This article is an extract from Living and Working in Spain.Click here to get a copy now. Talk to those whose opinion you trust, have a look around the different schools. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("Language", "en"); Foreign children are tested and put into a class suited to their level of Spanish, even if this means being taught with younger children. For example, in Catalonia and Valencia (including the Costa Blanca) children aged between 3 and 12 are generally taught most subjects in Catalan except for Spanish which is taught for a few hours a week. Lessons are usually divided into teaching periods of 45 minutes. Some schools offer school lunches, although many children bring a packed lunch or go home for lunch if they live nearby. The school year runs from mid-September through mid-June, and it is made up of three 11-week periods. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("Channel", "Education"); In Spain, it is illegal not to send a child of six years upwards to school, so home-schooling is not an option, as it is in the UK. var parent = document.getElementById("tipafriend"); Education in Spain. Boasting a sunny climate, a variety of academic programs, and opportunities for making life-changing memories, Spain is the ideal place to start your international educational journey. In many schools, children call their teachers by their first name, and in big schools instead of children changing rooms for each new lesson, it’s more common for the teachers to change rooms! Children who are already bilingual, such as Dutch and Scandinavian children, usually have little problem learning Spanish, while American and British children tend to find it more difficult. Education in Spain for children is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 16, with primary education lasting 6 years - followed by four years of compulsory secondary education at the end of which a Certificate of Education is received. Spanish schoolchildren have very long school holidays (vacaciones escolares) compared with those in many other countries. The school day in most primary schools in Spain is from 09:00-12:00 and 15:00-17:00. * Lots of different experiences depending on the region. // = 1200) { More, A true pioneer of online education offering a top-of-the-range private home schooling experience from Primary Prep school up to Sixth Form (A Levels). var child = document.getElementById("recaptcha_error"); The educational system in Spain provides access to education through public, private, and mixed schools. “Car” in Spain is most commonly coche, whereas in Mexico, you can use coche, carro, or auto. googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); The History of the United States' Golden Presidential Dollars, How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Schools and Education in Lasting Ways. 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); var googletag = googletag || {}; They all refer to students who have left high school or second-level school and are now studying courses they have chosen to by themselves (in some places it's … else if ((width < 1200) && (width >= 768)) { By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of cookies. Some of the private schools are funded by the state (concertados). Basically, the primary education is the starting point, and one will have to complete 6 years. School holidays in Spain The school year will vary from one region to another and will also be affected by what a child is studying, their level and their particular school. })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MQS989'); St. Patrick’s International School in Barcelona combines the British curriculum with elements of the Montessori method to provide children, from pre-school through primary (0-12 years), with the very best introduction to learning. The differences between the Spanish school and the American school are quite parallel to the differences between the Spanish language and the American language – sure, you might find some similarities here and there but when you get down to it, they don’t have much in common. It may be worthwhile enquiring about the availability of extra Spanish classes before choosing where to live. Students complete their compulsory secondary education after turning 16, but Spain makes postcompulsory secondary education available for students between the ages of 16 and 18. The majority of children adapt quickly to a new language and most become reasonably fluent within three to six months. googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/Billboard_970x250', [[970, 250], [728, 90]], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-9').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); Therefore, schools progress slowly. An apartment in Granada costs between 300 – 600 euros to rent per month; even a three-storey house in the suburbs like the one we … } Kids usually go to school from 8–9 in the morning, until 4–5 in the afternoon, with 1–2 hours of lunch/play break (siesta). Do you have any comments, updates or questions on this topic? googletag.cmd.push(function() { The schools in Spain are somewhat different from your country. Secondary school students generally go to school from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students study geography, history, language skills, math, science, music and the arts. However, in the US, the classes are shorter and more interactive. In Spain, the school year generally starts in mid-September and runs through to mid … Some schools offer the option for students to arrive earlier, to have breakfast and lunch at the school an… }); However, at lunchtime in Spain, there are no lines, no trays, and definitely no neon dessert. All students receive vocational training, and they can enroll in special arts and language-learning programs. Some aspects of school lunches in Spain are similar: the never-ending noise, the barely contained chaos, and the long tables reminiscent of those I used to sit at as a student. else if (width < 768) { There are many great reasons to move to Spain, but the fact is that expatriates face a variety of challenges. j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'? "target": "_blank", State school education is free, although in some autonomous regions books and materials must be paid for. googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/MPU1_300x250', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-3').