The O'Brien International School & College.

28/08/2024

📢📢 CAMPAÑA BONO CONSUMO SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS 2024

✅ ¿Tienes un comercio o establecimiento en ? Pues ya puedes adherirte para participar en la campaña del BONO CONSUMO que pondremos en marcha el próximo lunes 2 de Septiembre.

❓ ¿Cómo funciona? Entra en este link https://sanmiguel.bonodescuento.com/ donde podrás adherirte a la campaña. Si tienes cualquier duda sobre como hacerlo, no dudes en contactar al teléfono 687 92 06 57.

😎 Si eres consumidor, en esta misma página podrás ver que comercios participan en la campaña cuando se hayan adherido. Si no encuentras el que esperabas, avisa a tu comercio que está a tiempo de adherirse a la campaña. El plazo de adhesión de los comercios finaliza a la fecha de cierre del proyecto, por lo que puedes adherirte a la campaña en cualquier momento hasta el 31 de octubre.

ℹ️ También será aquí mismo donde podrás descargar los bonos a partir del día miércoles 4 de Septiembre.

✅ En las siguientes publicaciones, iremos lanzando información a los consumidores para que puedan beneficiarse de esta campaña.

📢 Do you have a business in San Miguel de Salinas? Well, you can now participate in the The campaign “Bono Consumo” in support of local business. The Campaign launches next Monday, September 2

❓ As a business how can you participate and avail itself of the financial incentive? Click on the link https://sanmiguel.bonodescuento.com/ where you can register and join the campaign. If you have any questions about how to do it, do not hesitate to call 687 92 06 57.

😎 If you are a consumer, click on the link https://sanmiguel.bonodescuento.com/ here you will be able to see which businesses are participating in the campaign. If you don't find a local business that you wish to support, contact the business, and ask them to join the campaign. The business membership registration period ends on the 31th of October.

ℹ️ The vouchers will be available to download from the same link from Wednesday Septembre 4th.


San Miguel de Salinas

22/08/2024

The GCSE national figure for levels 4 to 9 is 67.6%. Ours is 88%.

After last week's superb A Level results, our GCSE students achieved equally impressive results: 88% at level 4 to 9. Yes, 9! And 62% at levels 6 to 9. Again, this is testament to the hard work put in by both students and staff, support at home and, it needs to be stressed, nearly full attendance for those who achieved the higher grades.

What now? Well, students will add this year's successes to last year's and consider A Levels. The bar is set high, the school's physical environment is improving beyond measure and our curriculum is expanding to meet the needs of today's students.

Again, congratulations to all.

15/08/2024

Results are out, fantastic, fantastic, fantastic.
87%, eighty-seven percent, ochenta y siete por ciento: whichever way you write it, this is a superb A and AS Level pass rate. This is testament to the hard work of our students and staff, the support given at home and the impressive attendance of so many of our students. This latter fact reflects the long-held knowledge that attendance has an extremely important influence on outcomes.
It is also worth remembering that we have an inclusive policy and that we take all levels, nationalities and abilities, making the results even more impressive.

So, it is celebration time for the majority, and for those about to return, they will be impressed with the additions and improvements being made to the already-superb classrooms.

Well done to all!
On a personal level I would like to offer our teachers and students a heartfelt congratulations on the excellent results achieved in the A Level exams. Congratulations pupils on your fantastic achievement! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. We are delighted with the pass rate of 87% overall. Of the 31 exams taken 60% achieved a grade C to A*, fantastic!
The hard work of our students and teachers, their dedication, and unwavering passion have finally been recognized, and it brings me immense joy to congratulate you on these well-deserved grades. May this be just the beginning of a journey filled with more success and accomplishments!

21/06/2024

Congratulations to our student Matvei Novikov on winning the second prize 🏆 last night at the III equality contest organised by the Asociación de Vecinos in collaboration with the Town Hall of San Miguel de Salinas.

14/06/2024

📸Exposición del I Concurso de eslóganes por la Igualdad 🚺🟰🚹

👉San Miguel de Salinas se suma a la lucha por la igualdad de género con su primer Concurso de Eslóganes por la Igualdad. Una iniciativa conjunta de diversos colectivos e instituciones locales, que abarca desde la comunidad educativa hasta el sector comercial, con el objetivo de promover el uso del lenguaje inclusivo y superar los estereotipos masculinos y femeninos.

🖼️Los participantes tenían que crear una fotografía horizontal acompañada de un lema que promoviera la igualdad de género.

👉El jurado seleccionó los eslóganes y las mejores creaciones destacando la creatividad para el eslogan como la belleza artística de la composición, los cuales serán expuestos en el Hall del Ayuntamiento.

