Secondary

Experiences for the Future

Academic and personal preparation

As an international school of excellence, we offer a challenging academic environment based on the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB). However, beyond academic rigour, we want every student to find in The English School an environment where they can explore their passions, develop their talents and grow as well-rounded individuals, with the conviction that they can change the world through respect.

Our Secondary welcomes students aged between 11 and 18, spread across seven grades levels, from Grade 5 to Grade 11. Each grade level has five classrooms, with an average of 20 students per class, ensuring a personalised learning environment of the highest quality.

Our team of teachers and mentors is committed to supporting you on this journey, providing the necessary support to ensure that each of you achieves your goals and aspirations.

We provide our young people with a well-rounded education that balances academic, social-emotional and interpersonal development.

Key Information of Our Section.

Seven 50-minute classes a day, making the most of learning time.

Two strategically scheduled breaks for relaxation and socialising.

Around 70% of the curriculum is taught in English, ensuring advanced proficiency in the language in both academic and professional contexts. We are a bilingual school with an international focus.

Exceptional Resources for Cutting-edge Learning:

Our Secondary students and teachers benefit from first-class facilities and resources, designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience of the highest quality:

State-of-the-art Technology

Personal computers and tablets for academic work and research, as well as access to digital platforms and interactive tools (virtual learning environments, simulators, educational software).

Smart Classrooms

Equipped with connectivity and multimedia technology to facilitate interactive and collaborative teaching methods.

Comprehensive Library

A wide range of physical books and digital resources to encourage in-depth research and a love of reading.

Specialised Laboratories

Science laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for hands-on experimentation and applied learning.

Innovative Design and Technology Classrooms

Equipped with machinery and materials for practical and creative learning.

Dedicated Spaces for Creative Expression

Classrooms dedicated to music, visual arts, drama and STEAM, fostering creativity and individual and collective artistic expression.

Top-class Sports Facilities

Pitch and courts for football, basketball, volleyball and athletics, as well as a large-capacity coliseum for physical activity, healthy competition and sporting events.

Inspiring Green Areas

Outdoor spaces designed for well-being, recreation and learning in close contact with nature.

These exceptional facilities provide an ideal school environment for our students’ academic, personal and social development, enabling them to explore, innovate and grow in a setting that promotes excellence and comprehensive well-being.

How do Our Students in Secondary Learn?

Cutting-edge academic programmes:

Each stage of our academic programme is strategically designed to develop specific skills, preparing our students for the challenges of today’s world:

Middle Years Programme (MYP): Grades 5 to 9

It fosters critical and reflective thinking, academic independence, curiosity and in-depth inquiry, effective communication skills, a strong global mindset, inspirational leadership and collaborative teamwork.

Learning is brought to life through interdisciplinary projects, rigorous research, hands-on experimentation and the application of knowledge in real-world contexts.

Diploma Programme (DP): Grades 10 and 11

It fosters academic rigour, personal discipline, effective time management, advanced analytical thinking, sound reasoning, professional ethics, social responsibility, thorough research and resilience in the face of challenges.

Through standardised external examinations, high-level research projects, the CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) programme and the challenging Theory of Knowledge (ToK) component, students develop independent thinking and the essential skills required for university education.

Career-related Programme (CP): Grades 10 and 11

It offers an alternative academic pathway to the Diploma Programme for students seeking greater flexibility, enabling them to develop valuable practical skills, innovative entrepreneurial thinking, effective problem-solving of complex issues, and successful project management.

Learning is enriched through meaningful work placements, strategic partnerships with leading companies, projects directly relevant to the world of work, and simulated professional experiences. We are the only school in Bogotá to offer all four International Baccalaureate programmes, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Meet Our Dedicated Team

We have a highly qualified teaching team that is committed to academic excellence, student wellbeing and the all-round development of our students.

Olga Botero

Director of Secondary

I hold a degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development and Evaluation, including training in IB methodologies and educational leadership, and I have over 20 years’ experience in education and academic leadership.

In addition to my experience as a classroom teacher, I have held various leadership roles, including Head of Department, Year Leader, Head of Coexistence, Head of Upper School, Head of Middle School and, currently, Director of Secondary. Each of these roles has enabled me to make a positive impact on the lives of students, teachers and families, helping to strengthen the growth of our educational community.

I am passionate about education and am firmly committed to academic excellence, student well-being and the development of global citizens. My greatest challenge and source of satisfaction is guiding students to reach their full potential in a dynamic, inclusive and inspiring learning environment.

In Secondary, we have a highly qualified teaching team committed to academic excellence, student wellbeing and the all-round development of our students.

Our team comprises teachers who are experts in their fields, trained in IB methodologies and innovative teaching strategies, as well as educational leaders who support and guide students’ development at every stage of their learning.

The section has two International Programmes Coordinators: one for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and another for the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Caree-related Programme (CP), who lead curriculum and pedagogical development. Reporting to them are the pedagogical leaders, who work with teachers organised by subject area to ensure the effective implementation of the curriculum.

In terms of coexistence, we have a Secondary Coordinator who is responsible for guiding and supporting the Year Leaders, fostering a harmonious and respectful environment within the student community.

Within the Student Well-being Department, our Student Well-being Coordinator leads a team of counsellors, providing socio-emotional support to students and ensuring their holistic development.

Drawing on a range of disciplines, the teaching team works collaboratively and across disciplines to foster a dynamic, inclusive and challenging learning environment where students can explore their talents, develop their critical thinking skills and prepare for a global future.

Within our community, we have a group of English-speaking international teachers who teach certain subjects within the curriculum, such as English, Individuals and Societies, Science and other subjects on the Diploma Programme. The presence of these teachers strengthens the school’s global identity, enriches the students’ holistic education and ensures that pupils are exposed to English in both academic and everyday contexts, thereby fostering the natural development of their language skills.

The international teaching staff comprises more than 10 teachers from abroad, who teach English and French in authentic contexts. Their work provides a language immersion experience that promotes the practical, everyday use of the language, preparing our students for a globalised world.

We have a strong academic support and student well-being team, dedicated to providing comprehensive support for the emotional, social and academic development of every student.

Academic Support team: works closely with teachers, families and students to ensure that every student receives the guidance they need to reach their full potential.

Academic support strategies, adaptations and tools to enhance the learning process.
Individualised monitoring and tailored support plans.
Collaborative work with teachers to implement differentiated strategies in the classroom.

Student Well-being Team: Adopting a preventive and supportive approach, it ensures the emotional and social development of our students.

Social-emotional guidance: Spaces for listening and support to strengthen emotional well-being.
Emotional education programmes: Strategies for developing skills such as resilience, empathy and emotional regulation.
Working with Year Leaders: Coordination to promote healthy coexistence and a safe environment.
Conflict prevention and resolution: Mediation and strategies to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Activation of protocols: Implementation of clear procedures when dealing with external bodies regarding situations that affect students’ well-being.
Life skills classes: Sessions designed to strengthen decision-making, emotional intelligence and the management of personal and social challenges.

Through close collaboration between the academic support team, the student well-being team and the school community, we foster an environment where every student feels listened to, supported and encouraged to grow in all aspects of their development.

What Makes Us Different?

We provide an excellent, well-rounded education with an international outlook.

We are the only school in Bogotá to offer all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes: PEP, PAI, DP and POP, providing a rigorous academic education that is recognised worldwide.

We prioritise our students’ well-being and social-emotional development as the cornerstones of their success.

We offer a well-rounded education that encompasses academic, sporting, artistic, socio-emotional and leadership development.

We maintain partnerships with national and international universities to facilitate admission and a successful transition to higher education.