Inspiring children to achieve more than they ever thought possible
welcome to The British School of Barcelona
Since its foundation in 1958, The British School of Barcelona has been a great independent school, characterised by the pursuit of academic excellence and outstanding care for all children and young people. Our pupils and students are encouraged to become global citizens who are self-confident about their beliefs and opinions, and yet flexible enough to bridge the gap between different cultures. We emphasise effective learning and an all-round education that goes well beyond examinations. In addition to academic lessons, our pupils engage in a variety of activities ranging from sports to art, music, drama, languages, school clubs and community work. While The British School of Barcelona follows the English National Curriculum as an educational establishment fully accredited by the British and Spanish Governments, we welcome boys and girls of nearly 50 different nationalities who will ultimately obtain places at leading universities in the United Kingdom, Spain and all over the world. We are a dynamic, internationally-minded school community where pupils are prepared for a successful future by being empowered to stand on their own two feet, make decisions while always remembering that many others are not as fortunate as they are.
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Building BSB Values At The British School of Barcelona we want to help educate and develop young, well-educated, enthusiastic, happy students, who can go on to become wise, confident, well-informed, content members of a global society tomorrow. Put simply, we want to equip our pupils to be able to have a happy and fulfilled life. To achieve this, all the members of the school community share a set of values and standards that will last a lifetime, which have a positive impact on each and every child and young person. Our values underpin everything we do in the school.
‘Students’ personal development is outstanding in a school that values everybody’ (BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
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Early Years Foundation Stage: The Beginning of an Adventure At BSB the Early Years Foundation Stage in Sitges and Castelldefels is the part of the school which cares for and educates children from 3 to 5 years of age. We offer both full and part-time placements. Through our team of specialist and experienced Early Years practitioners we ensure every child feels welcome, safe and secure, and their individuality is fully recognised and developed. We work in very close partnership with parents and we create many opportunities where parents can be in school and play an active part in their child’s education. In our specially designed indoor and outdoor learning environments, we encourage children to have fun, be creative, play imaginatively, ask questions, solve problems, use technology and think critically. We constantly monitor, record and assess every child’s progress, which helps us develop new learning opportunities which stimulate and challenge every pupil. A key emphasis of our work is to develop language and communication skills, specifically in English, but also in the child’s home language. We achieve this by developing programmes which meet the needs and abilities of each child.
‘Pupils learn outstandingly well at all stages of the school and make consistently high levels of progress’ (BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
AVAILABLE AT Castelldefels and Sitges campuses
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Primary: A World of Discoveries Our Primary schools in Castelldefels and Sitges offer education to children aged 5 to 11 years of age. On both sites the education is organised in two stages: Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) for children aged 5 to 7 years and Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) for pupils aged 7 to 11.
Our Offer Our education offer is special to The British School of Barcelona. Based on our values, it is designed to provide pupils with a balance of great learning experiences and key skills. It contains significant elements of the English National Curriculum as well as key emphasis on proficiently learning languages: English, Spanish and Catalan. Fully-qualified teachers and teaching assistants set and demand high standards from children in all aspects of school life. The curriculum is mainly delivered using a topic-based or thematic approach, but great emphasis is put upon children learning the particular and discrete skills required to tackle English and Mathematics.
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AVAILABLE AT Castelldefels and Sitges campuses
Computers are used both to support learning in a variety of subjects and in their own right, with computing skills being taught, e.g. programming, information handling and control technology. Creativity is greatly encouraged, with art, music, drama and languages forming a significant part of each pupil’s day. Sport and physical education is taught at least twice a week and is designed to develop confidence, co-ordination and agility. A wide variety of team and individual sports, including swimming and tennis, are taught by specialist teachers. Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. A range of day visits and experiences are part of each child’s programme, including the opportunity to go on overnight trips both locally in Catalunya and, in Year 6, to London. Pupils in Year 5 and 6 also have the opportunity to take part in the BSB ski trip. In essence, in our Primary schools, knowing and understanding each child and meeting their individual needs and ensuring they are happy and feel secure, means everything to us.
Secondary: A Journey of Opportunities Our Secondary school is organised into two stages of education, which cover the learning and expectations for students between 11 and 16 years old: Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).