🗳️La votación será mixta. El público asistente podrá dar su valoración y votar por el eslogan que prefieran.

🎖️Premio👉 tres vales de 50 euros para gastar en comercios locales.

🖼️La INAUGURACIÓN de la exposición tendrá lugar:

📅El próximo jueves 20 de junio
🕖A las 19:00h
📌Hall del Ayuntamiento

Ampa Ies Los Alcores Ies Los Alcores Comunicación


VIVAS nos Queremos VEGA BAJA Vivas nos queremos San Miguel de Salinas Ampa Gloria Fuertes CEIP Gloria Fuertes de San Miguel de Salinas

06/06/2024

Meet the team 👨‍🏫

Declan Wynne BEng (Hons), PGCE, MA.

I am a career changer, originally a mechanical engineer, who made the transition into teaching in 2014. I worked in Ireland as an engineer for over 30 years across a variety of manufacturing industries such as agricultural, pharmaceutical, medical device, and semi-conductor. After moving to the UK in 2010, I wanted to do something different, and having always wanted to teach, I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status with Edge Hill University in Liverpool.

I believe passionately in lifelong learning and with this in mind, I further enhanced my qualifications by completing a Masters degree in the teaching and learning of primary mathematics. Previously, I have taught mathematics at secondary level and all subjects at Primary level in Key Stage 1 and 2. I have also held the positions of Subject Leader in Mathematics, PE and Computing and have been an external examiner for KS2 mathematics with Pearsons and Capita on behalf of the DfE. In addition, I have privately tutored mathematics at GCSE and A Level.

I am delighted to be part of the team here at The O’Brien International School, whose mission and values of creating a stimulating and inclusive learning environment where every student is valued, align perfectly with my own personal and professional goals.

01/06/2024

Graduation 2024 👩‍🎓

Last night we celebrated our graduation.
It was a night full of magic, laughter, and beautiful moments.

We would like to congratulate Enya Warren our A Lecel Scholarship student for 2024-2025.

24/05/2024

After our recent successful inspections and accreditation to the British Council, The O'Brien International School and College in San Miguel de Salinas is in ever greater demand. Our highly qualified and experienced staff welcome any visit to observe the quality of education and pastoral care delivered here in our school.
Our recent student recruitment campaign has produced exceptionally high demand and has resulted in a scarcity of remaining places. We would like to advise those parents who may have visited in recent weeks that we are now reaching full capacity.
For those who may wish to register for the next academic year it is really important that you make contact as soon as possible, and complete the registration process so as to avoid disappointment.
Our contact details and further information about our school is available on our website.
Mobile number 615466398. Landline 965076678

Our school was originally established and licensed to trade as an examination and language centre in June 2013. We are located in the small town of San Miguel de Salinas, which is within 10 minutes of the bustling city of Torrevieja. The O’Brien International School was established to provide an e...

22/05/2024

Meet the team 👩‍🏫.

Gwen Hall (from 2023 to date).

BA (Hons) Business Studies.

I started a career in banking with the Woolwich Building Society. After 20 years in management there I decided to run my own mortgage business after graduating in Business at the ripe old age of 40.
I accidentally fell into teaching 7 years later after being asked to teach Personal Finance in a local school. One day in the classroom and I was hooked - teaching was definitely for me!
I completed the Graduate Teacher Programme to obtain Qualified Teacher Status in 2011.
Five years later I decided to take a Teacher of Business job in Valencia for a year - I'm still in Spain! I've taught Business, Travel and Tourism and General Studies as well as being an examiner for Edexcel at iGCSE and A Level.
I am an enthusiastic teacher and hope to bring a joy of learning to all I teach at The O'Brien International School.

18/05/2024

🔈TOIS Scholarship information

☘️The O’Brien International School offers an annual scholarship of one free place to a student who wishes to take A Levels starting in September.

🟢Who can apply?
Students from any other bilingual international school. Students who attend an institute and have finished with an ESO certificate within the Spanish system.
This opportunity is open to all students in the catchment area, not just our school.

🟢 Those wishing to participate in this promotion will take 4 GCSE exams at our School during the half term in May, on Monday 27th and Wednesday 29th. Subjects to be assessed are, Maths (H) and English, then Spanish and Business.
The exams will be based on past papers from the Pearson GCSE examinations. A minimum of grade 6 will be necessary in all four subjects assessed.
The candidate with the highest combined grades above the threshold will be declared the winner. In the event of a tie, we will take exact marks and total them to create a final score to determine the winning candidate.

🟢 All applicants should write an email of introduction, addressed to the secretary.

