Barcelona Mum

Why did you decide to send your child to La Floresta?
We did not decide but were allocated because we came during the school year.

Are you happy with your choice?
We did not choose, but it is okay, in my perception they look very well after the children, care for them.

How much research did you do into the education system beforehand?
We knew some general things beforehand, for example schools are for the whole day, kids are sorted according to their age, they do not play as much as in Germany (more like school).

How did you find the application process?
Everything which has to do with the government tends to be lengthy and not always logical

Do you feel your child is getting the same level of education as he/she would as you would in your native country?
In the levels our kids attend they learn more (4 and 5 years old).

How much Catalan and Spanish is your child taught each week?
The whole classes are in Catalan as this is a public school. They have some lessons in Castillano (appr. 1 h/week).

Approximately how many Catalan children are in your child´s class?
About 75% of the children are Catalan, the others are mainly from Latin origin, about 5% foreigners (like Germans).

How is the day structured?
Much structure and rituals, needed because of 1 teacher for 25 children. In the mornings the have to be on time, queue and go into the school in a distinct order. In the classroom they have to eat their breakfast and give in their agenda (a booklet in which teachers and parents exchange information) and put on the “bata” (sort of blouse; very typical for the pre-schoolers). They eat at 12:30, after that they play outside until 15:00. They have 1 hour of music per week, 1 afternoon sports, 1-2 hours of English. School ends at 16:30. Attending the whole day is mandatory. The 3 years old have a siesta.

In what language do you speak to your child at home?
German

How well integrated do you think you are in Catalan society?
We do not live here for a very long time, but with small children contacts are quite easy