CICAE held the 18th Benchmarking and Education Meeting at Alameda and Arcángel International Schools in Madrid. During February 16 and 17, nearly 100 professionals, managers and educators from the best private schools in Spain, had the opportunity to learn about an innovative educational project, in search of educational excellence, with the most innovative facilities, focused on the future of students.
The participants were impressed with the commitment of both centers, which generously opened their doors so that the education professionals could learn first-hand about the fundamental pillars of their Educational Project.
Day 1: Educational immersion at Alameda International School
On Thursday, February 15, the directors and teachers had the opportunity to learn in depth about the Alameda de Osuna International School project , which is synthesized in the idea of “promoting talents” capable of carrying out their life project in a climate of trust, autonomy, responsibility and appreciation of effort: “to build people who reach their full potential through work and emotional balance”.
During the day, the attendees were divided into working groups to be able to immerse themselves in the center and discover its project, from the different educational stages.
In addition, the school designed an interesting agenda with practical workshops, presentations and spaces for reflection to present some of its most significant projects: The Future Gate (College Counselling), the CAOS Project (creativity, music and artistic expression), Going Green (Ecological Footprint: integrating sustainability in education), the “Strong Minds, Healthy Hearts” Project or the ‘Active Life, Healthy Life’ Project: 360º degree sports integration in the Educational Community.
Day 2: Educational immersion at the Archangel International School
On Friday, February 16, the meeting moved to a new venue, the Archangel Raphael Archangel Raphael International School presented the fundamental pillars of its educational project, centered on the idea of “building people”, “people capable of developing their own skills and discovering the best of themselves”.
During the day, issues related to the idea of valuing “the effort of each of the students within a climate of trust and respect” were addressed, through some of their projects: ‘The Wanderlust Club, passion for travel’, ‘Personal Project’, ‘Accompanied Scientists’, ‘Educational Seed’, ‘Architecture and human architecture’ or the project ‘Service as action’, in which the students of 4th grade presented their successful Christmas campaign, “Collecting toys”.
During the Benchmarking, the exchange of experiences and good practices was promoted, with the participation of educational institutions associated to CICAE such as: Agora Lledó, Agora Madrid International School, Colegio Arturo Soria, Brains International School, Colegio Británico de Aragón, Colegio Europeo de Madrid, Colegio Madrid, Colegio Madrid, Colegio Manuel Peleteiro, Colegio Suizo de Madrid, El Centro Inglés, Escuela Ideo, Colegio Estudio/Fundación Estudio, Institución educativa Los Sauces, Colegio Internacional Aravaca, Colegio Liceo Sorolla, Lope de Vega International School, Complejo Educativo Más Camarena, Mirabal International School, Montessori Palau Girona, San Patricio La Moraleja, SEK International Schools, St. Peter’s School Barcelona, Colegio Virgen de la Vega International School Barcelona, Colegio de la Reina Sofía, Colegio de la Reina Sofía. St. Peter’s School Barcelona, Colegio Virgen de Europa, Yago School, Colegio San José.
The icing on the cake was a private visit to the Almudena Cathedral Museum and dinner at the Papagena Restaurant in the Teatro Real.
To round off such an enriching day, those attending the 18th CICAE Educational Benchmarking were treated to a private visit to the Almudena Cathedral Museum, courtesy of ODILO. The visit began in the rooms of the Cathedral: the Chapter Hall and the Main Sacristy, decorated with modern mosaics by the Slovenian priest Fr. Marko I. Marko I. Rupnik. s.j. Through scenes from the Old and New Testament we discovered the link between Creation and the story of Salvation.
The origin and history of the Church of Madrid occupy the first space of the Museum’s exhibition, with the portraits of the twelve bishops who have governed the diocese from 1885 to the present. Also on display are the portraits of the kings who promoted the construction of the Cathedral, Don Alfonso XII and Doña María de las Mercedes. And a selection of offerings and donations are exhibited, among which the valuable codex of Juan Diácono, the oldest document on the life and miracles of San Isidro, stands out.
Then, after climbing the stairs, you reach the dome of the Cathedral, from where you can enjoy extraordinary views of the city of Madrid.
After the private visit, the day ended in the best way, with dinner at the Papagena Restaurant, located on the sixth floor of the Teatro Real, with stunning views of the Royal Palace and the gardens of the Plaza de Oriente. In the restaurant, named after the charming character from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”, the attendees were able to continue exchanging ideas in a more informal atmosphere.
