Enhancing Holistic and Global Learning at St George Madrid

Implementing the IPC in our school is the latest development in the growth of the cross-curricular thematic approach to learning that we have nurtured over the past eight years.

Formally linking with the IPC gives our teachers access to a range of fabulous learning resources, while providing structure to our existing curriculum. The IPC provides a well-structured, thematic approach that encourages students to connect learning across subjects, fostering a deeper understanding and curiosity about the world. Students develop a robust foundation in core subjects while also exploring creative areas such as the arts, history, and geography, promoting a primarily skills based curriculum which still covers all aspects of our British curriculum model. 

This year our Additional Learning Needs (ALN) department has been restructured with the appointment of Mr William Wallace as the new Head of Department and with Ms Lidia Dolz taking up a brand new role as School Counsellor, in order to support our excellent pastoral team. Ms Lidia is also developing a range of new testing that we previously relied on an outside agency to deliver, meaning that we can now assess within school and make recommendations to our examination boards for exam access arrangements for students in need of, for example, extra time in exams, a reader or scribe, or to be able to use a keyboard or dictation tools during exams. At St. George Madrid, our commitment is to ensure that every student reaches their full potential, recognising that all children have different unique abilities and gifts. For this reason, the Learning Support department plays a key role in providing our students with the tailored support they need, helping to ensure that St George Madrid can realise its vision to be an international learning community where every child thrives. One key advantage of the IPC is its international perspective, which is especially beneficial in a globally focused British International school. The curriculum helps students appreciate and understand cultural diversity, building awareness and respect for different traditions and perspectives. This approach encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, which are essential in an interconnected world. 

Furthermore, the IPC places strong emphasis on personal goals, including adaptability, resilience, and ethical awareness, equipping students with the values and skills needed for future challenges. Teachers also benefit, as the IPC’s flexible structure allows for creativity and adaptation to meet students’ needs and interests. The IPC programme in the primary school is being led by our new IPC Coordinator, Mr Ollie Mills and we hope you have already started seeing the benefits through some of our student showcases; a key feature of learning in the IPC.