Our Offer To meet our commitment to providing an outstanding value-based education, our curriculum is designed not only to fulfil statutory requirements, but also to enthuse our pupils with a love of learning. To achieve this aim, the curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced, differentiated and accessible to all. The Secondary curriculum is planned to deliver relevant sections of the English National Curriculum and examinations, so all pupils could transfer to a UK school or university with ease, whilst ensuring that students can also fulfil the requirements of the Spanish and Catalan Governments so that they can achieve the Spanish Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) qualification if they complete the relevant courses and assessments in Years 7 to 11.
Students aged 14 to 16 (Key Stage 4) Students in Key Stage 4 are prepared for a wide range of examinations of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The British School of Barcelona is an authorised centre for CIE (University of Cambridge) and Edexcel examinations. We also provide an enriched curriculum of sport, creative arts and personal, social and health education, building on the work in Key Stage 3, which has a real emphasis on preparing students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. (See ‘Our Vibrant School Life’ section).
Students aged 11 to 14 (Key Stage 3) The emphasis of our Key Stage 3 curriculum is to ensure pupils experience a wide and challenging range of subjects as well as gaining proficiency and skills in English and at least two other languages. We deliver an extensive enrichment programme as part of our curriculum, covering areas such as public speaking and food technology. At this stage in a young person’s development we deliver an extensive developmental course of personal, social and health education, covering all the key issues of adolescence.
AVAILABLE AT Castelldefels CAMPUS
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AVAILABLE AT Castelldefels CAMPUS
International Pre-University: An Insight into Life Beyond School International Pre-University education is for students aged 16 to 19 (Years 12 and 13). Our offer and programme are designed to ensure students achieve the very best examination results they can, while having opportunities and support to prepare them for life beyond school - for the best university courses, for jobs that have not yet been thought of, for a successful and happy life in an ever changing world.
Our Offer Advanced Level Examinations (A Levels) A Levels are the standard entry qualification for British, Spanish and other prestigious universities across the globe. Students are required to study a minimum of three A Levels, with very few restrictions on which subjects can be taken. Entrance to university depends largely upon attaining good grades at A Level together with results already achieved at (I)GCSE.
International BaccalaureateŽ (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) The IBDP is recognised and respected by the world’s leading universities. The curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. The DP core comprises Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and an extended essay. There are different courses within each subject group, which students must choose from.
Foundation Programme A One Year Course to enable students to join us for post-16 education, regardless of the education system they are moving from, but subject to a reasonable level of English and a positive motivated attitude to learning. The course includes a core (I)GCSE package and up to two (I)GCSE courses on the main Castelldefels campus. On successful completion, students may choose an A Level or IBDP pathway to complete a further two years at BSB.
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Spanish Qualifications Our Pre-University curriculum also ensures that students can fulfil the requirements of the Spanish and Catalan Governments so that they can achieve the Spanish Bachillerato qualification, if they complete the relevant courses and assessments throughout Years 12 and 13.
Core Programme All students as part of the International Pre-University programme are given opportunities to gain experience and qualifications in: sports and outdoor education (International Award), creative and expressive arts, life and independence skills, personal and social skills, community work and work experience.
Careers and Futures Guidance We provide a comprehensive career-oriented programme to guide, counsel, refer and ultimately help students refine their choices and make informed decisions for their future. This includes our annual University Fairs, the successful speed-mentoring forum with parents and many presentations from prestigious universities/colleges from around the world in school.
Technology Each student is encouraged to bring in their own laptop/tablet, which is used as to support many lessons and independent study and research.
‘They are very well prepared when they leave the school to make the most of their future lives’ (BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
Higher Education Destinations Every year our students take up places on courses at exceptional universities in the UK, Spain and around the world. The vast majority of our graduate students go to their first-choice university.
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FOTO EXTRAESCOLARES
Our Vibrant School Life From inspiring after-school activities to challenging sports fixtures, instructional parents’ workshops or stimulating music recitals, there is always something taking place at The British School of Barcelona.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME During the school day, students participate in a wide-ranging number of co-curricular activities (Tutorials, Assemblies and School Societies), which stimulate curiosity, independence and personal endeavour, well beyond the academic curriculum.