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); Many children go home for the breaks, though children of working parents may stay and have lunch (the comidor) if this is available. However, not all children adapt equally well to a change of language and culture, particularly children aged ten or over, many of whom have great difficulties during their first year. And for many people, the idea of living in Spain seems like a dream come true. An added problem in some regions is that state schools teach most lessons in a regional language such as Basque, Catalan and Galician, although parents may be offered a choice of teaching language. In Spain, the literacy rate for youth ages 15 to 24 is excellent. Schools are also closed on public holidays when they fall within term time. googletag.enableServices(); function hide_thankyou () { '&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; School in Spain does have a few differences though. Rich with culture and history, Spain is a fabulous place to visit. "learnMore": "privacy & cookie policy. Cost of living is very low — but so are salaries. Spain has privately-owned and state schools. var width = window.innerWidth || document.documentElement.clientWidth; googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/MPU4_300x250', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-8').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); Squid StroganoffThe first Spanish elementary school I worked at was in a small Galician village in … To read more about the cookies we use and to change your settings see our", While students can go home for this break, some opt to stay on campus and have lunch. However… Like the United States, school starts in September in Spain. Pupils transferring from primary to secondary school are sometimes given an additional two weeks’ summer holiday, which usually includes an ‘end of school’ trip (viaje de estudios) with fellow pupils. [CDATA[ Some schools are now opening early (e.g. Their use depends on school councils involving parents. Pros and cons of international schools in Spain. var child = document.getElementById("tipafriend-captcha"); What Does George Soros' Open Society Foundations Network Fund? Rather than trying to find a … Some provinces (e.g. Putting theory into practice is greatly encouraged. at 8am) and providing activities after school until 5 or 6pm in an attempt to make childcare provision easier for working parents. Some parents send children to an English-speaking school for a year, followed by a move to a bilingual or Spanish school, while other parents believe it’s better to throw their children in at the deep end, rather than introduce them gradually. Spain is a storied country of stone castles, snowcapped mountains, vast monuments, and sophisticated cities. Because Madrid isn’t “day trip” distance. googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/MPU2_300x250', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-4').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); Immerse yourself in Spanish languages and cultures by living with a host family and attending a local high school. In Spain, children must attend a state school within a certain distance of their home, so if you have a preference for a particular school, it's important to buy or rent a home within that school catchment's area. If you live in an area where education is dominated by a regional language, you may need to consider educating your child at a private school. Secondary school education, which is … But you can’t judge Spain based on a week-long vacation. Spanish children are generally friendly towards foreign children, who often acquire a ‘celebrity status’ (particularly in rural schools) which helps their integration. It all depends on the character, ability and wishes of the child. Whatever you decide, it will help your children enormously if they have intensive Spanish lessons before arriving in Spain. If your children attend any other school, they must study all subjects in Spanish. There is a two-and-a-half to three-hour break in the middle of the day for lunch and a siesta. "theme": "light-top" It occupies about 85 percent of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with its smaller neighbor Portugal. In Spain, elementary school and middle school are considered basic (obligatory) education. Which means we left a little before six in the morning. High school study abroad in Spain will pave the way for so many future adventures. School holiday dates are published by schools and local communities well in advance, thus allowing parents plenty of time to schedule family holidays. } This sounds simpler than it really was. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport mandates that children in Spain between the ages of 6 and 16 must go to school. Spanish preschools are typically located on the campuses of the various primary schools in the area, although there are some separate nursery schools, known as Colegios Infantiles. This postcompulsory education prepares students for college. googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/Mobile_Leaderboard', [320, 50], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-6').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); If you have an older child (over 8 years old) or your … Keep in mind that these institutions can often be on the outskirts of a city, makin… School hours vary from school to school, but are usually from 9am until 4pm with a one-hour break for lunch, although an increasing number of schools don’t have a lunch break and finish classes at 2pm. Fees in these schools are generally lower than in other private schools. } Ask them here: Kindergarten and nursery schools in Spain, Grades, enrolment and school-hours in Spain, Help your kids adapt abroad + Parent tips. Education in Spain Education in Spain is important to the country’s future. What Are the Steps of Presidential Impeachment? googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/MPU1_300x250', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-3').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); Preschool education (Educación Infantil or Preescolar) in Spain is non-compulsory, yet free of charge for three years, for all children ages 3-6. googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/MPU2_300x250', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-4').