

SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS

Student eye

Again, we bring to you a fantastic article written by our newly-appointed Head Student, Amani Husaini. Edited by Pedro Mees and Carlos Nobile, this month’s article features the Uganda project.

READ THE ARTICLE

Athletics 

At the end of a very busy term two for sport at ACM, it was fantastic to be able to afford our pupils the opportunity to compete in a full athletics competition at the municipal stadium in Estepona. After practising in PE lessons, all students selected their preferred three disciplines from both track and field and went all out to get as many points as possible for their respective houses.

The track events were awesome, with the relays stealing the show at the end with some very tight, hard fought races. In the field events, there were some outstanding efforts and 9 new records set along the way. Congratulations to all our athletes who ran, jumped and threw for their new houses. Many athletes managed to set new personal bests which is fantastic and the PE department are immensely proud of their commitment and effort. House winners this year were the Dolphins!

Following this, ACM competed at the International Schools Athletics tournament, where 12 schools from across the coast compete to see who will become the champion. This was the first event of its kind since 2019 due to Covid19, and we managed to defend our title. ACM were the overall champions scoring a total of 785 points with the nearest school placing with 650.

There were several records broken by our students, two of which came in the relays. It was an outstanding achievement and confirmed that all our students’ hard work throughout this and the previous years has been very worthwhile

Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions

The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award practice and qualifying expeditions took place over 2 weekends in March and May to Jimena de la Frontera and Tarifa. They were truly unforgettable adventures, offering participants a unique blend of camping, navigation, and self-sufficiency. The breathtaking landscapes of our local areas and national parks provided the perfect backdrop for these journeys, testing the resilience and skills of each participant. Equipped with maps, compasses, and their own resourcefulness, they tackled challenging terrains including rivers, sand dunes, and beaches. Supported by a dedicated team of teachers, they overcame obstacles, reached designated checkpoints, and learned important lessons in teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability. Taking charge of their own provisions and cooking, they faced the elements with determination over the two-day / one-night trips. These expeditions were transformative experiences, fostering personal growth and resilience among our impressive year 10 students. We couldn’t be prouder of their successful completion of both adventures.

The pupils of the Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition embarked on an exciting journey to Grazalema National Park. With backpacks packed and maps in hand, they set off on their adventure into the beautiful Spanish wilderness, testing their endurance, navigation skills, and teamwork.

Throughout their journey, the pupils successfully tackled three of the most spectacular routes in Grazalema, whilst also completing personal projects on topics such as emotional well-being, art and even extreme chess. They ventured along the Sendero del Río Majaceite, a picturesque trail that wound its way alongside a glistening river. They also traversed the El Pinsapar Trail, surrounded by ancient Spanish fir trees, known as “pinsapos.” Finally, they pushed themselves to reach new heights by summiting Al Simancón y Reloj, two breathtaking peaks of the Sierra del Endrinal. The panoramic views from the summit left the pupils in awe of the park’s natural splendour.

Overall, the pupils’ Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition to Grazalema National Park was a fulfilling and challenging experience. They not only completed their planned activities but also forged lasting memories and gained a deep appreciation for the park’s remarkable landscapes and biodiversity.

Media Premiere

This month saw our inaugural ACM film festival, a celebration of the work of our sixth form Media students. This took the form of a Gala Screening of their work, a mixture of feature film openings and music videos, all devised and produced from scratch. The event, at the Red Dog Cinema in Puerto Banús, was well attended by students, parents and staff, and hosted by our Media teacher, Mr Fraser Sharp. It is no exaggeration to say that the general quality of the work shown was outstanding, with several pieces of a simply stunning professional standard. Huge congratulations to the students involved! We look forward to developing the event further in years to come to build on this excellent beginning. 

Y7 and Y12 ESS Beach Trip to Mijas Costa

The Year 7 beach trip to the rocky shore at Mijas Costa, guided by the Year 12 ESS pupils, proved to be an invaluable experience for all involved. The transects allowed students to explore the diverse habitats along the shore, while rock pooling opened their eyes to the wonders of marine life. Additionally, students collected data on variation and size of limpets and periwinkles and abiotic factors, which they will use for further study back in the classroom. The leadership provided by the Year 12 ESS students not only facilitated the learning process but also inspired the younger students to develop a deeper connection with the natural world. This trip will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the Year 7 students, fostering a sense of environmental awareness of the natural world we are lucky to have on our doorstep here in Marbella.

Y6 transition

Year 6 Transition was once again filled with happy faces! Students seemed to love the lessons they experienced and secondary teachers kept coming to tell Mr Smith and Mrs Brice that they were so impressed with the enthusiasm and manners of this year group. We can’t wait to see them in September but don’t forget they must make a choice between French and German before Friday, June 2nd.

Wishing you lovely weeks ahead.

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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