BRITISH SCHOOL OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN CASTELLÓN
At British School of Vila-real we provide a secondary education of excellence, based on the British education system. Our secondary school in Castellón prepares our students not only for academic success, but also to face the challenges of the globalised world with confidence and practical skills.
British Secondary Curriculum up to 16 years old
Pupils at our secondary school in Castellón receive a solid foundation in the Secondary curriculum. We teach the British National Curriculum to a high standard in all subject areas, whilst taking the necessary subjects from the Spanish curriculum: Spanish Language and Literature, Valencian and Humanities to achieve the Homologation of the ESO qualification, obtaining official double qualification of Secondary: British and Spanish.
Its main attraction is the wide variety of subjects that are introduced, as well as the preparation for the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations at Key Stage 4. The success of the course lies in the professional quality of the teachers, who are innovative and enthusiastic. They are all highly experienced in the academic preparation of students.
In Secondary, we offer a wide range of subjects which allows our pupils to experience different aspects of education and plan for their future lives. They follow the English curriculum as well as taking the necessary subjects from the Spanish curriculum: Spanish Language and Literature, Valencian and Humanities.
At KS3 they study German, French and Chinese as foreign languages which they can later take as official IGCSE and A Level subjects. We prepare our students to obtain official certificates in English, German, French and Chinese. As they progress in the acquisition of these new languages, they can sit the different official examinations and obtain the official certificates awarded by recognised bodies such as:
- Cambridge University: Exams are held for Young Learners, KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE.
- Goethe Institut: Students obtain certificates in the Fit in Deutsch 1 and Fit in Deutsch 2 levels.
- Institut Français: Our students take the DELF and DALF examinations.
- Confucius Institute: We prepare our students for the HSK examination.
The exams take place during the months of February, May and June of each school year.
We also have a Vocational Guidance department. During secondary education, aptitude and career preference assessments are carried out in order to provide guidance to facilitate access to higher education. Students learn first-hand about the reality of different studies and professions through activities organised by the universities.
At the same time, in the Secondary School we place special emphasis on “Pastoral Care”, where experienced and professional assistance is provided in a sensitive manner to students who often find themselves in a stressful situation due to the difficult challenges they have to face.
Secondary education is divided into two stages:
Key Stage 3 (6º Primary, 1º y 2º ESO)
Year 7 to Year 9 (11 – 14 years old)
The three-year course is a preparation for the next stage of compulsory education. In Key Stage 3 students study mathematics, English language and literature, English as a second language, science, computer science, history, geography, languages, physical education, art, music, drama and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Emotional Education), as well as the Spanish curriculum subjects. At this stage all subjects are compulsory and students choose between German, French or Chinese.
Key Stage 4 (3º y 4º ESO)
Year 10 a Year 11 (14 – 16 years old)
Students study a range of Maths, English, Science, Languages, Physical Education and PSHE with optional GCSE subjects to develop their existing skills and begin to enjoy learning about new subjects.
At the end of Year 11 students sit the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. Maths, Science, PSHE and English Language & Literature are compulsory subjects. Three optional subjects must be chosen from history, geography, computing, business, another language, art, physical education and music.
IGCSE Subjects and Exams
At British School of Vila-real our students prepare for the IGCSE examinations with the utmost rigour. (I)GCSE takes place over two years. Examinations are at the end of Year 11. This is the 4th Cycle of the British National Curriculum.
- GCSE is the General Certificate of Secondary Education. (I)GCSE is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Both are recognised throughout the world.
- In Britain there are a number of examination boards that organise and offer (I)GCSE courses. Currently, for most exams we use Edexcel and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
- In Year 10 and 11 students take the IGCSE International Examinations. These exams are marked in the UK by Edexcel and Cambridge International Examinations.
- We offer a wide range of subjects in line with National Curriculum guidelines, offering a good mix of traditional and more contemporary subjects.
- We guarantee to meet the needs of all students in preparation for university entrance, from those who choose very specific academic pathways to those who prefer a more general programme.
- The British National Curriculum and (I) GCSE are designed to work hand in hand to meet the needs of all pupils. Grades awarded for (I) GCSEs per subject range from A* to G. Pupils wishing to go on to higher education need a minimum of five IGCSEs with grades between A* and C, (which is the minimum for validation with ESO in Spain).
- This is the international version of the English compulsory secondary school leaving examinations. This certificate is awarded to students in the English education system at the end of compulsory education, at the end of Year 11 (4th ESO).
- With these, together with the compulsory subjects of the Spanish curriculum, Spanish Language, Valencian and Humanities, pupils achieve a double English and Spanish qualification.
- Most students take all the subjects they choose at the beginning of Year 10, but there is no set rule. They can sit individual subjects to improve a grade or to gain extra points. We offer a flexible service to suit all needs.
All students take the following core subjects (I) GCSE:
- English Literature
- English Language
- Maths
- Science (Double Award)
- Science (Triple Award)
- Spanish Language
- History and Geography in Spanish
- Valencian
- English as a Second Language/ESL
- Spanish as a Second Language/SSL
- Foreign Language 1 (Chinese, French or German) / MFL 1
- Personal and Health Social Education/ PSHE
As electives you can choose
- Business Studies
- Geography/ Geografía
- History
- Art
- Computer Science/ ICT
- Physical Education
- Foreign Language 2 (Chinese, French or German)/ MFL 2
- Music
Workshops and Extracurricular Activities
In addition to a strong academic curriculum, at British School of Vila-real we believe in the importance of a well-rounded education. We offer a wide range of workshops and extracurricular activities that allow our students to develop additional skills, discover new passions and strengthen their social relationships. From sports to the arts, our after-school programmes complement classroom learning and contribute to the personal and emotional development of our students.
Why Choose British School of Vila-real?
As part of our network of schools, British School of Vila-real shares a commitment to academic excellence, holistic student development and a student-centred learning community.
Choosing our secondary school in Castellón means offering your children the best educational environment at a crucial stage in their future.
Outstanding Academic Record and Highly Qualified FacultY
At British School of Vila-real, our academic record is a reflection of the effort and dedication we put into every aspect of our students’ education. Our reputation in the educational community is testament to our commitment to quality and educational excellence. We take pride in seeing our students achieve the highest academic success and become leaders in their respective fields.
Our teaching staff is one of our greatest assets. We have highly qualified faculty who are passionate about teaching and committed to educational excellence. Our teachers are not only experts in their subjects, they also care deeply about the well-being and development of each student, providing a rigorous yet supportive learning environment.
Admission and Enrolment Process
At British School of Vila-real, our admission and enrolment process begins with registration through our website. Contact us and book your enrolment for the next academic year.
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