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, 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.
Online access
WonderMinds Learning Zone
All children and parents can access WonderMinds 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 travelling during academic time. Students (Y5 and up) who cannot attend school (temporarily) will be giving access to core subject classes online (English, Maths, Spanish and Science). Any project work or assignments for other the subjects can be completed through the Learning Zone. They will also have the opportunity to consult with their teachers.
Meet the Team
Margriet Wensink
Founder
Experienced entrepeneur in education and the social domain in the Netherlands. Master degree in developmental psychology. Both her mum and dad were teachers.
‘Good education sets a base for life. As a child I didn’t like going to school. Because of the little focus on individual talents and skills and emphasis on grades only. I thought being in a concrete building all day was uninspiring and a waste of my time.
I want children to develop the love for learning. By organising an academy where academical achievement, individual talents and developing life skills are all equally important.’
Saray Segovia
Director
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. I created WonderMinds, as an accessible to all Learning Zone where teachers feel supported with a rich curriculum, students inspired and parents assured their child's education is in safe hands.’
Kathleen McElhenie
Mathematics & Science
Kathleen came to Mallorca in 2013 with her then 3 and 7 year old daughters, from Seattle, Washington. She has been teaching Math, Science and Technology at various schools on the island. As head of middle school math and science for the Rafa Nadal School, and Montessori Mallorca, she has taught middle school and high school American curriculum as well as pre-IGCSE and IGCSE British curriculum. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in Systems Design.
“My goal as a teacher is to find the flexibility within the confines of curriculum objectives to engage and excite learners and hopefully ignite a passion for intrinsic motivation and exploration. A student who is hungry for learning about a topic will take it beyond the classroom. That’s my hope.”
Carola Milroy
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.
Maik Kemper
Sports, Homework Class & Extra Support
Maik arrived in Mallorca in 2023, together with his wife, two children, two dogs, and two guinea pigs. He brings extensive experience as a primary and special education teacher, boasting over 20 years of teaching in Germany across primary, comprehensive, and schools catering to children with special needs. Additionally, he is a experienced teacher trainer.
"You are not the same individual you were a year ago, a month ago, or a week ago. You´re always growing. Experiences don´t stop."
As a special education teacher, my role has always been to nurture children's growth and help them achieve goals that initially seemed unattainable. I am highly proficient in diagnostics and providing tailored support to classes, groups, or individual children. I firmly believe that we can facilitate every child in accessing the resources they need to realise their full academic and social potential.
Gervase Gregory
English
Gervase, from Staffordshire, England, is passionate about the natural beauty of his region but is moving to Mallorca in 2024 to join ISLA. He is a qualified teacher with experience in British secondary schools, adept at supporting diverse learning needs. Gervase enjoys outdoor activities like running and hiking to connect with new places.
He believes education starts at home, is expanded in school, and is experienced throughout life. Emphasising the importance of listening to students, he aims to create a supportive and diverse learning environment. Gervase values resilience, motivation, and creative thinking in education, and looks forward to new experiences in Mallorca.
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Keep an eye out for updates as we continuously bring on board more certified teachers and experts in life skills.
Cooperation
with
TheraKids!
ISLA has entered into a partnership with 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 Therakids, we are exploring the possibility of incorporating horses into our curriculum. Additionally, Therakids will be organising activities during holidays!