JUNE 2013 AMERICAN SCHOOL OF BILBAO NEWSLETTER
REFLECTIONS ON THE ACADEMIC YEAR ( cont .)
In order to move the learning process one step closer to the real world , our school ' s service learning component has developed significantly , led by the school ’ s CAS ( Creativity , Action and Service ) program which saw its extension to all levels of the school . As a result , a successful recycling program has been introduced across all divisions and , in addition , our students in the Upper School undertook a food drive while in the Lower School water conservation played a key role in the learning of others . Opportunities are being created for students in all grades to interact with their surroundings , inside and outside the school , to make a positive contribution to their society and that of others . This service learning component , so important in the development of 21 st century skills , will only see its expansion next year when we fortify our ties further with the United Nation ’ s UNESCO and UNICEF .
“... a successful recycling program has been introduced across all divisions ...”
This year also saw the culmination of our IB project that saw us authorized as an IB World School on April 19 th , 2013 . This shared vision was the product of much hard work and dedication from the Board , teachers , parents , students , and management ; it truly opens a new chapter in the history of ASB . As a result we are now joining an elite number of schools that offer this academically rigorous program , one that will provide our students with exceptional preparation for
“ This year also saw the culmination of our IB project that saw us authorized as an IB World School on April 19 th , 2013 .”
university studies and an additional competitive edge in our globalized society . We look forward to expanding the IB programs to the Early Childhood and Lower School grades next year as we study the feasibility of introducing the IB ’ s Primary Years Program .
This year has seen the design of a new school model to match the aims and international vision of the school : a new school timetable was created which provides deeper opportunities for learning by allowing for longer class sessions in the Lower School and blocks of two periods in the Upper School for the more challenging subjects . Also , our new model allows us to provide additional support , expand the language offerings provided , as well as continuing to offer preparation for some Fases Especificas , thus maximizing our students ´ opportunities when they prepare for university entrance . The learning at the school , and the opportunities offered to our students for better understanding and support , will be greatly enhanced next year and in the years to come .
Besides all the pedagogical and obvious changes that you have witnessed , there were also numerous internal changes that have made the school function in a more transparent and efficient way . From optimizing the human resources in the administrative personnel , to the weekly and monthly communication we offer you and the alignment of the math and writing curricula of the school , these and many other adjustments have brought up standards of operation within ASB .
A year of change , indeed ! But at the cost of repeating myself , I do not work alone . There is a fantastic team of professionals that take equal credit for the new ASB and I am indebted to them . From the Educational Leadership Team of Alan Wrafter and Roberto Santos whose friendship , support , enthusiasm and dedication I cherish to the committed administrative staff lead by Carlos Prado and the exceptional dedication of many truly gifted and wonderful teachers whose individual names I will not mention for fear of leaving someone out ; this has been a fantastic year at ASB and each one has lent to that in many different ways .
When I decided to join ASB I did so not knowing exactly the rigors of the challenges that lay before me . I did know , however , that I would work for a demanding Board of Directors whose vision has never strayed away from achieving excellence in education for the benefit and future of each of our children ; a vision I wholeheartedly share . The demands were a little intimidating at times , but they never failed to offer me their support and companionship ... I never felt alone in the task at hand . The community owes the new ASB to a caring , professional and faithful Board and I owe each of them my gratitude .
Thank you everyone for a wonderful start , Orlando Pola-Rivera , Director
With contributions from Alan Wrafter and Roberto Santos Upper School Assistant Principal and Lower School Principal respectively .
The ASB Journal Club wishes all students a great summer and hopes to continue growing and devoloping its creativity over the next academic year . We ’ ve come a long way ! We all hope you can join us next year ! Thanks to all students and teachers who made the Journal Club possible .