Interview with Headteacher Elaine Blaus
When and why was the school created?
The school was set up in 2000 to provide British education for children in the Alicante area. In 2001 we became part of the King's Group of Schools, which includes King's College Madrid and the British School of Murcia, as well as schools in the UK and China.
What is the mission/philosophy of the school?
Our prime motivation is to provide an environment of excellence and high achievement. Our students are given access to the highest level of academic tuition, and are provided with every opportunity to develop their personal and social skills to prepare them to take their place in society as educated, thoughtful and responsible citizens.
What curriculum does the school follow?
The school follows the UK National Curriculum, including IGCSE and A Level.
Are the children taught Spanish and if so to what level?
Spanish is taught up to A Level.
Are any subjects taught in Spanish?
We teach Lengua Castellana (Spanish Langauge) and Sociales (Spanish History and Geography) in Spanish, as well as Lengua Valenciana (Valencian).
From which countries do the students come from? What is the ratio of Spanish students to foreign students?
85% of our students are Spanish and come from the Alicante region, as far away as Torrevieja, Aspe and Campello. Around 10% are British, and the remaining 5% are a mixture of nationalities.
What percentage of students stay at the school for the full duration of their education?W
The vast majority of our pupils stay at the school until the age of 18.
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 many local community links, including with local sporting organisations, local charities and other local schools. Every year our Year 10 pupils undertake a work experience placement in the local community.
How does the school select teachers?
The school has a rigorous selection process, which involves schooling teachers in the UK. Teachers are required to have UK teaching qualifications and relevant UK experience.
What is the student / teacher ratio?
The overall student:teacher ratio is 12:1
What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service etc) are available for students?
There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including many sporting and musical activities, chess, painting and languages.
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 members of staff in each classroom to support their introduction to learning English. In Primary and 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 not only in the UK but across the world as entrance qualifications. This includes Spanish universities, so our students do not have to take the Selectividad entrance examination. Students from the School have successfully gained places at universities in the UK, Spain, Australia and Canada in recent years.
What kinds of support or resources does the school offer parents?
We have termly parents' meetings, along with presentation evenings for curriculum matters and for parents of children moving into a new phase of education.
Is there an admissions policy - what is it and why does it exist?
The School has an Admissions Policy, and children wishing to apply in Primary or Secondary are required to take Entrance Tests in English and Mathematics, as well as attending an school. This is so that we can be sure that the children who attend the school will benefit from the type of education that we offer.
What is the application process and do you have a waiting list?
Please see our website www.bsalicante.com for details of the application process. Many classes in Early Years and Primary have waiting lists and there are only a few vacancies in Secondary. 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, followed by a tour of the school.
(Nov 2009)