🟢 For all those who partake of this offer, from our school or any other school, and who do not attain the threshold we will offer a 150-euro reduction from the A Level registration fee for 2024-25.

🟢 If a candidate should score a 9 in Maths, English, or Business we will offer that subject as a free A Level as part of a package of 4 A Levels over two years.

🟢 The winning candidate will be given free tuition for the duration of the course.

📩Please contact the office to register your interest, [email protected]

06/05/2024

Meet the team 👩‍🏫.

Angela Williams (from 2023 to date).

Degree in Industrial Relations (with honours Cum Laude), Degree in Labour Relations (Universidad de Murcia), Master Business Administration (MBA) , Master in Personnel Management and Human Resources Direction.

I am originally from Venezuela, where I started working as a language teacher (English and Spanish) at 16 years of age. I combined my University studies with teaching, first in a private academy and then as Department support at the School of Industrial Relations at the University of Carabobo. I worked with the departments of Statistics and Labour Legislation.

I graduated from the University of Carabobo in Venezuela as the top of my cohort, receiving a scholarship for further education as a reward. It was then when I moved to Spain, where I completed and MBA at the University of Oviedo and subsequently, a Master in Personnel Management and Human Resources Direction at the Escuela de Negocios Region de Murcia, part of the University of Murcia. I have experience from working in the private sector and from owning my own businesses.

I have lived in many countries, including the US, UK, Spain and Cyprus. I have been a Business and Economics teacher since 2016, when I was living in Cyprus. I returned to Spain in 2019 and taught English and Spanish as a second language in various academies, until I joined The O’Brien International School during the 2022-2023 School year.

03/05/2024

Thank you to Ayuntamiento de San Miguel de Salinas (Alicante) and AECO San Miguel de Salinas for recognising Mothers Day by presenting all our primary students with aromatic plants that grow locally 🪴.
All our kids were very grateful and happy today and looking forward to planting them with their families.

Muchas gracias al Ayuntamiento de San Miguel de Salinas y a AECO por este regalar por el día de la madre a todos nuestros alumnos de primaria estas plantas autóctonas 🌱.
Todos nuestros niños están muy agradecidos y felices, deseando plantarlas con su familia.

30/04/2024

With our school now admitting more students, of all ages, at a faster rate than is usual, it might be a suitable time to clarify some issues:
When a student joins us, we initially place them in the age-appropriate group. When the staff assess the student's work, it is possible that s/he is moved to another class, depending on the student's strengths and weaknesses. For instance, s/he could be skilled at English but relatively weak in maths.
We pride ourselves in NOT being bound to traditional groupings, rather placing students where they are most likely to succeed. This potential movement can, and does, happen throughout the year, not necessarily at fixed points.
Our annual exam results bear out this policy, with some students at the 'wrong' age moving on to University or vocational courses.

30/04/2024

Meet the team 👨‍🏫.

Gabriel Ruiz Vicente, (From 2019 to date).

I graduated in "Educación Primaria" with the speciality in speech, hearing and language difficulties at the University of Murcia in 2015.

I am an enthusiast of sports and music. I have been the Music and PE teacher at The O'Brien International School and College since 2019.

Apart from my university degree, I graduated with a professional degree in Music with the speciality in trumpet. I am a trumpet, piano and Musical Language teacher at the Music School of San Miguel de Salinas. I am also the director of the music school since 2020.

As far as sports is concerned, I have been a football player since I was a child, in different clubs. Since 2012, I have been part of the First Team of Racing San Miguel as their captain. In 2016 I got chosen to represent the Spanish mini football team in the Football Eurocup of mini football held in Hungary. Besides being a football player, I have been a football trainer for 8 years now, and I have the Title of National Trainer level C. Besides, in 2014 I also accomplished the Title of Paddle Tennis Monitor of the Real Federación Española de Pádel at the University of Murcia, I have been practising Paddle Tennis for more than 15 years now.

Finally, I would like to highlight my interest in golf, I love it as a sport, but I have only discovered it a few years ago and I like practising it more and more every time.

29/04/2024

🌎🌱 Earth week activities.

Last week some of our youngest students planted a tree and some tomato plants. 🪴

25/04/2024

🌎🌱 Earth week activities.

On Tuesday, April 23rd, coinciding with Earth Day, IGCSE and A-Level Geography students visited Cabo Cervera in Torrevieja to make observations and collect data about the impact of development and human settlement on coastal landscapes.
They were joined by Y10 Global Citizenship students who are working on a project about ocean and coastal pollution.

The students displayed exemplary behaviour throughout the day, worked very hard, and were very respectful to each other, their teachers and the local community.

