SECONDARY

BRITISH CURRICULUM IN SECONDARY

In Secondary, our pupils follow the British curriculum while complementing their studies with two subjects from the Spanish system, Spanish Language and Social Studies. Secondary in the British system is divided into two stages: Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Subjects are taught in English by teachers who are native English speakers or who have completed their training in England and are specialized in teaching the British curriculum., except Spanish Language, Social Studies, French and German.

KEY STAGE 3

In Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9; ages 11 to 13) pupils will take all subjects in the curriculum, which forms the basis on which they will build their future academic studies. In addition, they work with their tutor, with whom they have daily contact, providing an invaluable link between school and home.

KEY STAGE 4

In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11; aged 14 to 16) pupils will begin to prepare for their IGCSE examinations, which they will sit at the end of Year 11. During this stage of their education, they select a number of optional subjects. We offer a two-year curriculum, giving Year 10 and 11 students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to successfully pass their IGCSE and A-Levels examinations, amongst others.

During Secondary we develop strong relationships between our students, their families and the school, so that students are able to make good progress and reach their full potential.

Activities beyond academics

We offer our students numerous opportunities to develop their learning. This is not just limited to the classroom, but extends to other activities such as educational excursions, community service projects and international initiatives. Classes are fun, challenging and funky, and offer children many opportunities to think critically and independently.

Students not only study the subjects they are taught, but also acquire and develop social skills such as debating, argumentation and public speaking, which will prepare them for a global future.

What are IGCSEs?

The IGCSE is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, recognised worldwide. Our students, during secondary school, complement their IGCSE studies with the Spanish Language and Social Studies subjects of the Spanish education system, which allows them to validate their IGCSE to obtain the ESO qualification.

The IGCSE is a two-year course. Students who start Year 10 in September will be examined at the end of Year 11. This forms Key Stage 4 of the British National Curriculum.

In the UK there are a number of examination boards which organise and offer British IGCSE courses and examinations. Schools can choose whichever exam board they prefer, and can even select more than one if they wish. However, some examination boards do not operate outside the UK. This somewhat restricts the options for some international schools, such as ours. At the moment, we use Edexcel and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) for most courses.

We offer a huge range of subjects and have put together a selection in line with National Curriculum guidelines, which also provides an appropriate mix of traditional and modern subjects. This ensures that the needs of all students are met, from those seeking very specific academic pathways towards university, to those who prefer a more vocational course. Each subject is graded and a certificate/diploma is awarded detailing the subjects assessed and the grades achieved.

Validation with the ESO qualification

At the end of the IGCSE exams, the school makes the necessary arrangements for validation with the ESO diploma, provided that the student fulfils the necessary requirements.