O Castro British International School, training centre and benchmark in outdoor learning

In February, O Castro British International School becomes a reference centre for outdoor learning in the Globeducate British International Schools with the celebration of "The Journey Hub", a meeting that was inaugurated this morning by the Mayoress of Mos, Nidia Arévalo. Mr González, Outdoor Learning Coordinator at O Castro said: “It has been a pleasure to host such an event at O Castro and establish connections with other colleagues that will lead to collaboration between schools over the next few months.”

The programme, which is integrated across the curriculum, offers students challenging and enriching activities organised to develop a range of fundamental skills in an incomparable natural environment. In addition, this programme lays the foundation for following the internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh programme.

A project in which the Council of Mos is very involved, since in order to carry out this prestigious international award (Duke of Edinburgh), aimed at students over 14 years old, the students will begin to carry out their expeditions in the mountains of this municipality, in an enviable natural environment. Likewise, as part of the volunteer programme of this international award, the students will collaborate in the refurbishment of the Aldea Alfacuca farm-school, which is owned by the municipality, and will take on the preparation and maintenance of some of the hiking trails that run through the surroundings of the school, located next to the Alto de San Cosme.

Mr González: Participating in this workshop and learning about what other schools are doing, as well as meeting The Journey leaders, has been a great opportunity to provide context to the activities we carry out at O Castro. It allowed us to see the potential through the experiences of the experts leading them. However, what stands out for me is the passion with which they speak about outdoor education and the valuable experiences it provides for both students and themselves.”

After being recognised as the best school in the group worldwide in outdoor learning, O Castro British International School received the visit of a dozen teachers from other Globeducate British International Schools in Europe to share their know how in the design and execution of The Journey".

For two days, teachers from O Castro shared their experiences with the rest of the group and sought for synergies to continue offering the best educational experiences beyond the classroom to their students. We are talking about "The Journey", a personal journey of self-improvement and self-discovery from the age of three onwards, to build character, knowledge, skills, competences and global perspectives.

Oahn Crouch said: “The GBIS Journey workshop was a valuable opportunity to connect and share the incredible skills, expertise and experience we have amongst us. The Journey Leads facilitated workshops to further develop our collective skills in leading outdoor learning pursuits and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award in their own schools.   A fantastic two days of collaboration and learning.”