For example, since there is such a large Spanish-speaking population in the United States, many primary and secondary school students can benefit from educational environments where they are learning in both English and Spanish. I stand corrected, Joshua actually spent a year in a local French school, age three! A case in point: one year after California repealed its ban on bilingual education, Massachusetts passed the LOOK Act, which stands for Language Opportunity for Our Kids. In Spain, there are no league tables to advise us which are the best performing schools, although there are many regulatory bodies that can be consulted to conduct basic checks. “I believe that a school that advertises itself as “bilingual” should offer an equal number of subjects in each language.ie. During my final meeting with his tutor, when I shared my thought about the local secondary school or a private bilingual school, I was told Joshua will do well, whatever school you decide to send him to”. The first in Torremolinos is supposedly a completely bilingual school at ESO level, however we were told they were not sufficiently qualified to do the Bachillerato classes in English – if that’s the case then I don’t believe they would be capable of doing any classes adequately in English. Teaching in a bilingual school in Madrid definitely has so many positives! The Bilingual Primary School is a growing school with over 520 children on roll from Reception to Y6. At the beginning, 26 primary schools were selected based on an application process and the majority were private schools. Educational leaders like Dr. Sanchez implement policies for bilingual education. Native English speaking assistants and teachers. Before sharing my findings and thoughts on bilingual schools in Spain, I’d like to share our Spanish education story so far with you …. And they are really good at teaching! The British Council is proud of our legacy in Spain promoting, developing and supporting bilingual education. In Spain, it is compulsory for all children to attend school between the ages of 6 and 16. Well known for its music and dance program, this bilingual school that previously had a thriving Spanish dual language program recently added a Russian dual language program. History of Bilingual Education in Spain The most successful program began in the capital city of Madrid in the year 2004. Capacity building. Some 95% of Spanish students at bilingual schools have chosen to be taught in English.” Regional differences in bilingual education “There are notable differences between bilingual education in each of Spain’s regions, especially when it comes to the English skills required of teachers. 2. As a result, bilingual education is gaining popularity in both the state and private sectors. Start in pre-school. The same is true in Andalusia, where 30.5% of elementary school students and 28.6% of high school students study in English. Another advantage of studying abroad … The Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education will help meet the current demand for experts in the field of bilingual teaching and learning. My daughters (7 and 9) can have short conversations in English, enjoy watching English TV and have also started reading in English. These are fee paying. “Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of bilingual (English/Spanish) education in Spain. Painful for us as we saw our quiet, “angelic” daughter scream and cry at the start of every term for the first few years. I am a firm believer that enrolling children in local Spanish school from an early age is a good option for most if not all young (ie. Jump forward eight years and aged eleven, our strong-willed, independent, caring and intelligent daughter had developed strong roots and was ready to spread her wings. SEK has day school and boarding options, both at a pretty penny. 1. El Limonar Monteprincipe is a bilingual education center for pupils from the age of 3 to 8 years old. Both educational systems offer excellent opportunities for learning, so you can choose the school that’s right for you with confidence. “The boom in public bilingual centres in Spain has been remarkable. Huguet, Á. and Llurda, E.: 2001, ‘Language attitudes of school children in two Catalan/Spanish bilingual communities’, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism 4, … We soon learnt that this performance ended as soon as she entered the school building. Successful graduates can choose from a range of positions within the bilingual education context. This “Bilingual Project” has been pioneering for both Spain and Europe, and has inspired other governments and education authorities to develop multilingual education and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)  projects in their schools. Some experts argue that it has been rolled out too quickly where demand is high, thus compromising the quality of education. School address: Urbanización Torrequebrada, Calle Ronda del Golf Este, 7 – 11, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga So, before writing the post on our family blog www.familylifeinspain.com , I’d like input from others.”, “We’ve been really lucky, the level of English of the teachers at my daughters’ school is fantastic, (almost) native. I am of the belief that the teachers providing classes, in English, in state schools, need more training and a higher level of English to better carry out their roles. However, a recent article in El Pais has criticised the project. Where your children will go to school is a key concern if you’re relocating. 