The data collected will now have to be analysed for their coursework research.
We are also very proud as the students collected an astounding 21.2 kg of rubbish from the coastline, which was then properly disposed of.

Their teachers, Derek and Angela, are very proud of the students and would like to thank all the students that attended, with a special mention to the A level Geography students, who were tasked with crucial elements of planning and were instrumental in the success of the field trip, despite it being rather blustery and cold!

24/04/2024

Meet the team 👩🏻‍💻.

Victoria Ferrández Gómez (from 2019 to date). Degree in English Studies.

Hi! I am Victoria. I am the Administration Officer. I am Spanish but I am an enthusiast of the English language. I graduated in 2018 in English Studies including linguistics, culture and literature, from the University of Murcia.
I took an Erasmus+ programme and attended the University of Essex, England. There, I joined the women’s university rugby team and represented the University in various matches. When I came back to Spain, I looked for another team and I am currently playing in CUDER (Club Universitario Deportivo de Rugby – Murcia).

After university I took on my first employment in Starbucks as a supervisor whilst I was waiting for the right opportunity.
I started working full time at The O’Brien International School in 2019 with the financial support of the Spanish government, taking a three-year course in business administration, with John as my employer and tutor.

I am now the Examinations officer at our school.

18/04/2024

🛜💻 Our students engaged with their computing lessons.

16/04/2024

Meet the team 👩‍🏫.

Lara Houston (BTechEd) (From 2017 to date).

Hi! My name is Lara and I am from Scotland.
I qualified from Glasgow University in 2012 with a Bachelors Degree in Technological Education.
I spent five years teaching Graphics, Woodwork, Engineering, Electronics and Design in Glasgow before moving to Spain.
As well I have experience with children with learning and behavioural needs. I have been working at the school since 2017 with the Key Stage 2 and 3 students and also with GCSE students. During my time at The O’Brien International School I have taught Art, Maths, Statistics and Biology as well as KS 2/3.
I am a dedicated teacher and enjoy creating a positive learning environment for students to achieve their goals.

10/04/2024

10/04/2024

Meet the team 👩‍🏫.

Rachel Whelehan BSc.

I graduated form the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours). After university I worked for Rice Steele in Dublin as a Quality Control Analyst. In 2009 I moved to Spain and then spent two years working in local academies. I then worked for an international school for four years in total.

I have been working at The O’Brien Language Centre since 2017. My main subject areas include: Key Stage 3 Mathematics and the three Sciences, GCSE Higher Mathematics and A level Mathematicss. GCSE Biology and Chemistry and Btec in Pe theory.

Head of department Mathematics at KS5.

03/04/2024

Meet the team 👨‍🏫

Derek Raishbrook (BA Hons).
Over 40 years experience in the UK in 'challenging' schools and FE. Main subjects: English, History, Geography, Religion, Maths, E2L, PSHE and Social Studies. Also Head of Special Needs and Year Head.
Consultant to Worcester University re: SEN teacher training. I taught in English Secondary Schools and Further Education from 1974 until 2012, when I came to Spain for family reasons. I always intended to continue teaching whilst I, and any employer, felt I had something to offer.

In England I worked in three different Secondary Comprehensives, the first two being extremely challenging in their cohort and reputation. The third was in need of great improvement, which it successfully achieved. In School 1 I taught English, Maths, Geography and History and became Deputy to the Special Needs Co-ordination (SENCo). I was promoted to SENCo when advancing to School 2 and we had the extremely stressful Special Measures to negotiate. My special needs department needed to be invigorated at my third school and I was brought in, on recommendation, to do that. I am pleased and proud to have been the leader of a team that achieved excellent results. I was also joint House Head, sharing the pastoral care responsibilities for around a hundred students.

On (slightly early) retirement from school life I happily took up a part-time role in Further Education, teaching Functional Skills to college students. Again, Ofsted seemed to be following me around but we jumped that hurdle with ease.

On leaving the school environment I was asked to be a consultant for new SENCos at the University of Worcester. In this role I was, of course, able to offer years of experience and to give guidance to newer colleagues beginning to find their way through a labyrinthine system of administration and procedural difficulties.

My Spanish sojourn was never intended to be permanent but, here I am, happily teaching at The O’Brien International School since 2014, having previously taught in a small tuition centre run by a current colleague.

26/03/2024

Geography Field trip to Torrevieja.
Traffic and planning within the city.

25/03/2024

Meet the team 👩‍🏫

Sabrina Patiño. Deputy Director.
Degree in Educational Psychology. B.A. in Education and Higher Diploma in Education.

I graduated in 2008 from the University of Murcia. I spent two years in the Educational Science Institute in Murcia. Here I was the coordinator of the program, for the Masters in Education for secondary teachers of Medicine, Engineering and English. I also edited the text books for the professors of this course.

