In order to easily transmit the values and ideology of SHACKLETON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, we believe in the importance and usefulness of having clear and universal references that motivate and inspire, that help define and synthesize the objectives to which our educational project aspires.
For this reason, we have relied on the figure of the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and on the incredible feat of the Endurance expedition that he and his crew experienced after their boat was trapped and destroyed by the Antarctic ice, over a century ago.
The emotion that this extraordinary adventure transmits to us and the admiration that we have towards the figure of its leader, Shackleton, has helped us to focus the development of our teaching model and values, as well as highlight knowledge and skills that we want to transmit not only to our students but to the greater educational community that we are part of.
This true story represents for us a very inspiring life experience, from which valuable lessons can be drawn. It helps us to reflect on the collaborative guidance and attributes of a good leader, about their skills and knowledge to form a highly effective, loyal team, along with, promoting the many positive values consistent with our ideal persona, such as resilience, adaptability, curiosity, courage, perseverance, companionship, responsibility, assertiveness, etc.
On the 8th of August 1914, the intrepid explorer Ernest Shackleton, who had participated, among others, in Scott’s expedition to reach the South Pole, embarked in Plymouth (England) with his team of sailors and scientists, in the attempt to carry out the first crossing of Antarctica from coast to coast.
In January 1915, the ship became trapped in the compressed ice by the extreme air and sea currents of the Weddell Sea. After ten months of retention in a huge mass of ice, the ship was finally crushed and destroyed, sinking on the 21st of November 1915. After 5 more months, camped on the frozen surface, in April 1916, the members of the expedition began an epic sleigh ride across the frozen Weddell Sea and later on, by boat, to Elephant Island, in the archipelago of the South Shetland Islands. Miraculously, the entire crew survived.
Shortly after arriving at Elephant Island, Shackleton and five crew members set sail again in a small 6.7m long boat across the stormy South Atlantic to South Georgia in search of help. A risky journey of more than 1,200 kilometres awaited them, that of which, is possibly unrivalled in all of the history of navigation.
They succeeded, and after crossing the mountain range of the inhospitable island of South Georgia to the whaling base of Grytviken, they were able to make known, the odyssey they had gone through, and return to Elephant Island in August 1916, safely delivering the 22 men left behind, to firm ground.
The chronicle of this extraordinary expedition represents a story without equal in the annals of survival: the ship, the Endurance, destroyed by the pressure of the ice that surrounds Antarctica, the crew abandoned to their fate in the middle of the frozen Weddell Sea, risky boat trips through the storms of the Antarctic Ocean, a handful of human beings fighting for long months against the cold, hunger and discouragement, to the limit of human capacity in the most extreme situations.
However, day after day throughout this distressing adventure, Shackleton guided his team with evidence of unmatched encouragement, determination, creativity and insight.
Thus, this trip was an amazing feat, not only because all of its crew managed to return alive, but also because of the exceptional leadership and teamwork that they went through during the entire duration of the adventure. The fact is that, in addition to surviving, they achieved it with an extraordinary level of care and camaraderie, thus turning a failed mission into an unprecedented success.
In these times of imbalance, uncertainty and constant interdependence – liquid times in the words of the sociologist Zygmun Bauman -, the extraordinary feat of the explorer Ernest Shackleton and his Endurance expedition, despite the time that has elapsed, is still intensely newsworthy, and serves as a reference to understand the complex and disruptive environment in which we find ourselves, and thus learn to cope with it.
Just like more than 100 years ago in the icy waters of the South Pole, this new “liquid” reality requires the leaders of today to be, adaptive, responsible and committed figures who, like Shackleton, know how to navigate between uncertainty and continuous transformation, promoting innovative approaches – solutions that are outside of the norm – in order to face the new challenges ahead.
SHACKLETON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL emerges, as a British school, through the extensive experience in the education sector of its founding team. For over 40 years, we have been dedicated to teaching in early childhood education and language learning centres, always in search of excellence, innovation, contributions of neuroscience, psychology and social science, developing our very own early linguistic immersion method along the way.
In 2012, we opened a new early childhood education centre, SUPERFRIENDS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, where we teach children from the early age of 4 months old onwards, and it is now, having reached the maturity of our project, that we want to give continuity and further development to the educational model that we believe in.
