Learning with purpose
We promote a wider vision to teaching and learning. Through project work we encourage students to be creative, practice teamwork skills and use critical thinking to organize and resolve challenges. We work project based.
Cross-curricular learning is crucial for children to understand the connections between skills and purpose. The way we do this is by combining several learning journeys, for example teaching art and sports lessons in Spanish. Or by using a writing skill to create an article in English, based on a cooking class earlier that week. Or by applying mathematical calculations for a Bushcrafting project. We make sense of learning!
Well-being
We prioritise the well-being of our students as the fundamental foundation for cultivating healthy minds and bodies, crucial for positive growth and holistic development.
Assemblies
Assemblies take place every Monday before the first lesson of the day. It gives us a good opportunity to reconnect with the children after the weekend, to communicate upcoming events and goals for the week, as well as to talk about our values.
Warm-up activity
Every morning from Tuesday to Friday, the children will start the school day by joining in a Warm-up activity upon arrival, to help them set their minds for a positive start to their learning. We believe Yoga, Reading, Mindful drawing and Relaxation can benefit our young students to direct their focus before the day’s learning begins.
Nutrition
We actively engage in educating and advocating for healthy eating habits and provide nutritious meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce.
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Online access
Learning Zone
All children and parents can access our Learning Zone. It offers a detailed academic structure for students to know what is expected of them in the upcoming weeks, term and academic year. In the Learning Zone they can also view their weekly timetable, learning objectives, presentations and access online resources. Children and parents can communicate with their teachers using Google Classroom and follow their academic progress.
Online access when abroad
Family life can be challenging when living abroad. ISLA understands this and wants to give families the peace of mind when traveling during academic time. Traveling primary students are able to continue their core subjects while being away. They will also have the opportunity to consult with their teachers.
Traveling secondary students on an ISLA/MTA programme will have full access to all of their subjects and can continue learning as usual. Online teachers and tutors are available.
Meet the Team
Saray
Head of Curriculum
12 years of teaching experience across the ages of 2-16 in the UK and Spain, in state and international schools.
Lives on Mallorca with husband and their two furry pets Otto and Inka.
‘My own learning experience at school is the reason I have never left education. I was an average student with exceptional teachers. They made learning enjoyable and their students feel capable. As once a student and now former teacher, I believe success comes from a joint team effort between teachers, students and a happy learning environment. ’
Jaap
Head of Operations
I started my teaching career in 2005 in Amsterdam. In 2014, I founded a primary school, with focus on personalised learning and smart use of technology to support this.
Since 2019 I work as an manager and consultant for several schools and academies.
I’m passionate about solid education for all kids, with a good balance between academic skills and life skills. ISLA for me is a great example of how we can do this: proper learning, a wide range of activities, embracing the outdoor environment and a strong community of kids, teachers and parents.
Carola
English, Spanish & History
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows, and thus facilitate the bridges to gain knowledge”
Carola holds a Bachelor´s Degree in Arts and in Teaching, with a 28 year experience teaching Literature, Language and Arts. She has always taught in ESL/EFL contexts with undergraduate, secondary and primary years (USA and UK educational programs). Carola is Celta Certified for Cambridge Language Program Courses and Assessments. She has also been a Faculty member in Model United Nations (MUN) Conferences.
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Sara
Maths, Spanish, Art, Music & Yoga
"Soy mallorquina de nacimiento y vivo aqui junto a mi pareja Guillem y nuestros dos perros Misto y Coco.
Mi mayor ilusión siempre fue ser maestra. Desde muy pequeña, noté la gran falta de atención individualizada en las aulas y sentí la falta de tiempo que disponían los profesores para explicar los contenidos de un modo más adaptado y personalizado.
Al convertirme en docente me propuse nunca dejar desamparado o vulnerable a ningún alumno en mi aula. Con 10 años de experiencia en clases de refuerzo escolar a niños de entre 5 a 14 años, y con 3 años en el mundo educativo en centros escolares, entre infantil y primaria, siento con absoluta convicción que esta es mi vocación."
Taylor
Math, Science, Capoeira & Sports Coach
"After eleven enriching years at a boarding school in central New Jersey, USA, I've recently made the exciting transition to Mallorca with my wife, Flavia, and our three-year-old daughter, Gabriella. With a master’s degree in Spanish and extensive experience as a teacher, coach, and dorm parent, I’m eager to bring my passion for education and mentorship to this beautiful new setting. Together, we’re embracing this new chapter with open hearts and are looking forward to all the adventures that Mallorca has to offer."
"I believe that the best learning happens when curiosity leads the way. As a teacher, I strive to inspire that same curiosity I felt as a student, encouraging my students to discover their own interests and passions. I’ve learned that some of the most profound lessons come from the natural world, and I’m excited to help students at Isla Academy experience the wonder and insight that learning in nature can bring."
Tina
Pedagogy & Extra Support
I am a mother of two children and an educator with experience in Switzerland and Spain. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable insights into various teaching methods and educational practices. As a pedagogist, I focus on supporting children not only in their academic pursuits but also in their emotional development.
I try to create a supportive environment where children can express themselves and learn to navigate their feelings. My goal is to help them build resilience and confidence. I am committed to making a positive impact in their lives and offering a constructive learning experience.
Inge
Student Administration
With over 20 years of experience as a secretary / virtual assistant, Inge van Schooten brings expertise and dedication to supporting Isla Academy's operations. Originally from the Netherlands and now based on Gran Canaria, Inge assists our team and families.
With a background in customer service and administrative support, Inge ensures that our team stays organised and connected, contributing to an exceptional experience for our students and their families.
Building in Nature
We collaborate with Ruud Wensink, an industrial designer and woodworker renowned for his sustainable and nature-inspired creations. Ruud will consult and work together with architect and urban designer Aneta Świeżak.
Ruud is the founder of Ruwdesign, a company dedicated to creating furniture utilizing natural materials. His commitment to responsible and durable design is evident in his work.
In addition to his design work, Ruud shares his passion for woodworking and sustainable building practices through his YouTube channel, Building In Nature. On this platform, he provides insights into his creative process, demonstrating how he harmonizes functionality with natural aesthetics.
Ruud and Aneta design and construct several play and learning areas around the ISLA Campus. We look forward to the innovative and inspiring spaces they will create for our community.
To learn more about Ruud’s work, explore his YouTube channel, Building In Nature, or visit his website at ruwdesign.nl.
We organise regular community days for parents and other supporters who are eager to roll up their sleeves, get dirty, and help us bring the new play and learning areas at ISLA to life.
The Mallorca Tutoring Academy
For our secondary years we work together with the Mallorca Tutoring Academy (MTA). MTA has 15 years experience in innovative, highly personalised blended learning, tutoring and revision support.
Learning at MTA combines the renowned online Wolsey Hall programme with live tutoring from passionate, qualified teachers and experts. Students and alumni highly rate MTA with many (re)discovering their love for learning.
Cooperation with
Back to Balance by Therakids!
ISLA is in a partnership with Back to Balance by TheraKids owned by Mark and Sarah Kilimann. Therakids is the largest organisation for equine therapy in Germany and it is now establishing itself in Mallorca too. Together with Mark and Sarah, we are incorporating horses into our curriculum. Back to Balance organises daily activities such as pony club and riding lessons.