English section
The International section is a British school that follows the Cambridge syllabus and teaches in English.
We offer education in Early years, primary, secondary (ESO) and sixth form (Bachillerato).
Scandinavian pedagogy fits very well with the Cambridge program. Both aim to support and educate students to work independently, with commitment and responsibility and in a reflective manner.
Preschool
Infantil is for children between 18 months and four years old. The groups are usually small and the children are divided into groups according to their age.
The youngest children follow the Swedish Infant School curriculum. From the age of four, they start the Early Years program, which prepares them for the Cambridge program.
Early Years lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Here we give the children a secure and solid foundation to build on.
Primary Education
Students follow the Cambridge curriculum. Primary runs from Year 1 to Year 6, with ages ranging from 5 to 11 years old.
The enjoyment of learning and the well-being of the students are always at the center. Therefore, we strive to create an environment that does not focus solely on grades and exam results. Of course, it remains important to the school that pupils meet the requirements of the curriculum. At the end of Year 6, pupils take their first external examinations in English, Maths and Science (Cambridge Primary Checkpoints).
Secondary School
The Cambridge secondary program consists of Y7-11 and corresponds to 6 primaria and 1-4 ESO in the Spanish system. Students are between 11-16 years old. There is also the option to study A Levels in the 6th form program from Y12-13. This is the equivalent of the Spanish Bachillerato program.
Students continue to develop their critical thinking skills and learn to take responsibility for their studies. This is done in close collaboration between staff and students.
The courses are divided into Key Stage Three (Year 7-9), Key Stage Four (Year 10-11) and Key Stage Five (Sixth Form).
In our daily activities we encourage free play, creativity and the joy of learning. As play is an important part of children’s development, we consciously use play in all our activities.
We have fixed daily routines, such as morning assembly with songs and stories, snack, lunch and nap time for the youngest children. During the week we teach music with the school music teacher and do other creative activities, such as baking and arts and crafts. We also do sports and movement on a regular basis. We work on different topics so that the children acquire knowledge and skills in areas such as language, mathematics, nature and the environment, at their level. Every day, whatever the weather, we go outdoors to play in our fantastic playground.
We believe in the children’s own abilities and give them the space and support they need to become independent individuals in a safe, playful and stimulating environment. We teach children to care for each other, while encouraging their own interests. Since all of our students are or will be at least bilingual, we work with language in all activities.
All students learn Spanish as a first or second language.
A good level of English is required for admission to Primary. Students who do not meet the language requirements may be admitted provided they attend additional English classes (English Support Programme).
During Key Stage Three, students continue with the subjects they studied in Primary, with the difference that all subjects are taught by specialist subject teachers rather than by the class tutor. In Year 7 students can choose an additional language (French or German). At the end of Year 9 pupils sit external examinations in English, Maths and Science (Cambridge Checkpoints).
In Key Stage Four pupils prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations, which are taken at the end of Year 11. This is a highly prestigious qualification recognized by the University of Cambridge. Some IGCSE examinations are already taken in Year 9 and Year 10.
Spanish language, literature and culture are taught according to the Spanish curriculum. By passing these subjects in combination with the IGCSE, students receive the Spanish Secondary Education Diploma.
Students who are native Spanish speakers study Spanish as a second language.
Any doubts?
We offer regular informational meetings about our programs. Please contact the school if you are interested: colegio@escandinavo.com
Sixth Form
The Sixth Form corresponds to Bachillerato and is the last two years of school, Year 12 and Year 13, according to the Cambridge system.
In the Sixth Form we offer individualized study programs in which students can choose the subjects they are most interested in. By concentrating on a few subjects, students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and develop their subject skills.
Entry to the Sixth Form requires a high level of English and a pass in the IGCSE, or equivalent.
During the two years of the Sixth Form all students continue to study English and prepare for a qualification appropriate to their needs and ability, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced.
At the end of Year 12, students sit AS-level examinations. At the end of Year 13, students sit the University of Cambridge external A-levels in their chosen subjects. Having passed the A-levels they can apply to universities around the world.
Teaching Spanish
All our students, from elementary school upwards in both sections, receive Spanish classes according to their level, either as a first or second language.
The teachers, native speakers, also teach Spanish Literature and Culture according to the Spanish curriculum. They are all qualified teachers.
The school is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education, which also supervises our programs.
