By ES International School (ESIS), Barcelona.
Information technology has become a crucial and important part of education here at ES International School. To be successful in the 21st Century, students must be proficient in the use of IT. Many students’ lives today are filled with technology which gives them infinite access to information and resources, enabling them to pursue their interests in their own way and at their own pace. The opportunities are limitless.
The Academia Sánchez-Casal, in conjunction with ES International School, offers players who aim to become tennis professionals the possibility of completing an American educational program on campus.
In order to help prepare students for university life, we have developed an Electronic Device Policy designed to assist students in making constructive decisions about how they use information technology and develop skills that allow them to succeed in the future.
Our Bring Your Own Device Program (BYOB), in conjunction with eTextbooks from various educational publishers allows our High School student-athletes the opportunity to explore learning in a way that is familiar and amenable to them.
These two tools give student-athletes the freedom and convenience of studying more effectively while on tournament, avoiding the need to carry overweight luggage due to textbooks, and paying excess baggage fees at airports. Instead, all their books can be placed on a practical and convenient laptop.
In an international environment such as that at ES International School, with parents who live far away from their child, we have started using Sycamore Education – a comprehensive online student information system. Sycamore allows us to have up to date information about our families and students and provides quick and comprehensive online information regarding their child’s education, all in one virtual place.
With Sycamore, teachers keep accurate and real-time records of all their classes and parents have easy access to their child’s grades, attendance records, daily schedule, teachers’ contact information and school news.
Our students also use the Edmodo online educational platform in order to communicate with their teachers while away on tournament. Teachers create virtual classrooms and post the class assignments through Edmodo. Students can keep up to date with the classwork while they are travelling, and parents also have access, can see the work their child is completing, and communicate with the teachers.
Information technology has become a fundamental tool for the 21st Century student-athlete, and at ES International School, we believe that “Integrating technology with face-to-face teacher time generally produces better academic outcomes than employing either technique alone.” Edutopia. Our students’ academic results show that this is true for student-athletes, as technology makes academic excellence a realistic goal for those travelling on tournament, permitting them to access the classroom and the tennis court when needed.
ES International School (ESIS), Barcelona
That’s why when Academia Sanchez-Casal was granted two ITF / USTA Women’s Pro-Circuit tournaments, with a total prize money of $50,000, it came easily to the ASC team to give the series the name of the WTA player, as a recognition of her role in professional women’s tennis and also to offer an inspirational model to the tournament players.
We chatted to her during a break at the Mutua Madrid Masters, where she reached the semi-finals after winning against Canadian player Eugenie Bouchard, 6-4, 6-0. We asked her about her views on women’s tennis, professional tennis, and her tennis background as a junior:
– What do you think of issues around women’s tennis? What could be done to give it more visibility?
I think that every year women’s tennis is getting stronger. All female players are preparing more than before. Everyone is very fit and working hard. I think that women’s tennis is getting more and more popular.
– You entered the ITF Circuit in 2000. What advice would you give to young tennis players that are in the same position right now, competing in the tournament?
I would say to young players: “Believe in your abilities, be humble, but also be hungry for success”.
-You reached a No. WTA career high in 2006, then had a major comeback, entering the top 10 again in 2016. What are your training and competition routines?
My routines have become more and more simple.
The most important thing is to listen to your body and see what’s works the best for you.
Before a match, I just need my body and mind to get going – and to take a fresh approach to the game.
– What victory do you remember the most?
My favourite memories are definitely winning the Grand Slams and Fed cups representing my country.
What are your memories of your training at the Sánchez-Casal Academy?
I was very little when I came to the academy (ASC). Being there helped me to work on my game, and taught me so many other lessons. I also learnt Spanish.
The Sánchez-Casal Academy is strongly committed to promoting and raising awareness of women’s tennis, and to providing equal opportunities in tennis, and in life. We are equally thrilled to host this two-week women’s tennis tournament and to name it after a role model in the sport. Good luck to all players and thank you Svetlana for all your support!
Susana Zaragoza, Online Marketer
Sánchez-Casal Academy, Florida 