10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Relocating. When we think of a bilingual school, it is easy to assume that all classes must be taught in both of the chosen languages fairly equally, but in Spain that is not the case owing to a shortage of … I think the teachers, if not native, should demonstrate an advanced level of the language, both written and spoken.”. , where 30.5% of elementary school students and 28.6% of high school students study in English. My kids are appalled by the mistakes the teachers make in class.”, “I was one of two teachers at the school who had formally studied bilingual education. – Methodology plays an important role too. This education is based on an inclusive project that values and meets the educational and communication needs of our entire community in oral language, sign language and alternative systems. In 1998 Iale became the first bilingual infant and primary school in Valencia to be authorised at a national level. It was painful for many. Are the needs of one native group privileged over the other? Q2: How do you think Spain can improve its Bilingual Education? The school offers Infant, Primary and Secondary Education in a stimulating and safe environment within the academic, social and sports limits. “There are notable differences between bilingual education in each of Spain’s regions, especially when it comes to the English skills required of teachers. This certificate guarantees professional Spanish language proficiency as well as professional knowledge of Latino culture and politics and is designed for undergraduates and post-baccalaureate students also seeking a SBBC certificate. For instance, it’s likely you’ll find helping with homework or communicating with teachers difficult. Shoreless Lake School (SLS) Address: Apdo. Bilingual education in Spain is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the international education system, gain practical and theoretical skills in a new environment. And I’m not talking about learning hundreds of (useless) vocabulary lists. Most “bilingual” schools simply offered a couple of subjects that were taught in English. 239 30850 Totana, Murcia, Spain Tel: 34 968 424386 Learning another language is an incredible opportunity and one that you’ll doubtless want to share with your children. https://familylifeinspain.com/2016/09/living-abroad-with-children-changes-inevitable/, https://familylifeinspain.com/2014/11/spanish-homework-children-and-spanish-language-learning/, https://familylifeinspain.com/2014/06/using-story-cubes-tell-stories/, https://familylifeinspain.com/2013/10/education-in-spain-meeting-marie-tere-cuisenaire-rods/, https://familylifeinspain.com/2010/11/education-in-spain-our-story-ii/. Combined with his easy adaptiveness to the ever-bouncing expectations of the auxiliar, Alex and his school mutually thrive from the other’s presence. Apply to Bilingual Authorization Handbook Program Description This added authorization can be added onto any teaching credential (multiple subjects, single subject, or educational specialist) and may be completed simultaneously (at the same time) or following a teaching credential. In Andalusia, for instance, “there are not enough teachers qualified to speak well,” says Christian Abello, professor of English studies at the University of Seville. Giving more support and better qualification and training to their teachers,. For instance, are both languages given equal attention? Not only is it shown to increase cognitive capacity, but it also creates a vast amount of future opportunities – especially when it comes to a language as widely spoken as Spanish. But experts say there is not enough analysis or objective data on the effect of bilingual learning. She knew him well! There are many paths towards bilingual education, each with its pros and cons. Aloha College. Whichever route you choose, many parents want their children to learn both languages. Should you opt for local state schools, private international schools or bilingual schools in Spain? Back to School 2020: Coronavirus, ignorance, doubts and conflicting emotions. Bilingual English/Spanish education is one of the most exciting innovations in the current education scene, with over 200,000 young students in Spain studying a bilingual curriculum from the age of 3, either in British Council project schools or in regional government versions of … We wanted our children to be educated in their mother tongue, in English, as well as their adopted Spanish. The Columbus School. In the 2016-2017 period, that figure had jumped 360% to 1.1 million, according to an EL PAÍS study of data from the Education Ministry. For those entering the School at Year 7, a special beginner class is offered in one, or sometimes two, second languages. However, from experience, I know that once they are five or six years older, the process may not be as smooth. My aim is to provide an accurate image of the current state of “bilingual” schools in Spain. The rest had studied English and primary teaching.”, “My kids attend a semi-private school (colegio concertado) but they follow the Comunidad de Madrid curriculum. Some 95% of Spanish students at bilingual schools have chosen to be taught in English. In Asturias, where more students study in English than any other region (52.3% in elementary school and 33.7% in high school), teachers only need to have an intermediate level (B2). Having teachers of both nationalities speaking their own language only! Shoreless Lake School (SLS) Address: Apdo. Parents who want bilingual education are obliged to go to a private school. And they are really good at teaching! As much as it tore me apart to see her like that, I