Welcome Judges

‘Winds of Change in Language Learning, Wings of Success’

Nomination Description

For 26 years, Chranioti Language Centres has been a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive school community, fostering innovation and academic excellence. Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming, kind, empathetic student-centred environment, where all learners, regardless of their backgrounds, educational profiles, or learning differences, feel valued, and empowered to thrive. We strive to bring ‘winds of change’ to language learning by actively listening to students, parents, teachers, administrative staff, and the local community needs, ensuring that our schools evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century successfully.

We embrace diversity and nurture individuality while equipping students with 21st-century skills: creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving, digital literacy, and social, cultural, and environmental awareness. Our commitment to excellence extends to our educators, placing professional development at the core of our agenda. Teachers engage in international conferences and exhibitions, training workshops, and collaborative meetings to stay at the forefront of educational innovation as the latter ensures a differentiated and personalised learning experience for all the members of our school community.

As an active community partner, we prioritise social responsibility through Social Emotional Learning. We organise fundraising events (Christmas Bazaars with handmade sweets, candles, AI-generated wishing cards, Christmas Carolling, Chari-Tea Events)  to support vulnerable groups (Shelter Home for Girls, ‘Agios Alexandros’). These initiatives nurture empathy and civic engagement in our students. Additionally, our students engage in TEDx Events, (TEDx Nea Smyrni Youth Organisers), educational trips, visits, and cultural experiences, like the Benaki Toy Museum, Dali Immersive Experience, and our annual EduTrip to the UK, deepening their connection to the world.

Education at Chranioti Language Centres extends beyond textbooks as the latter are seen as supplementary. Aligned with EYFS and CEFR standards, our curriculum is tailored to students’ ages, needs, interests, and abilities. We adapt course-books creatively making lessons student-centred, open-ended, and skill-focused. We emphasise experiential learning, creative project extensions, and outdoor education to ensure that learning remains engaging and meaningful. Our outdoor green schoolyard and community-driven initiatives foster hands-on learning, encouraging critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration.

As the first school in Greece to receive Green Standard School accreditation for four consecutive years, we are committed to environmental awareness and sustainability. Through eco-friendly initiatives (planting, recycling, minimising waste, avoiding unnecessary packaging, crafting with recyclable materials, and being mindful of water and electricity use), we empower students to become responsible global citizens.

Collaboration is at the heart of our school. We maintain monthly meetings, newsletters, parents’ involvement projects, weekly observations, and term reports with individual and descriptive assessment focusing on the next educational objective, daily feedback, syllabi, and the Edu4schools platform, fostering open communication and a dynamic learning environment. Our students not only excel in language skills but also grow in confidence, independence, and social responsibility.

At Chranioti Language Centres, we are a community of change-makers, dedicated to shaping future leaders who will positively impact the world. Like guiding ‘winds of change’, we inspire students to craft their own wings and explore uncharted skies.