Our hope is to work to form integral human beings, with reference points, self-assured and committed, who can cope in diverse situations and adapt to the changes that are to come, ready to participate and contribute towards the formation of a better and more equitable society.
We believe in values-based education, beyond the subjects to be taught and the curricular principles. We want all our pupils to develop values such as effort, curiosity, companionship, the ability to adapt, respect, critical, creative, and collaborative thinking, etc. To strengthen the internal self of each pupil, and also their social interaction.
We have focused on education and teaching through various early childhood education centers for more than 40 years. Now through Shackleton International School, we offer this experience and training to all our pupils. From 3 to 18 years old.
Education in values and personal development.
Our mission is to educate independent, versatile, creative, agile, and integral children and young adults to tackle present and future challenges interdependently, participating in and contributing to a better, inclusive, and sustainable world.
To fulfill this mission, our curriculum principles are leadership, innovation, research, and curiosity. We will foster in students critical, creative, and reflective thinking supported by inquiry and experiential learning.
We aim to develop an integrated, coherent, and comprehensive curriculum using diverse teaching methods within a framework of multiple intelligences. This will be tailored to individual and collective needs, specific educational contexts, and criteria, providing versatility to educators and enabling them to implement an adaptive learning model that is effective for all.
Better every day
We are a team of broadly experienced professionals, lifelong learners, dedicated to continuous improvement, self-determined, with the critical spirit and self-discipline ready to build an independent character in our students, one capable of facing uncertainty and environmental vulnerability
Leadership
We work every day to live up to the role of being educators, from leading by example or guiding from a place of experience, to acting responsibly and courageously. Each one of us carries a leader within, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and in order to be constructive and consistent in our own leadership, we must exemplify self-determination, discipline and resilience in developing ANTIFRAGILE attitudes ourselves.
Connection
As the deeply social and interdependent beings that we are, we need to be connected – physically and emotionally – with others, in order to feel good, grow and evolve, and not only as individuals but also as a group.
While shifts in organizational structure are taking place all around, from more hierarchical configurations to more horizontal ones, with interconnectivity and interdependence between all connected nodes or people/groups, making things more complex, more collaboration and greater adaptability are now necessary to maintain function.
From SHACKLETON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, we see it as an opportunity to learn from the different approaches and experiences of others, from which we can find benefit as a group, enriching ourselves with the diversity and creativity that surround us. To do this, we will foster a collaborative, reflective and inclusive environment that helps create strong links and that allow us to grow and learn from all, and by all.
This attitude that we promote is not limited to our closest environment or our educational community, but encompasses all the spaces in which we develop and communicate, from the local to the global. Caring for the common good with group responsibility is at the core of our community values.
At Shackleton, we believe in seeing the students beyond their academic roles. We recognise the importance of allowing children to be children, acknowledging that each student learns at their own pace. We employ various methodologies to cater to this diversity, ensuring a solid and integral foundation for every student. Depending on the subject, group dynamics, and individual characteristics, we tailor our teaching strategies to enhance understanding and assimilation.
Beyond academics, we are committed to values-based education. We instil qualities such as effort, curiosity, companionship, adaptability, respect, and critical, creative, and collaborative thinking. We aim to impart knowledge and shape individuals who contribute positively to society.
We welcome students from Year 3 to Year 16, dividing their educational journey into three stages: Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary. Embracing innovation, we employ diverse teaching methods such as project-based learning, workshops, group studies, flipped classrooms, conceptual mapping, debates, problem-based learning, gamification, and competency-based learning.
Step into Shackleton, and you’ll discover more than a school; it’s a close-knit family. The enchanting atmosphere fosters community spirit, creating a nurturing and inspiring haven for learning. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity, encouraging students to appreciate each other’s cultural tapestry. Collaboration and teamwork are integral to our ethos, evident in extracurricular activities, house events, and charity initiatives, instilling a sense of responsibility and compassion.
Our staff is dedicated to the holistic development of each student, extending their commitment beyond the classroom. The Shackleton community strives to cultivate exceptional academic achievers and compassionate, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals poised to tackle the world’s challenges.
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