The secondary education area aims to educate students who adopt fundamental attitudes and values, acquire knowledge, and develop skills that prepare them to face life and navigate it with leadership, a creative, dynamic, and positive spirit, thus responding to a changing society and projecting themselves into the future with a personal life plan aligned with their interests and beneficial to society.
The secondary education area has a building with science and computer labs. Each classroom is equipped with audiovisual materials such as computers, projectors, and interactive whiteboards, among others, which help meet the educational needs of our students.
This area operates using a thematic classroom model, meaning that each subject area has its own dedicated room, which requires students to rotate through them during the school day. This system has explicitly contributed to reinforcing habits and values in our students, such as punctuality, order, discipline, and autonomy. It also allows teachers to make better use of their time and space, since the classrooms are equipped and decorated according to the subject taught in them. Each classroom also has a computer connected to the internet and a multimedia projector (data projector), enabling teachers to lead activities and plan their work effectively.
All academic information is available online through the School Track program, which keeps parents constantly informed and provides an efficient communication channel between the school and home. The availability of computers in each of the subject-specific classrooms allows teachers to keep the information updated in the program.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Our program focuses on a Humanities and Sciences approach.
Courses have a capacity of 25 to 30 students.
The plans and programs for this level are based on Decree 220/98. Since 2016, we have had our own bilingual plans and programs approved.
For evaluation, we follow the decrees issued by the Ministry of Education for these levels.
STUDY PLAN
The curriculum includes general education courses, taught in both Spanish and English, and elective courses. At this level, we have specialists in each of the subsectors.
In Secondary Education, work continues on the Cross-Curricular Objectives, strengthening each of the following areas:
– Free Time
In the first and second years of secondary school, activities are developed that respond to the needs and expectations of both the students and the school community, in accordance with the school’s Educational Project and the available resources and capabilities.
Currently, various workshops are offered, including: Sports, Art, Music, Contemporary Dance, Critical Thinking, a Greenhouse Project, and Radio Astronomy.
– PAES
Starting in 9th grade, our students have two additional hours of preparation for the PAES (Spanish Language and Mathematics).
In 11th grade, there are three hours of PAES preparation (Spanish Language, Mathematics, and either Science or History).
In 12th grade, there are six hours of PAES preparation per week (2 hours of Mathematics, 2 hours of Spanish Language, and 2 hours of specific science-mathematics-humanities tests).
– Differentiated Plan
Our school’s elective program aims to provide our students with the necessary tools for career guidance and prepare them for university life through curriculum content and skills tailored to the world of higher education.
The complete program consists of seven hours per week, divided into several subjects, which are listed below:
BLOCK 1 ANCHOR COURSE: This block consists of one course with three hours per week. These courses will be the following:
BLOCK 2 MINOR COURSE: This block consists of one course with two hours per week. This course is an abbreviated version of the anchor course.
BLOCK 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This block consists of one course with one hour per week. This course is mandatory for all students and lasts four semesters.
BLOCK 4 COMPLEMENTARY COURSES: This block consists of twelve different courses with one hour per week. They will be offered on a semester basis. (ICTs, Technical English, Anatomy, Architectural Drawing, Self-Defense, Latin Jazz, Latin American and Contemporary Music, among others)
In addition to the plan mentioned above, the Secondary Education program includes other flagship projects, which are listed below:
NORTH AMERICAN TEACHERS AND ORAL ENGLISH
Each year, we have native English speakers interact with our students. From 9th to 12th grade, English classes are taught by an American teacher.
In addition, we host student teachers from American universities who come for one-month internships twice a year. They share their culture with our TJSS students, teachers, and families and provide support in our classrooms in various disciplines. Since 2008, we have run an oral English program in which a native English teacher leads weekly activities designed to develop oral expression skills in English for 9th and 10th grade students.
REINFORCEMENT PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE FALLEN BEHAVIOR
Our students receive one hour of reinforcement in each subject within the Science and Humanities area. This takes place outside of regular school hours and is led by the subject teacher. Students who are struggling are eligible for this program and will be selected by their teacher.
INTEGRATED CURRICULUM: MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES
Since primary school, a network of content and an aligned curriculum have been developed across related disciplines. This has led to the creation of various interdisciplinary support modules, with common strategies and approaches, that promote meaningful and organized learning for our students throughout the academic year.
STUDY TRIP TO THE USA
In 10th grade, students participate in an academic and cultural study trip to the USA for approximately three weeks. Selection is based on academic performance, discipline, and health. They attend an American school and live with a host family, giving them the opportunity to integrate into and learn about American culture, strengthen their English language skills, and promote Chile through presentations prepared before the trip. This means they act as ambassadors at the school they visit.
PARTICIPATION IN EXPLORA
The High School actively participates in the EXPLORA Network of the University of Concepción, allowing a large number of students to engage in the various scientific activities offered. The Science Department Coordinator represents our school in this program. It is worth noting that participation has allowed our students to excel in various areas such as science journalism, research, and more.
HUMANITIES AND CULTURE DAY
This activity is organized by the Humanities teachers, who primarily work with students in specialized programs within the same area. It is also extended to elementary school students. Through this activity, the History and Social Sciences, Art, Music, Language Arts, and English departments collaborate.
This cultural day includes musical, theatrical, and literary activities, as well as short story, poetry, and painting contests. These activities aim to promote artistic and cultural awareness among students in all aspects of life.
INTERDISCIPLINARY EVENT: “FOLK MUSIC EVENT”
This activity is organized by the Physical Education and Music and Arts departments, who work with students from 1st grade to 12th grade in preparing traditional Chilean dances within a folkloric artistic and musical setting. The Jeffersonian community shares traditional Chilean food in a show prepared to celebrate the national holidays. This activity aims to promote artistic and cultural awareness of our country among students.
NATIONAL FAIR
This project, led by the History and Geography Department, dedicates a school day to a historical, geographical, and cultural activity focused on Chilean customs. Students from nearly all grade levels of elementary and high school participate. The goal of this activity is for our students to learn to value their national roots, traditions, and customs through a unique experience that allows them to express their knowledge in a creative and engaging way. The fair showcases different periods in Chilean history and its various geographical regions, using traditional clothing, offering Chilean food tastings, and, above all, putting their knowledge of Chilean history and geography into practice.
TOEFL
Third-year high school students take the TOEFL exam, which certifies their English proficiency level.
Taking this test is a crucial tool for students, as it allows them to apply to North American universities and obtain an internationally recognized certification.
INTERDISCIPLINARY TRIP TO COLCHAGUA
The educational visit to Colchagua is part of the first-year secondary school curriculum, focusing on cultural identity. This activity aims to recognize the material, cultural, and natural heritage that gives us identity and allows us to experience the present with meaning, by fostering a sense of belonging and heritage, and consequently, an appreciation for diversity. This province is rich in literature, legends, history, and art, where students, through hands-on experience, will be able to identify, recognize, and apply what they have learned in the classroom throughout the year.
7TH GRADE CULTURAL TOUR
A trip to the cities of Santiago and Valparaíso is organized so that 7th grade students can develop contextualized learning about different historical, artistic, political, cultural, and civic education topics.
This trip includes a tour of various institutions representing state power, such as the La Moneda Palace and the National Congress. There, students are guided by specialists who explain the functions of the institutions and the people who work there.
In addition to the civic and political aspects, the trip also includes learning about Chilean history through a visit to the National History Museum. This visit allows students to explore the history of our country from its origins with its first inhabitants to the present day.
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