Barcelona Mum

When and why was the school created?
1996 – to create an international school with an emphasis on languages on the outskirts of Barcelona.

What are the school’s main strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: Excellent facilities (Sports Centre with swimming pools, Theatre, excellent meals made on site etc.), excellent teacher-student-parent relationship, for all ages (1 to 18), varied Extra-School Activities Programme, international outlook etc.
Weaknesses: Lacks library – but being built and will be ready by Sept. 2008.
 
Why would you encourage parents to choose your school over others?
Languages from an early age, values taught, importance of order and discipline, good family atmosphere and care is give to the individual student.

Does the school have an educational philosophy or mission?
Yes – the School’s Statement of Principles is given to all families when they visit the School.

What curriculum does the school follow?
Catalan Curriculum but offers the Cambridge English Examinations and the French DELF examinations throughout Primary, Secondary and Baccalaureate.

Are the children taught Spanish/Catalan and if so to what level?
From age 1 to 18.

From which countries do the students come from? (in percentages if possible)
Majority of students are Catalan or Spanish but we have a small percentage (approx. 10%) of international families from Europe, the Middle East, North and South America and Far Eastern countries.
 
What percentage of students stay at the school for the full duration of their education?
95%

How does the school select teachers?
CV’s come to the School via email/post and a selection is made. Candidates are then invited to interviews with the Head of Studies, Director and Deputy Head. All non-native English speakers are then tested on their level of English. 

What kinds of library resources are available to students?
A new up-to-date library is being built and equipped to be opened in September 2008.

What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service etc) are available for students?
Extra-School Activities: Sports and swimming, Artistic (Dance, Music and Workshops), Language School and Academic Support Centre. Different charities are supported by the School each year and to which older students are encouraged to be involved in.  

What strategies are used to teach students who are not fluent in English?
Extra classes are recommended (at an extra cost) as part of the timetable as well as after school.
How well do you think children of parents from the International Community integrate with children of Catalan parentage?
Integration always depend on the family and their attitude – usually success rate is very high. Our Catalan/Spanish families are very open and welcoming towards international families. 

What are some of the school's greatest achievements?
Relationship with international schools through visits and exchanges.
High level of English that students achieve by the time they are 18, as well as an excellent level in Catalan, Spanish and Mathematics.

What are the school’s academic and sport results?
Excellent in both areas.

How do the School’s results compare to other International schools in and around Barcelona?
Excellent.

For which countries are students prepared for further education at 18?
Spain.

How easily do you think children adapt to the curriculum if they don’t start at 11?
Students who do not have at least one of the languages of the School (Spanish, Catalan or English) or a good aptitude for languages cannot be accepted. A psychological  assessment test is also carried out to determine prospective student’s possibilities. For the good of the student, those who cannot reach the basic requirements cannot be accepted.

Does the school follow any specific religious philosophy?
Although the School is inspired by the values of Christian Humanism, it is totally non-denominational and all faiths and beliefs are welcomed and respected. In accordance with the law, the Catholic Religion is taught but Ethics is also available to be chosen.

What kinds of support or resources does the school offer parents?
- The School has a Parent Association organised by parents.
- The Educational Psychologist Department has three educational psychologists available for Infant, Primary, Secondary and Baccalaureate students and their families and organises a variety of talks and conferences throughout the school year.
- The Language School offers language lessons for those who require them.
- The Sports Centre is open to all parents.
-The International Relations Coordinator is available to all international parents who need help, advice, translation purposes etc. when settling and adapting into school life etc.
- Great importance is given to the student- teacher-parent relationship and termly interviews are organised.  
 
What are the school fees?
Fees and costs are given on request by families but are not placed on the internet. Our prices are below the Barcelona school average.