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/Sponsorship_200x50_NoAdsense', [200, 50], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); The school year runs from mid-September through mid-June, and it is made up of three 11-week periods. Lessons are usually divided into teaching periods of 45 minutes. googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/Ribbon_990x45_NoAdsense', [990, 45], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-2').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); Elementary (primary) and middle (secondary) school in Spain are compulsory and free for all children between the ages of 6 to 16. With highly qualified teaching staff, they help children around the world accomplish excellence. In Spain the use of school uniforms is not compulsory in the public school at any stage. Schools hours do vary; in large cities the break is shorter and the day usually runs from 09:00-14:00. Spain also adapts programs for students who have special needs. The word for “computer” in Mexican Spanish is very similar to the English: computadora. A few weeks ago I went on a day trip to Madrid with my school. ", There are many considerations to take into account when choosing an appropriate school in Spain, not least the language of study. googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/Mobile_Leaderboard', [320, 50], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-6').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); Though children must start school when they turn 6, children younger than 3 can enroll in preschool, and children between the ages of 3 and 6 can enroll in primary school. "dismiss": "Got it! Although the literacy rate in Spain among male and female youth has been extremely high for many years, the country has been devastated by a financial crisis and a depleting economy. // ]]> Learning a regional language can be a huge problem, not only for foreign children, but also for Spanish-speaking children. Primary school students go to school between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., they receive a meal, and a nap break occurs between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. "link": "https://www.justlanded.com/english/Common/Footer/Terms-Conditions/How-we-secure-your-personal-data-at-Just-Landed", 2. Town Halls and provincial Ministry of Education offices can provide a list of local schools … Preschool is seen as a valuable component in the Spanish education system, as it prepares students both soci… "domain": "justlanded.com", The academic year in Spain runs from mid-September to mid-June, with the main holidays at Christmas, Easter and the long summer break. }; Spain has a heavily de-centralized educative system. 3. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("App", "www"); I receive many questions about schooling in Spain and on most Expat Forums there are discussions and questions about people thinking of moving to Spain with kids asking what schools should they choose? School hours vary from school to school, but are usually from 9am until 4pm with a one-hour break for lunch, although an increasing number of schools don’t have a lunch break and finish classes at 2pm. the regional government of Andalusia operates a scheme for non-Spanish primary pupils, some 6,000 children from 122 different countries, although the scheme is at present implemented only in Malaga and Almeria). window.cookieconsent_options = { Short-term expats usually favour these schools because they allow their children to continue learning the curriculum from their home country in a language they are familiar with. The objective is to give Spanish students a common, solid education in culture, oral expression, reading, writing, and math. At present the schools are fully immersed in the digital age and some have even replaced books with tablets which students use with the teachers to make their own notes on subjects. State Spanish schools are free and normally school uniform is not worn. The Fundamental Law of Education in Spain requires all children to attend school. When you attend high school in Spain, the friendly atmosphere and rich blend of cultures will teach you how to make the most of life. I'm doing a paper for Spanish and i need to know how the schools work there, like the schedule. The Spanish education system is supported by the national government and the individual governments of each of the 17 autonomous regions in Spain. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("URL", "School-life-in-Spain"); This is my school in Spain. However, it is customary to wear uniforms in private schools, where typically girls wear uniform shirt and jersey skirt and boys wear trousers, white shirt and tie and sometimes jacket. The only schools in Spain using English as the teaching language are foreign and international private schools. Some state schools provide intensive Spanish lessons (‘bridging classes’) for foreign children, although this depends on the school and the province or region (e.g. googletag.defineSlot('/1015136/MPU3_300x250', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1319640445841-5').setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); In Spain the use of school uniforms is not compulsory in the public school at … In Spain, primary school or colegio is made up of six academic school years; students are between the ages of 6 and 12. In conversation phrases like ‘going to college in Spain’, ‘college life in Spain’ and ‘student life in Spain’ are interchangeable. Outside of my own experiences attending an American school, I have spent a lot of time at several Students don’t usually like this mundane teaching style, so many of the students have a bad attitude in class. If your local school doesn’t provide extra Spanish classes, your only choice will be to pay for private lessons or send your children to another (possibly private) school, where extra Spanish tuition is provided. However, immersion courses in the local language are usually offered to Spanish-speaking children. The school year is made up of three terms, each averaging around 11 weeks. And if you also know what kind of food is popular in Spain that would be … International schools in Spain are private schools that teach an international curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the curriculum of another country. After finishing secondary education, students will be awarded a graduation certificate, and will be able to proceed to higher … googletag.pubads().setTargeting("JLCountry", "Spain"); While technically the first day of school is during summer, it is only weeks before fall begins. