At Agora Princess Margaret International School we are an active, and creative school where each pupil, guided by their teachers, is the main player in their own learning. We use a methodology where pupils actively participate in classes; thoroughly analyse what is around them; talk with their classmates with respect and tolerance; work experimentally, cooperatively, and in a multidisciplinary way; show a sense of responsibility; and value effort. The work of the teacher is to motivate and guide the pupils so that they reflect on and manage to find a solution to the issues raised.
Making pupils the leading players in their own learning means they have the chance to build on their own knowledge which helps them to understand and learn how to act in the real world. At Agora Princess Margaret International School we use methodologies which place the children centre stage of this wonderful educational adventure.
Motivation and Challenge
It is a proven fact that pupils learn better when their work motivates them and it presents an appropriate degree of challenge. That is why at Agora Princess Margaret International School our pupils learn how to learn and come across motivating, innovative and experiential methods. For example, thanks to the school garden that the pupils have they acquire responsibility and sensitivity, as well as promoting healthy eating, and environmentally-friendly habits.Likewise, in Primary or Secondary, at Agora Princess Margaret International School, the laboratories are a place for experimentation in which pupils cultivate the scientific method and a critical spirit.
Personalised Teaching Methods
The work with the pupils starts with a study of their capacities, aptitudes and preferences. This enables the teachers to personalise methods and resources, placing a wide range of teaching techniques at the service of the development of each pupil: project work, direct instruction, critical thought... At Princess Margaret International School we believe in integration so that all pupils have the same opportunities to progress and learn. For this reason, we have a "Reception Classroom" where we provide linguistic support to foreign students, so that they can adapt to their classes in the best possible way. The aim of the Reception Classroom is that the student learns the language and reaches the necessary linguistic level, and at the same time gives them the emotional support to help them adapt to their new environment and situation.
We believe that our teachers should coach the students, combining all these resources to get the most out of each student.
Collaborative Learning
The basis of collaborative learning is team work, meaning that social and communicative interaction, two key elements for the development of their communicative skills, form part of the students’ daily life. In this type of learning, all the members of the team are involved, participate actively and equally, and are responsible for the work to achieve a shared goal.
Critical Thought
At Agora Princess Margaret International School our aim is to get our pupils to «learn how to learn» and therefore attain intellectual self-sufficiency. The key to fostering critical thought lies in working on certain skills from a young age, at the Infant School stage. Throughout their school life, the pupils develop their critical thought which helps them to research, analyse, evaluate and create.
Evaluation and Feedback for Learning
Student evaluation is constantly evolving and improving at our school. Part of this process of evaluation relies upon a formative assessment based on a variety of sources and inputs (for example, marks obtained, classroom observation, chats with pupils, best work portfolios). By giving regular and incisive feedback our teachers are able to identify the next steps to be taken in the learning process of each pupil and review the process overall. Sharing categorised information and success criteria make for greater academic success.