CURRICULUM

BRITISH CURRICULUM

In this section of our website we would like to explain step by step how we create great learning experiences that inspire, support and challenge us to be the best we can be.

British School of Vila-real teaches the British National Curriculum from the age of 2 to 18 together with subjects from the Spanish curriculum, leading to a double qualification (British and Spanish). Within this framework, pupils learn with exposure to a wide range of realities and with a greater personal involvement in today’s society, training them to be citizens of the world, capable of transferring what they know to unfamiliar situations, interrelating diverse contexts.

Our students enjoy a unique learning environment, designed to meet their individual needs in order to enhance their personal strengths and provide the tools and support necessary for them to achieve the greatest success in both their academic and professional lives, reaching the highest levels imaginable.

Educational Stages of the British Education System

The British education system is structured in different stages which guarantee progressive learning adapted to the needs of each student. At British School of Vila-real, we follow this model from Infant to Baccalaureate.

Infantil (Early Years Foundation Stage - EYFS)

The Early Years Foundation Stage in the UK curriculum is known as the EYFS and runs from 2 to 5 years old. During this period, learning focuses on personal, social and emotional development, communication and language, as well as motor skills.

Children learn through play, exploration and sensory experiences, which fosters their curiosity and creativity from an early age.

EARLY YEARS

Primary (Key Stages 1 y 2)

British Primary Education is divided into two stages:

Key Stage 1 (5 to 7 years): core subjects such as maths, English, science, art and physical education are introduced. Learning is dynamic, with a focus on understanding and the development of communication skills.
Key Stage 2 (7 to 11 years): Knowledge is extended in key subjects, incorporating history, geography, computing and a second language. During this stage, pupils develop more independence in their learning and prepare for secondary school.

PRIMARY

Secondary (Key Stages 3 y 4)

In British Secondary Education, students consolidate and extend their knowledge in an environment that encourages critical thinking and independent enquiry.

Key Stage 3 (11 to 14 years): Core subjects are reinforced and new subjects such as design and technology, music and civics are introduced. Pupils begin to develop analytical and argumentative skills.
Key Stage 4 (14 to 16 years): Students prepare for GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations, where they have to choose some optional subjects in addition to core subjects such as mathematics, English and science.

SECONDARY

Sixth Form: A Levels (Baccalaureate subjects)

From the age of 16, students can take A Levels, which are the equivalent of the baccalaureate in the British education system. This stage allows students to specialise in three or four subjects of their choice. These are some of the available subjects:

Mathematics and Physics: for students interested in engineering or the sciences.
Biology and Chemistry: for those aiming to study medicine or health sciences.
History, Geography and Literature: for students focused on the humanities.
Business and Economics: for those interested in business and management studies.
Psychology: for students interested in human behaviour and the social sciences.
Graphic Design, Art and Music: for creatively inclined students with an artistic vocation.

BACCALAUREATE

OUR METHODOLOGY

Our educational programme, following the British system, is based on:

Developing skills and empowering students’ learning, giving them the freedom to be creative and the support they need to do their best.
Total immersion in the language in a natural way.
Creating learning experiences: encouraging personal learning from a practical point of view so that they fully understand the theory learnt in class and know how to put it into practice.
Motivation and positive reinforcement to encourage them to do their homework well.

Our aim: to get students to think for themselves, look for solutions and know how to react in different situations.

Dual British and Spanish qualifications

We strive to ensure academic excellence in all our students, but we also recognise many other qualities and factors.

We reward students who demonstrate effort outside the classroom; who may have achieved something despite personal adversity.
We reward students who embody the values of our school.
We give our students the opportunity to pursue their personal passions such as: World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in Castellón, European Youth Parliament, TEDxYouth event or ISP group activities such as the Online Chess Tournament or the Maths Challenge, among others.

Pupils are assessed in accordance with the requirements of each of the school’s existing curricula. As resources for assessment and progress we use digital programmes and platforms that allow for a constantly updated record of information and access to all teachers.

The school continually develops systems to encourage the most successful pupils, both in and out of the classroom, and we have a support department for pupils with Specific Learning Needs (SEN). The school also offers a personal tutoring service, access to external examinations and a student and pastoral committee.

Students who follow some kind of methodological adaptation receive their qualifications taking into account these adaptations and the assessments from the Guidance Department.

During and at the end of each stage, standardised assessments, both internal and external, are carried out to ensure that our students are progressing appropriately for their age and grade.

“At British School of Vila-real, learning is a journey of discovery where, by being creative, taking risks and making mistakes, we deepen our knowledge, develop our skills, and gain a better understanding of the world around us.“

Differences between the British and Spanish Curricula

The British system differs from the Spanish system in several key ways:

Flexibility in subject choice: While the Spanish system has a more structured curriculum, the British system allows students to choose specific subjects from an early age.Practice-based methodology: In the British system, learning is more experiential and less rote, with a more hands-on approach.
Continuous assessment vs. final exams: In Spain, assessment is centred on final exams, whereas in the British system more weight is given to continuous assessment and daily work.
Teaching in English: At our school, all subjects are taught in English, favouring natural language learning and improving students’ fluency.

At British School of Vila-real, we guarantee our students an enriching learning environment that prepares our students for a globalised future. Our methodology guarantees a quality education, adapted to the needs of the 21st century.