Talking at this point about information and communication technologies -the so-called ICTs- as a project for the future would be like writing a document in the past.
Not only are ICTs already more than consolidated in the educational field, but their treatment in the different stages is already considered as transversal and behavioral in the whole of the teaching-learning experience and not as a theme in itself.
However, the level of performance that one has with computer tools is highly valued in the curriculum of any individual.
In a world as competitive as the one our students will face in the immediate future, it is highly valued that knowledge in certain computer applications such as word processors, spreadsheets or presentation programs is accredited.
But, as with other walks of life, not all credentials are created equal.
And in the field of management computing, there is a proper name: Microsoft.
Microsoft's Office suite is the most used, by far, in the world. According to a report published by Reuter, Microsoft Office has 94% of the market for office suites.
That is why most of the computer courses that users take are those related to the applications of this suite: Word, Excel or Powerpoint.
Our center, which is part of the program Microsoft Imagine Academy For several years, it has facilitated training and access to exams for all those students of Colegio Alborán who wish to obtain the MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certifications issued by Microsoft on the knowledge and use of these tools.
The distinctive character of these MOS certifications compared to any course that can be taken on the management of these programs in academies resides in the fact that it is the software development company itself, Microsoft, which certifies the knowledge that one has about the program, which makes them especially relevant in the market.
Furthermore, these Microsoft MOS certifications are recognized worldwide. Let's be frank: a Word degree issued by the X academy will be null and void anywhere it is presented, while a MOS degree is accepted and distinguished as an indicator of excellence in any organization or institution.
Our strategy consists of incorporating into the curriculum of subjects in 3rd and 4th ESO, as well as in 1st year of Baccalaureate, the contents of the MOS certifications corresponding to Powerpoint, Word and Excel, respectively, so that the student who You may wish to take the MOS certification exam with the knowledge acquired.
With this, Colegio Alborán is at the forefront of ICT teaching, offering added value compared to the standard curriculum.
We are the Cambridge Examination Center.
English is currently the most widely spoken language in the world, being also the official language in more countries than any other language and the native language of approximately 350 million people.
In addition, it is the international language in the world of diplomacy, technology, finance, computing, medicine, engineering, tourism, etc.
English is used in best universities, more and more in job interviews and is, above all, an instrument to succeed in any profession.
Nowadays it is a real necessity to have a good command and fluent management of at least two languages and to function in daily situations in English, which is why our center decides to implement the English language in the classroom as a tool for communication and I work in some areas.
As a consequence, it becomes necessary not only to use it, but to be able to demonstrate its knowledge. In this way, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages was born, as a guide to describe the achievements of foreign language students throughout Europe. Its main objective is to provide a method of learning, teaching and evaluation applicable to all European languages from which the comparison or homologation of the different titles issued by certified entities is favored.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages establishes an initial division into three large blocks, which then branches into two more restrictive levels:
- Block A: Basic user.
- Level A1: Access.
- Level A2: Platform.
- Block B: Independent user.
- Level B1: Threshold.
- Level B2: Advanced.
- Block C: Competent user.
- Level C1: Effective operational domain.
- Level C2: Master.
At Colegio Alborán we are aware that studying English is much more than learning a subject, which is why, in addition to the four hours taught weekly to fulfill our study program, we have decided to give our students the opportunity to acquire some of the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, before they leave for university.
To develop this project we have chosen Cambridge ESOL Examinations, recognized worldwide, and which can increase the options of our students, to study or work, opening doors to higher education or improving employment opportunities. Another great advantage of the Cambridge exams is that, once the certificate is obtained, they are valid forever.
Cambridge offers us five different levels (in brackets the equivalent level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages):
- KET (Key English Test) (A2)
- PET (Preliminary English Test) (B1)
- FIRST (First Certificate in English) (B2)
- CAE (Certificate of Advanced English) (C1)
- CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) (C2)
Of the five levels we prepare three:
- KET (A2) (aimed at 1st and 2nd ESO students)
- PET (B1) (aimed at 3st and 4nd ESO students)
- FIRST (B2) (aimed at 1st and 2nd year high school students)
The school offers several preparation sessions a week, where our students learn to face the exams by practicing the different parts, which are very varied: grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking. Although the preparation sessions are aimed at a very specific group of students, they are free to choose the exam they want to take.
Furthermore, those students who have a good level of English, who do not want to attend the preparation classes but are interested in taking the exam, we encourage them to do so, helping them in their training.
During the school year, our students take tests as well as a mock exam to find out how they are progressing. And at the end of the course, they are examined by professors of Cambridge ESOL examinations, who come to the Alborán school to develop said exams and issue the Titles.
Thanks to this project, our students finish their studies with a B2 level as an extra on their curriculum.