LEADERS IN LEARNING


CAMBRIDGE-STRATEGIES.ORG SGS-EN.EDU.CO


BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA


“WE WANT TO TEACH STUDENTS HOW TO CARE FOR OUR PLANET: TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO PLAY, SOCIALISE, LEARN AND DEVELOP SKILLS”


ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL


CAST ASIDE MEMORIES of soggy semolina and ketchup-covered chips —school dinners at St George’s School in Bogotá, Colombia, are fit for the most health-conscious of diners. “The food the children are served has no additives, no added sugar


and no preservatives,” says Head Teacher Jaime Acosta. “We use ingredients from our organic gardens. We have our own bakery and we prepare our own ice creams. We know that, when children have sweet food and drinks, it alters their behaviour—so, by providing a healthy diet, we’re caring for their minds as well as their bodies.” This is just one manifestation of the school’s holistic approach to


education—one that has been a trademark since it was founded by Acosta’s mother, Mary Allen de Acosta MBE, in 1958. The philosophy has served it well. Today, St George’s is a thriving private school, promoting British principles to its 1,400 boys and girls, aged four to 18.


WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION “Our school is an urban nature reserve,” says Acosta of the seven-hectare site. “We have parkland with a lake, and classified birds and trees—and we use the environment to teach students how to care for our increasingly fragile planet. We want them to have a healthy environment in which to play, socialise, learn and develop skills.” “It’s a complete approach,” adds Deputy Head Myriam Copete,


“and it’s about connecting the curriculum. If children are learning about compost or recycling, for example, they can see those things in action.” St George’s also makes connections with other local schools, sharing its expertise and knowledge. There is an expansive extracurricular offering too, with a range of outings, sports, arts and music activities designed to develop well-rounded


students with heightened social awareness. Examples include St George’s 160-strong symphonic orchestra and its array of successful sports teams. School trips include ecological excursions to the Amazon jungle and nature reserves on the north coast of Colombia. “Everything we do has to be top quality,” says Acosta.


SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS Founded as an international school, another of St George’s strengths is its focus on languages. While the Colombian government is working hard to encourage schools nationwide to adopt two languages, St George’s has been teaching three—Spanish, English and French—for years. The school also imparts an awareness of the increasingly global nature of work, education and media. Children sit both Colombian and international exams, using the Cambridge International Examinations curriculum, and the school partners with the Alliance Francais. “Although most of our students are Colombian,” says Acosta, “it’s important to have the international curriculum because most want to go to university or do postgraduate studies overseas.” St George’s also works with local charities and foundations. It participates


in various initiatives including the local “Cigarra” project, where food, study and care are provided to 150 students of low income. Acosta is rightly proud of this work. “We want to transform our society through education and solidarity,” he says. Through its holistic and progressive approach, the multi-award-winning


St George’s School has consistently been ranked among Colombia’s top 10 educational establishments. Its children are happy and confident—not to mention well fed. With this level of care, St George’s children are ready for whatever challenges life may present.

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