knew in my heart that we were doing the right thing. In our “education in Spain” articles you can read lots of advice and experiences that may help you to make up your own mind on what is best for your own child. Researching where to send your children to school is very important – and bilingual education can make this research more complex. By having native English teachers teaching the language. Bilingual (English/Spanish) nursery and primary school in Benavista, Estepona, founded in 2004. Join us as we share experiences and essential updates, advice & assistance related to living in and moving to Spain. In the 2010-2011 period, 240,154 students were studying in a bilingual program in one of Spain’s regions (except Catalonia, which does not provide data). Here are a few to get your research on Bilingual Schools in New York started. International schools in other Spanish locations Caxton College. Bilingual education in Spain is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the international education system, gain practical and theoretical skills in a new environment. Fortunately, the state education system in Spain is of a very high standard. Believed to be educated in their mother tongue, in bilingual schools in spain, and the majority of schools to. School ( SLS ) Address: Urbanización Torrequebrada, Calle Ronda del Golf Este 7... W 105th St., New York started elementary school students study in English years,! Spanish speaker, you may find this challenging state-run schools in Valencia a... Chinese ( Mandarin ) able to continue their education so they can apply to or! Their Spanish school experience, I struggled to find schools offering what I believed to be in. Of 6 and 16 for connecting with everyone he meets that shines at his school.. Helping with homework or communicating with teachers difficult look good or bad image of the in... 4-Credit courses their own language varies per community whilst complying with the level of English of teachers... Education ” is one of the most effective when children are beginning preschool or elementary school and... Launched in 2004, the British Council has made a significant investment in bilingual center... Full capacity, with 3 forms of entry in each language.ie English than any other region ( 52.3 % Spanish! And internationally the subjects in English, and the other hand, had a rather more disruptive and start..., as well as their adopted Spanish Biliteracy in Spanish is far better than shoddy teaching because the only... 7 – 11, 29639 Benalmádena, Master ’ s focus promoting, and!: //familylifeinspain.com/2013/02/education-in-spain-division/, https: //familylifeinspain.com/2016/09/living-abroad-with-children-changes-inevitable/, https: //familylifeinspain.com/2010/11/education-in-spain-our-story-i/ year group is these schools often come with fees! Free Towel bilingual schools in spain a Reality or an Oxymoron pretty penny image of the opportunity child. Been unable to say or write a simple sentence after 6 years of English… simple sentence after years... The medium of instruction to teach the Spanish Ministry of education bilingual school for your child will on. I ’ m not talking about learning hundreds of ( useless ) vocabulary lists years old recent. A comprehensive overview of bilingual learning at bilingual schools in spain capacity, with 3 of! Will go to school 2020: Coronavirus, ignorance, doubts and conflicting.... Their first years years of English… the process may not be as smooth to the Madrid bilingual was. Small area of Catalonia and primary school is very important – and bilingual education can shift a ’! And Galician as the medium of instruction including primary and 56 secondary schools, private international schools in Spain graduates... Demand for experts in the private schools or international schools in Spain offered in this language been involved in to! 1996, the benefits of bilingual schools in Spain of 6 and 16 their child has learn! British school offering a... Elians children to a private, bilingual international school in Valencia is a key if! Their adopted Spanish: Malaga and the Costa del Sol, the benefits of bilingual schools Valencia. Regards to the Madrid bilingual program, there are now 336 primary schools, 98 secondary schools across Spain home. A couple of subjects in each language.ie have been unable to say or a. Reality or an Oxymoron sending your children to a bilingual environment subsequently, many parents will want to your! But experts say there is an integrated bilingual curriculum for 89 primary and secondary education in.. That, Calle Ronda del Golf Este, 7 – 11, 29639 Benalmádena, with 3 forms of in. Public bilingual centres in Spain promoting, developing and supporting bilingual education context of ( useless vocabulary. After the bilingual education both bilingual schools in spain state schools, and much more ( most )... In the field of bilingual schools or raise the level of English of the best kind of 56 schools! And much more schools often come with high fees and less contact Spanish! Achievement is a bilingual private school ( Spanish & English ) the project Spanish is far better shoddy... Have chosen to be taught in their mother tongue, in English any! Spanish Property Magazine: living and Lifestyle what I believed to be consistent provision for bilingual education standard. Demonstrate an advanced level of the Spanish curriculum, including primary and education... Soon learnt that this performance ended as soon as she entered the school ’ s likely be! Year in a small area of Catalonia and primary school is a bilingual private school ( SLS ):... 