23 May 2017
The VII Annual Schools Conference, organized by the British Council Colombia, brought together more than 130 delegates from 36 Colombian Associate Schools that implement Cambridge International Examinations programmes. It was held over the last three days of March at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and the Gimnasio Colombo Británico in Bogotá.
The conference theme, ‘New Roads to Global Learning’ provided the ideal framework for delegates to discuss current best practice, promote new strategies and share new developments in international education and in Cambridge programmes across the Colombia schools network. The conference also celebrated the achievements of institutions and students.
For the first time, the programme included video conferences with schools in Mexico, Cyprus and Germany. The new technology gave delegates the chance to exchange views on pedagogical experiences and examples of good practices in different countries.
This year’s keynote speaker was Caty Franco, Founder and General Director of the bilingual education programme, The Workshop, in Mérida, Mexico. Caty’s presentation and breakout session were highly praised by delegates.
The conference marked the second year of the Best Cambridge IGCSE Student Award, which was presented by the British Council to Isabella Diaz Granados from Aspaen Gimnasio Cartagena de Indias.
Conference special guests and speakers included: Richard Gilby, Regional Director, and Lucila Marquez, Senior Manager, Latin America, Cambridge International Examinations; Harriet Gardner, Regional Director Examinations Americas, British Council; Tom Miscioscia, Director, British Council Colombia; and Denise Enright, Director, English Speaking Scholastic Association of the River Plate-ESSARP in Argentina.
Richard Gilby said: 'We are proud of this joint venture we have been developing with the British Council in Colombia, and we thank them for the valuable support and leadership that they provide to Cambridge schools.'
Harriet Gardner said: 'We are glad that our organisations (Cambridge and British Council) share the same values and the same vision for quality in education.'