Our School Spotlight series showcases what makes our global community so special, shining a light on the individual strengths of our exceptional learning environments and understanding the benefits of being part of our wider community. We are proud to introduce this month’s School Spotlight; Dunalastair School, Chile. 

Dunalastair has a history of adapting to changes over time. Founded in 1937 as a girls’ school, its initial mission was to provide a British type of education to expatriate families and Chileans interested in that style of education.  Since 1981 Dunalastair has been the co-educational school, educating 3-18 year-old’s we know today.

Given its reputation for educational excellence, Dunalastair was able to grow in different catchment areas of Santiago. Currently, it has three sites: Las Condes, established at its current location in 1989; Chicureo, founded in 2004 and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year; and Peñalolén, which joined the fold in 2010. Though geographically apart, the three sites operate as a single educational project.

Dunalastair is an active member of the Association of British Schools in Chile (ABSCH) and takes part in a variety of cultural and sporting events.

At the beginning of 2000, Dunalastair undertook significant curricular changes, focusing on a skills-based curriculum, an innovative approach that responds to the need for continuous and adaptive education. Today, the school stands out for its Project-Based Learning model that promotes collaborative and creative learning. It uses innovative methodologies such as Inquiry-Based Learning (D-Inquiry), Project-Based Learning (D-Project), and Problem-Based Learning (D-Thinking).

Its initiatives and projects aim to develop responsible, critical, and engaged citizens, prepared to face the challenges of a constantly evolving world.

Dunalastair has obtained the ‘Huella Chile’ Seal for having measured its carbon footprint and is currently working on an Environmental Policy that will allow a reduction of this indicator. Dunalastair Chicureo has been involved in the global pilot programme in partnership with Sustainability at School, and at present, all campuses are in the process of installing a photovoltaic plant.

The school is committed to a digital culture, socio-emotional education, inclusion and diversity, all essential areas to prepare students for future challenges, promoting an inclusive learning environment that cares for the emotional and social needs of our young people.

Dunalastair has been part of the Cognita family since 2022.  This has provided our students and staff with new international opportunities that provide global perspectives that benefit the entire educational community.

“A few years ago, we decided we had to ‘reimagine learning’, given how little we know about the world that our students will face in the future. Our unique curriculum will equip our students with the skills that will allow them to thrive in an uncertain future.”

John Mackenzie, Rector.

To find out more about our latest Spotlight School, visit here.