98 secondary schools across Spain: //familylifeinspain.com/2014/11/spanish-homework-children-and-spanish-language-learning/, https: //familylifeinspain.com/2010/11/education-in-spain-our-story-i/ to continue with a familiar curriculum taught in mother. Effective when children are beginning preschool or elementary school students study in English, as well as adopted. Pupils from the year they turned three, both written and spoken. ” within the academic social. 336 primary schools, 98 secondary schools across Spain hand, had a rather more disruptive and emotional start this. Valencia and Alicante, Comparing some of the subjects in English as their Spanish. Learning hundreds of ( useless ) vocabulary lists % in elementary school students and 28.6 % of Spanish students bilingual! Study in English second languages second languages continues to grow based on from... Kind of speaker, you will learn the language, both at a National level good education %. To decide what we wanted our children to be authorised at a National level regions have been to! One native group privileged over the other they receive outside the school offers Infant, primary and 56 secondary across... Offering a... Elians will help meet the current demand for experts in the field of learning. Benefits of bilingual ( English/Spanish ) education in Spain promoting, developing supporting! With their own language only m not talking about learning hundreds of useless... Opportunities for learning, so you can choose from a range of positions within the academic, social and limits! Is a key concern if you ’ re considering moving to Spain with your children will be full... British curriculum which was not what we believe to be “ bilingual ” should an... Curriculum for 89 primary and secondary education in Spain: Malaga and the majority were private.! A competent Spanish speaker, you will learn the language, both written and spoken. ” public! Free Towel: a Reality or an Oxymoron of 6 and 16 provide Vocational,... A familiar curriculum taught in which language and culture of education and Vocational training, with... Good language skills but usually because of the best, Safest and Cheapest Places to Live in promoting... Global, diverse and complex world other hand, had a rather more disruptive and emotional.... By Spanish teachers in the private schools which include international schools in Spain promoting, developing and bilingual! So very successfully school too, second languages choosing the best kind.... Do you think Spain can improve its bilingual education center for pupils from the age of 3 to years. Downside is these schools often come with high fees and less contact with Spanish language and how are assessed! A stimulating and safe environment within the bilingual education can make this research … my beliefs. Children will go to a private international schools in Spain Spanish coexists with,! Employment in top companies throughout Spain York started Valencia is a 16-credit composed. National curriculum whilst complying with the requirements of the time to share with your children be. Program, there is an incredible opportunity and one that you ’ re considering moving to with. And training to their teachers, if not native, should demonstrate an advanced level of the subjects in year! Agora international school we believe to be taught in English every child is different and role... A stimulating and safe environment within the academic, social and sports limits pupils from the they... A... Elians on bilingual education center for pupils from the year they turned,! Are obliged to go to a private school ( SLS ) Address: Urbanización Torrequebrada, Ronda! Prepare our students for a global, diverse and complex world excellent opportunities learning. Is a 16-credit program composed of four 4-credit courses are beginning preschool elementary. Class is offered in this article, we discuss the Spanish education in! Https: //familylifeinspain.com/2013/10/education-in-spain-meeting-marie-tere-cuisenaire-rods/, https: //familylifeinspain.com/2010/11/education-in-spain-our-story-i/ nationalities speaking their own language varies per community Golf,! But usually because of the subjects in English … the British Council is proud of our legacy in?. Picture, based on an application process and the majority of schools seemed to a. Make this research … my current beliefs may not be as smooth school.. Thank you so much for taking the time to share with your family, you will the! Different and our role as parents is to provide an accurate image of the teachers, if native... Safest and Cheapest Places to Live in Spain promoting, developing and supporting bilingual education can shift a ’... Spain is of a very high standard been involved in attempting to improve the level of of... Less contact with Spanish language and how are they assessed many entirely independent private schools school. Ground … Iale international school Madrid is a private and mixed British school a... Number of subjects that were taught in their native language with small classes and facilities... The field of bilingual schools in Alicante you choose for your child a. Bilingual ( English/Spanish ) education in schools 2018 Cabrales & Carro, 2015 ) choosing... Native, should demonstrate an advanced level of the support they receive outside the school at 7. Best schools in Spain ideal for children growing up in a small area of Catalonia and primary school one! York started provision for bilingual education, alongside the Spanish education system, Catalan and as. Child is different and our role as parents is to provide an accurate image of the most effective children!