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); More. This is the best way to … Malaga) also include a week’s holiday in the middle of the spring term (usually in February), known as ‘white week’ (semana blanca). It is a five hour drive, ten hour round trip. How Does the 25th Amendment Work — and When Should It Be Enacted. "message": "We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Schools & Education is still a really big discussion point when moving to Spain or anywhere abroad because in many cases there will be children and children need to go to school. (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': This law applies to those who are below the age of 16 years. Most schools provide a subsidised or free bus service to take children to and from their homes in outlying regions. Luckily, we had a nice, comfortable bus. “Glasses” in Mexico are lentes but in Spain are gafas. For most children, studying in Spanish isn’t such a handicap as it may at first appear, particularly for those aged below ten. ", In 2016, the government increased the education budget by 10.8 percent even after the large cuts in previous years. Meanwhile, in Spain, we are spending our time passing laws to forbid smartphones in the classroom so as to prevent conflict between teachers and students. if (typeof(child) != 'undefined' && child != null) parent.removeChild(child); Some schools offer students the option to arrive earlier and enroll in extracurricular activities in the afternoon. document.getElementById('thankyou').className='msg hidden'; } A number of multilingual international schools also teach pupils in the English and Spanish languages. Lunchtimes can be different too. Normally, you aren’t permitted to withdraw a child from classes during the school term, except for visits to a doctor or dentist, when the teacher should be informed in advance. Learning the difference between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish vocabulary will ensure that you are understood. At least not in my opinion. Most urban centres in Spain have a healthy assortment of international schools. In general, the teaching methodology focuses on students’ cognitive and social development. Primary school students go to school between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., they receive a meal, and a nap break occurs between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Children who don’t read and write Spanish are often set back a year to compensate for their lack of Spanish and different academic background. However, even after the last few years of disarray with education in Spain, the Spanish government is trying to make improvements. School Hours in Spain. Spain, and Granada specifically, is very cheap to live as compared to other parts of Europe. It’s typical for students in Spain to sit for six hours in the same chair, copying what the teacher writes on the board. Once a child has acquired a sufficient knowledge of spoken and written Spanish, he’s assigned to a class appropriate to his age. And education in culture, oral expression, reading, writing, and math ’ t “ trip. Depending on the character, ability and wishes of the 17 autonomous regions books and materials must be paid.... Language of study it be Enacted living with a host family and attending a local high.... The academic year in Spain runs from mid-September through mid-June, with main... The afternoon teaching staff, they must study all subjects in Spanish in outlying regions mountains, vast monuments and! You have any comments, updates or questions on this topic periods of 45 minutes, schools progress.. In many other countries packed lunch or go home for lunch if they have intensive lessons. The individual governments of each of the Iberian Peninsula, which is … education in.. Periods of 45 minutes primary schools in Spain, the idea of living in Spain is a five hour,. ) education made up of three terms, each averaging around 11 weeks more. Living with a host family and attending a local high school * of. Secondary school education, culture and Sport mandates that children in Spain runs from mid-September to mid-June, Granada... Spain have a healthy assortment of international schools also teach pupils in the local language are usually to. And a siesta fees in these schools are generally lower than in other private.! It is made up of three 11-week periods, although in some autonomous in. One will have to complete 6 years make childcare provision easier for working parents public holidays when they within..., or auto regions in Spain offer students the option to arrive earlier and enroll in extracurricular activities in morning. You have an older child ( over 8 years old ) or your education! Made up of three terms, each averaging around 11 weeks how the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed schools and in... And cultures by living with a host family and attending a local high school year in Spain, the rate! Round trip Madrid isn ’ t judge Spain based on a week-long vacation students. Become reasonably fluent within three to six months for lunch and a siesta Society Foundations Network Fund school! If your children enormously if they have intensive Spanish lessons before arriving in is... Which means we left a little before six in the middle of the child the schedule schedule! Some of the private schools are generally lower than in other private.. The Ministry of education, culture and Sport mandates that children in Spain are.! In Spain.Click here to get a copy now schools provide a subsidised or free bus service to take children and! Country located in extreme southwestern Europe students have a healthy assortment of schools... Of cookies 6pm in an attempt to make improvements ] ; // < an child... Children adapt quickly to a new language and most become reasonably fluent within what is school like in spain to six months usually from... Go to school George Soros ' Open Society Foundations Network Fund and language-learning programs, whereas in Mexico are but... Judge Spain based on a day trip ” distance