The British School
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The British School
Interview with British School headteacher Tony White
When and why was the school created?
The British School of Barcelona was founded fifty years ago as The Anglo-American School, changed ownership forty years ago and was renamed and has been on the present site for fifteen years. In 2007 it was bought by Cognita, a large educational group owning many schools in England and around the world.
What is the mission/philosophy of The British School?
The school’s mission statement reads, “This school provides an education that will stimulate, challenge and support each student to develop the understanding, skills and personal qualities that are necessary now and in the future".
What curriculum does the school follow?
The school follows the English National Curriculum and is authorised by the British, Spanish and Catalan educational authorities. It is a member of NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain) which authorises and regularly inspects that the school complies with the character and standards expected of a British school.
Are the children taught Spanish/Catalan and if so to what level?
t In Primary pupils receive one lesson of Catalan and two lessons of Castellano a week. In Secondary pupils receive two lessons of Catalan and three of Castellano a week. All students take A-level Spanish and continue with Catalan to A-level standard. This allows them to receive official recognition of having completed Spanish secondary education and to have the necessary level of Catalan to be employed by Catalan public bodies.
From which countries do the students come from? What is the ratio of Catalan students to foreign students?
Seventy percent of the student body are Spanish, fifteen percent are British and the remaining fifteen percent are made up of representatives from a very wide range of countries around the globe.
What percentage of students stay at the school for the full duration of their education?
Ninety-five percent of students complete their full education to A-level at this school.
For children not from the local community, does the school have any specific strategy to ensure they are somehow integrated into the local community?
The school has links with local sporting organisations and offers opportunities for students to take part in competitions/join clubs involving students from local schools.
How does the school select teachers?
The school has a rigorous selection process for employing teachers. Vacancies are advertised in The Times Educational Supplement, where all British teaching vacancies are advertised. Interviews are held in the UK. Applicants will only be considered if they are native English speakers, have British teaching qualifications and have recent successful experience in teaching at a British school.
What is the student / teacher ratio?
The overall student/teacher ratio is 14:1.
What are the class sizes? What is the total number of pupils at the school?
This a two-form entry school with a maximum of twenty-six pupils to a class. Class sizes are smaller for public examination groups. The total number of students is 735.
What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service etc) are available for students?
There is a full range of extra-curricular activities including an after-school club from 4-6pm which offers music, dance, drama, general sports. Excursions planned for this year (2008-9) include a ski week, trips to London for Year 6 and Year 12, French and Business Studies trip to Paris, Geography field-trip to Madrid, as well as many day visits of educational interest within Catalonia.
What strategies are used to teach students who are not fluent in English?
The acquisition of a high level of English is regarded as one of the school’s priorities. Pupils of three and four years of age have two qualified teachers in each classroom to support their introduction to learning English. In Primary, pupils who need extra support with English are withdrawn to work in small groups with a separate teacher. In secondary it is expected that all pupils have a good level of English, and new pupils have to pass an entrance test to show that they have this level.
For which countries are students prepared for further education at 18?
When students reach eighteen years of age they take A-level examinations. These are accepted by universities across the world as entrance qualifications. This includes Spanish universities, so our students do not have to take the Selectividad entrance examination.
What kinds of support or resources does the school offer parents?
Communication with parents includes Parents’ Evenings, general presentations (for example, to explain the school’s Development Plan and its progress), and curriculum workshops.
Is there an admissions policy - what is it and why does it exist?
This is not a selective school and so accepts pupils with a range of academic abilities. However, it is not staffed with specialist teachers who can meet the needs of pupils with severe learning difficulties. The requisites for entry are a good report from the previous school and a level of English equal to that of the Year group they are entering.
What is the application process and do you have a waiting list?
Application forms can be obtained from the school office. All classes in Early Years and Primary have waiting lists and there are only a few vacancies in Secondary.Any parents who are interested in the school are very welcome to visit. Appointments may be made through the school’s secretary and arrangements will be made for discussions with the headteacher and Heads of School, followed by a tour of the school (December 2008).
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