Curriculum

It is at this stage that pupils must acquire the habits and tools necessary to successfully enter Secondary Education.

Individual study, order, neatness in their work and a love for things well done are achievements that all of them must attain.

Therefore, cooperative learning, sport, swimming, information technology and a very structured curriculum together with the Primary School Programme of the prestigious International Baccalaureate Organisation are the premises that identify our teaching in Primary.

In this section we continue with a broad study of the English language in subjects such as Social Studies, Natural Science, English, Reading, Speaking, Art and Music. In addition, the study of French is incorporated as a third language from the fourth year of Primary School.

Innovation and technology are elements present in the educational process of our school. The iPad project, the Robotics and Programming subjects and the MAC laboratory provide students with a wide range of learning experiences.

In the arts we provide a harmonious development of their bodies and we instil values that enable coexistence and harmony: companionship, generosity and empathy, among others. The pupils practise musical instruments such as the xylophone, flute and guitar.

The main objective of Secondary Education is to help our students to become men and women with an open mind and a critical spirit, to educate them in tolerance and respect by promoting progress and culture.

To achieve this we implement new pedagogical initiatives that allow us to accelerate the pace of enrichment of our students in a constructive and affective motivating environment.

We offer our students an academic plan composed of subjects that develop several fundamental areas in their education: science, sport and swimming, mathematics, language and literature, music and art, among others, within a demanding framework that guarantees future success both in university entrance and in professional life for our students. All this with an intensive study of the English language.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate is aimed at students aged 12 to 16.

This programme provides a framework for the academic, personal, social and emotional development of students. It focuses on the development of critical thinking, research and communication skills.

Values education continues to be the focal point of the whole educational process. Both academic performance and correct behaviour in the Centre will be the basic rules in the process of selection and permanence of all those who make up the School.

Art combines different techniques such as engraving, painting, drawing and sculpture. We analyse works of art and study the history of art. In addition, students develop their creativity so that their works are original and unpublished. Different themes such as still lifes, landscapes, human figures and abstract art are dealt with. In music they practise instrumental guitar and piano, learn about the history of music and can join the school band.

The IB Diploma programme and the Unified General Baccalaureate are aimed at Second and Third year Baccalaureate students.

The Bachillerato General Unificado is a study programme created by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador with the purpose of offering a better educational service for all young people who have passed the Educación General Básica. It aims to prepare students for life and participation in a democratic society, for the world of work or entrepreneurship, and to continue with their university studies.

The IB Diploma programme trains students to be internationally minded and aims to produce students who achieve excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, while growing physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

Graduates gain access to the best universities in the world.

Founded in 1968 in Switzerland, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation offering four programmes, aimed at students aged 3 to 19, which aim to develop well-rounded individuals to face today’s challenges with optimism and an open mind.

In order to become IB World Schools, SEK Los Valles successfully completed an authorisation process to deliver three of its programmes: PEP, PAI and Diploma.

PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAMME – PEP

• Aimed at pupils from 3 to 12 years old (Playgroup to Year 7).
• Pupils express their opinions, make choices and take responsibility for their learning.
• Its methodology promotes collaborative work and focuses on the integral development of students.
• Learning takes place through enquiry and reflection.
• It promotes independence and autonomy.
• At the end of the programme, students present an exhibition of their PYP work.

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME – PAI

• Aimed at students from 11 to 16 years of age (Eighth year of Basic to First year of Baccalaureate).
• It establishes practical connections between studies and the real world.
• Its methodology promotes autonomous and continuous enquiry within a global context.
• Students build a solid academic foundation, develop the confidence to manage their own learning.
• Students acquire and develop various communication skills that enable them to convey their thinking effectively in diverse situations.
• At the end of the programme, students sit international assessments and complete a personal project.

BILINGUAL DIPLOMA PROGRAMME – PD

• Aimed at students from 16 to 19 years old (Second and Third Baccalaureate).
• Its aim is to form students with a broad and deep knowledge, and at the same time to grow physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.
• Its curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the core components: Theory of Knowledge (TDC), Creativity,
• Activity and Service (CAS) and the Monograph.
• Subject Groups
  • Group 1: Language A Literature
  • Group 2: English B
  • Group 3: History and Economics
  • Group 4: Biology, Physics and Chemistry
  • Group 5: Mathematics Analysis and Approaches
  • Group 6: Visual Arts

At the end of the programme, students are assessed with international IB tests.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) ATTRIBUTES

The aim of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes is to develop internationally minded individuals who, aware of their common humanity and shared responsibility for the planet, contribute to the creation of a better and more peaceful world.

The attributes of the IB are:

• Enquiry
• Knowledge
• Reasoning
• Communication
• Integrity
• Open-mindedness
• Solidarity
• Boldness
• Balance
• Reflection

ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

In a world increasingly interconnected by modern communication systems, fluency in several languages, especially English, is not only desirable, but necessary. For this reason, English is becoming a language of practical, everyday use in the classroom. Not only are language and grammar lessons taught in English, but also several subjects are taught in English. Thus, by the end of their school years, pupils are fluent in English, both orally and in writing.

The subjects offered in English in each section are:

CAMBRIDGE CERTIFICATIONS

The school offers its students the possibility of obtaining a Cambridge English certificate, internationally recognised qualifications that certify the student’s level of English.

The Cambridge exams assess the different language skills: oral comprehension, written expression, use of English, listening comprehension and oral expression.

Cambridge eXAMS

• Cambridge offers three types of exams for students up to the age of 11: Starters (before A1 level), Movers (A1) and Flyers (similar to A2 level).
• KET (A2 level): Shows that the student can communicate in simple situations.
• PET (level B1): The Preliminary exam is an intermediate level certificate which tests the student’s use of English in everyday situations, that they can read simple books and texts, and are able to take notes in a conversation or meeting.
• First Certificate (level B2): this is the first Cambridge certificate considered to be academic and professional in the Cambridge exam scale. The First Certificate is an upper-intermediate or B2 exam.
• Advanced (level C1): This is an advanced level exam and shows that the student is exceptional at communicating in English.

INTERNATIONAL INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMMES

SEK International offers its students the opportunity to participate in international intensive English language programmes at its schools in the United Kingdom (St. John’s) and the United States (Boca Prep). In both programmes, students have the opportunity to deepen their English language skills with native English teachers and students.

For more details, please visit the school’s website:

• Boca Prep (U.S.A) – https://bocaprep.net/
• St. John’s (U.K) – https://stjohnsdevon.co.uk/

FRENCH AS A THIRD LANGUAGE

From the fourth to the tenth year of primary school, pupils are taught French as a third language. In addition to learning a new language, they have the opportunity to get to know French culture. The level of French language attained at the end of Tenth Grade is equivalent to B1 or B2.