The Global College has opened its doors to 113 students – boarding and day-students- from over 24 nationalities, all studying towards their IB Diploma.
After months of preparation, we finally welcomed the first cohort of students – the class of 2024 – to our world-class campus in the heart of Madrid. While focus will shortly turn to the rigours of the IB programme and enabling students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for their chosen future careers, the first week at the college was all about orientation – getting to know fellow classmates and the highly-qualified teaching faculty who will guide them throughout their time with us.
Highlights of Opening Week at TGC
Boarders and day students alike were busy getting used to their new surroundings and had an action-packed week familiarising themselves with the school as well as IE Tower – where they can make use of the sports facilities thanks to our strategic alliance with IE University.
This is just an example of some of the activities our students took park in during Opening Week:
- Orientation around campus
- Creating an abstract painting at the Fine Arts Studio
- Introduction to Reto48 – a facility available to students that can be used for extracurricular sports activities
- University visits
Our boarders had actually arrived the week before to move into their new residence located near the campus – and in the very heart of Madrid. During those first few days, they were able to take part in a tour around Madrid exploring the city’s historic landmarks, visit the Museo Tyssen – one of the world’s leading art museums, and the Retiro Park, the green lungs of Madrid.
There were, however, two key events that took place to help students settle into the College as quickly as possible.
First, an assembly with Lucia Figar, CEO and President; Paris de l’Etraz, Managing Director of the IE Venture Lab; Barry Cooper, Founding Principal; and Maggie Nelson, Vice Dean of Pastoral Care, in which core elements of the college’s aims and ethos were explained. These include a focus on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation as pillars to get prepared for the future, and our liquid learning method, our academic model in which students take responsibility for their learning process, while being guided by excellent and well-trained teachers and mentors.
Second, our students had the chance to meet their mentors – a key figure throughout their time at the College. Our mentorship programme enables our students to reach their best potential through a guided, future-oriented and personalised study path – designed together with the mentor and tailored towards their passions and future goals.
Their role of the mentor is to understand each student’s profile and personal approach to education, and guide them in choosing the courses, material and projects that best fit their ambitions, as well as develop their critical thinking and independent study skills.
What are we looking forward to this year?
Now that The Global College Opening Week is complete, we turn our attention to the IB Diploma. Over the course of the coming weeks and months ahead, we will work with our students to tailor their studies towards their interests and career goals.
Throughout their time at The Global College, they will have access to top-class facilities and support to help them achieve that! We look forward to seeing them succeed in their goals.
