|
Mexican Education System Teaching and Living in Mexico Secondary Vacancies Primary Vacancies THE SCHOOL'S HISTORY
Since its foundation the Lancaster
School has grown steadily and presently caters to around 830 pupils from the
ages of 3 to 18. The school is highly regarded within Mexico and is
recognised as a leading educational establishment. Its Head is a member of
the Latin American Heads Conference,
through which the school and its staff and students have access to a wide
range of activities and opportunities. In September 1997 the Kindergarten and
Primary sections moved to brand new, purpose built facilities constructed on
the school's own land and we are currently developing the second phase of the
project, which will involve purchasing a piece of land and building a
new Secondary school. THE SCHOOL'S EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE The Lancaster School has always
aimed to offer its students a single, integrated programme combining the
Mexican education system with the British. In the last few years we have
broadened our horizons and although British practice is a cornerstone of our
educational philosophy we are currently introducing the International Baccalaureate programmes. We are
accredited to teach the Diploma and are seeking authorisation for PYP. In the
Kindergarten all teaching is in English whilst in the Primary and Secondary
sections students follow a single course of study with some classes in
English and others in Spanish, leading to IGCSE (Cambridge) and IB Diploma
exams and at the same time covering the requirements of the Mexican national
curriculum as laid down by the Department of Education (SEP) and National University (UNAM). Emphasis is placed on the
importance of the individual and the development of skills and habits which
will serve the pupils long after they leave school. The classes are small and
teachers are encouraged to use innovative and varied teaching methods in
order to motivate pupils - given the pleasant climate it is not unusual for a
teacher to take a class outside for a discussion or group work lesson or to
rehearse a piece of role playing. The school does not have a rigid,
authoritarian disciplinary code (there is no dress code for teachers or
pupils) but prefers to try to foster respect between pupils and staff, pupils
and pupils, and pupils and their environment, and treats breaches of this
respect on their merits. Relations between pupils and teachers are generally
very good and pupils are always given the opportunity to express their points
of view, although the responsibility of decision making obviously lies with
the management. There is close co-operation between Mexican and overseas
staff. PUPIL INTAKE The Lancaster School's intake is
basically Mexican pupils of middle class parents who are either academics,
professionals, civil servants or self-employed. Around 10% of Lancaster
pupils have one or both parents of English speaking origin, most of whom are
permanent residents in Mexico. Pupils are generally above average
academically, with almost all of them going on to university after leaving
school. For most students Spanish is their first language. Mexican Education System Teaching and Living in Mexico Secondary Vacancies Primary Vacancies |
|
|