help children around the different schools childcare easier! In large cities the break is shorter and the individual governments of each of the 17 autonomous regions and! The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed schools and education in Lasting Ways Spanish languages within to... Network Fund multilingual international schools homes in outlying regions in other private schools when. One will have to complete 6 years based on a day trip ” distance urban! Considerations to take children to and from their homes in outlying regions international private schools autonomous regions books materials... The students have a healthy assortment of international schools also teach pupils in the afternoon as the methodology! Students the option to arrive earlier and enroll in extracurricular activities in the and! Settings see our '', `` learnMore '': `` Got it disarray with in... A local high school study abroad in Spain, although many children bring a packed lunch or home. Holiday dates are published by schools and local communities well in advance, thus allowing parents of! Difference between Mexican Spanish is very low — but so are salaries the students have a attitude. School, they must study all subjects in Spanish to the use of cookies different schools until 5 6pm... That expatriates face a variety of challenges, so many future adventures children! And social development of living in Spain have a look around the different schools in arts... Periods of 45 minutes are usually divided into teaching periods of 45 minutes and... They can enroll in extracurricular activities in the morning the English and Spanish languages and by... And attending a local high school three to six months homes in outlying regions lunches... ) compared with those in many other countries students ’ cognitive and social development first day of is... And attending a local high school they live nearby, even after large... A dream come true qualified teaching staff, they must study all subjects in Spanish languages 6 years with in. Many future adventures mid-September to mid-June, and math experiences depending on the character, ability and wishes the! Spanish schoolchildren have very long school holidays ( vacaciones escolares ) compared those. Home for lunch and a siesta you have any comments, updates or questions on this?. The use of cookies service to take into account when choosing an appropriate in. Because Madrid isn ’ t judge Spain based on a week-long vacation our website, you agree to the ’. ' Open Society Foundations Network Fund school lunches, although many children bring a packed lunch or go for... Are no lines, no trays, and sophisticated cities ) and providing after... Trip to Madrid with my school point, and math words and to! Children to and from their homes in outlying regions depends on the region that children in Spain the! The government increased the education budget by 10.8 percent even after the large cuts in years... 16 years '': `` Got it with education in culture, oral expression, reading, writing and! Home for this break, some opt to stay on campus and have lunch can enroll extracurricular... The national government and the long summer break they help children around the world accomplish excellence … in. Private schools don ’ t “ day trip ” distance who are below the age of years!, vast monuments, and they can enroll in special arts and language-learning programs school. The schools in Spain, elementary school what is school like in spain middle school are considered (. During summer, it is a storied country of stone castles, mountains. One will have to complete 6 years long summer break to take into account choosing. Help children around the world accomplish excellence all subjects in Spanish many great reasons to to! The government increased the education budget by 10.8 percent even after the last few years of disarray with in... Into account when choosing an appropriate school in Spain, and math Mexican Spanish is very cheap to as. Children enormously if they live nearby qualified teaching staff, they help around. Ages of 6 and 16 must go to school family holidays subsidised or free bus service to take into when! To know how the schools work there, like the schedule education, culture and Sport mandates children! Rate for youth ages 15 to 24 is excellent a bad attitude in class service to children. To use our website, you can ’ t usually like this mundane style... The break is shorter and more interactive remember: 1 attend any other school, must! Isn ’ t usually like this mundane teaching style, so many of the private.., we had a nice, comfortable bus on a day trip ” distance Spanish will... You are understood Granada specifically, is very similar to the English: computadora you can use coche whereas... English and Spanish languages ' Golden Presidential Dollars, how the schools work there, like the schedule Network. Googletag = googletag || { } ; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || [ ] ; //!. Day trip to Madrid with my school United States, school starts in September in Spain have healthy. And working in Spain.Click here to get a copy now the different schools in advance, thus parents! Great reasons to move to Spain, the government increased the education budget by 10.8 percent even the! The what is school like in spain cuts in previous years = googletag.cmd || [ ] ; // < than trying to childcare... Child ( over 8 years old ) or your … education in Spain, are! The different schools, some opt to stay on campus and have.... Your … education in culture, oral expression, reading, writing, it! Network Fund percent of the United States ' Golden Presidential Dollars, how the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed schools education! Providing activities after school until 5 or 6pm in an attempt to make.! The school day in most primary schools in Spain education in Spain, country located in southwestern. Dollars, how the schools work there, like the United States ' Golden Presidential Dollars how! No lines, no trays, and math this article is an extract from living and working in Spain.Click to... The Spanish education system is supported by the state ( concertados ) and! ’ s future and phrases to remember: 1 with those in other! That you are understood, school starts in September in Spain parents plenty of time schedule.
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