I have been teaching in the school since 2014 delivering Spanish to primary, GCSE and A Level students. One of my major roles at the school includes providing academic assistance to students studying in the Spanish education system, then presenting these students for examination at the various levels including the EBAU or selectividad, entry examinations for Spanish university. My work also includes preparing and implementing educational plans for students with diagnosis, such as Down Syndrome, ADHD, TDH and all those who have special needs and require tailor made therapies. We have been successful in acquiring financial assistance from the Spanish government towards the support of certain special needs students, within the Spanish education system.

23/03/2024

Our student Teó Gats in his International Piano Competition in the Netherlands.
Well done Teó!

Globe International Piano Competition, 2024, Category A, Semi Final

21/03/2024

Our student Teo Gats will be participating this weekend in the Globe International Piano Competition held in The Netherlands.
Best of luck!

19/03/2024

Meet the team 👨‍🏫

John O'Brien. Director.

BA. Sociology & Geography TSM, Joint Honours Degree, Trinity College Dublin. Certificate in Social Studies NCIR.
I left school at 15 and took up an apprenticeship as an electrician. I spent twenty years working in industrial installation and later in the film industry in TV and film lighting. I worked for various companies including The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and RTE. I was a member of the first production crew of Fair City. After a major family loss I decided to return to education and attended the National College of Industrial Relations. From there I went on to study at Trinity College Dublin for 7 years. Firstly as an undergraduate and later a Masters student investigating social housing. I was a tutor in the Geography Dept of TCD for 3 years. I graduated in 2000. I spent five years working as a supply teacher in Colaiste Iosagain Secondary School Portarlington and Mountmellick Secondary. I also acted as an examinations officer for the Department of Education Dublin.

Personal reasons initiated another major change and brought me to Spain. I worked in a number of academies and then for 6 years in an International school as a teacher and then as Director. I have over 20 years experience working in education. I have worked for the Conselleria de Educacion, Cultura y Deporte, Generalitat Valenciana in a program for CEFIRE (Centro de Formacion, Innovacion y Recursos Educativos) delivering Research Methods through English since 2016. The main subjects I deliver include, Sociology, Geography, History, Social and Political Science. I am currently the owner and the head of our centre.

15/03/2024

Our KS1 little Picassos.

13/03/2024

🔈TOIS Scholarship information

☘️The O’Brien International School offers an annual scholarship of one free place to a student who wishes to take A Levels starting in September.

🟢Who can apply?
Students from any other bilingual international school. Students who attend an institute and have finished with an ESO certificate within the Spanish system.
This opportunity is open to all students in the catchment area, not just our school.

🟢 Those wishing to participate in this promotion will take 4 GCSE exams at our School during the half term in May, on Monday 27th and Wednesday 29th. Subjects to be assessed are, Maths (H) and English, then Spanish and Business.
The exams will be based on past papers from the Pearson GCSE examinations. A minimum of grade 6 will be necessary in all four subjects assessed.
The candidate with the highest combined grades above the threshold will be declared the winner. In the event of a tie, we will take exact marks and total them to create a final score to determine the winning candidate.

🟢 All applicants should write an email of introduction, addressed to the secretary.

🟢 For all those who partake of this offer, from our school or any other school, and who do not attain the threshold we will offer a 150-euro reduction from the A Level registration fee for 2024-25.

🟢 If a candidate should score a 9 in Maths, English, or Business we will offer that subject as a free A Level as part of a package of 4 A Levels over two years.

🟢 The winning candidate will be given free tuition for the duration of the course.

🟢 How many A Levels do you usually take?
As an A-Level student, you have the option to study up to five A-Levels, but three is the required minimum, and most students will take just three subjects, plus an AS. We offer four subjects with this scholarship.
A-levels are internationally recognized qualifications that are required for entry into many university courses and professional training opportunities. Students typically study A-levels between the ages of 17 and 18. A-levels can help you: get a place at college or university at home or abroad.
A Levels give you an opportunity to gain valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, research, and writing that you can use for the rest of your life. Studying A levels can be very rewarding. Achieving good grades can be a great feeling and is a great way to boost your confidence.

📩Please contact the office to register your interest, [email protected]

11/03/2024

Meet the team 👩‍🏫

Our teachers are central to your and our success. Our teachers are university graduates of Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. They are encouraged to develop their special areas of interest, making the teaching lively and stimulating. All are selected for their enthusiasm as well as their ability. Friendly and accessible, they appreciate the needs of students and take an active role in planning courses.

In the next few weeks we will introduce you to this team.