Sport We run an exciting and varied sports programme for all of our students to participate in, giving them opportunities to either play, coach or referee, within our Physical Education lessons or as part of our extra-curricular programme. Through physical education we hope to develop well-rounded, healthy and socially-skilled individuals by improving academic grades, through use of time management, increased self-esteem and motivation. Team work and leadership skills are also important life skills that are acquired.
Music Our Music offer allows our students of all ages to experience a combination of classroom teaching, co-curricular peripatetic instrumental and vocal tuition, opportunities to join a choir and play in ensembles as well as the chance to learn from professional musicians. Students can sit practical and theoretical music exams with the prestigious ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music).
Drama Drama plays a key part in school life through every year group. It allows students to develop their English, increase confidence, improve peer relationships and become more confident speaking in public. Led by our specialist teachers, drama lessons help our students develop their independence and identity both within the classroom and beyond.
Art Art and craft skills are an intrinsic part of our Primary school and throughout Key Stage 3 we make sure all students are taught the skills and processes to take the subject at higher levels, while encouraging students to develop their own pieces and ultimately have ownership of the art they create. This ethos continues through to (I)GCSE and A Level where students actively research and design their own personal Art projects and are actively encouraged in their studies through a strong program of exhibiting work.
Languages Learning languages is an integral part of school life at BSB. We teach languages to our very youngest through to our most senior pupils. We are fully aware many pupils are excellent linguists and we try to stretch and develop their skills in English, Spanish, Catalan and a variety of other modern foreign languages. We pay great attention to the teaching and learning of English, but equally we know that many children and parents are keen on being highly competent in Spanish, so they can really assimilate into local communities. There are many opportunities to learn languages, whether formally through the school day, in after-school clubs and in our holiday/summer schools.
After-School Activities We have carefully designed an extensive programme of termly after-school clubs, which complement and enrich children’s formal education, providing them with many opportunities to learn and grow beyond the academic curriculum. Mostly based on sports, creativity and languages, the activities are meant to encourage self-improvement, team spirit, fair play and imagination.
Summer and Holiday Schools The BSB Summer School offers an exciting opportunity for children to practise their English and Spanish (if they are learning the language), have fun and make new friends in a diverse international environment during the long summer break. Every year students from all over the world join our pupils for this exciting learning experience. 11
A Safe and Caring School At The British School of Barcelona, our number one priority is to ensure children feel safe and, most importantly, are safe. We have well-prepared practice and policies (published on our website) about all aspects of keeping children safe, from the recruitment and vetting of staff, anti-bullying, safety on school trips (learning beyond the classroom) and premises security.
Meeting the Needs of the Individual We value the fact that pupils bring to school different experiences and strengths that influence the way they learn. We are committed to identifying each student’s individual learning needs and we offer provision that is flexible and varied to ensure that children work at age-related expectations or above and achieve their personal potential, whatever their needs and abilities. We consider ‘Exceptionally Able’ (EA) those students who have the ability to shine, consistently performing, or capable of performing, at a level significantly ahead of their peer group in one or more areas. Our EA provision is aimed at supporting and challenging more able, gifted and talented pupils in achieving their full potential by devising programmes of work adapted to their needs.
Fundraising and Charity Events We appreciate how fortunate we are at The British School of Barcelona. Therefore, we have developed relationships with preferred local, national and international charities and foundations, to develop our pupils’ awareness and responsibilities as thoughtful, global citizens. Throughout the year children are encouraged to create fundraising and supportive events for those less fortunate than ourselves.
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‘The school’s provision for students’ welfare, health and safety is outstanding’ (BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
Celebrating Achievement At The British School of Barcelona we are very proud of our students and we enjoy celebrating their success. All year round we find many opportunities in the school calendar to recognise the students’ accomplishments as well as those of many others who have been able to overcome difficulties to perform better.
Celebration Assemblies Each term we hold a Celebration Week across the school with show assemblies where parents are invited. At these assemblies, students receive recognition for their achievements and we take the opportunity to celebrate our young leaders, who embody and demonstrate the BSB values. Students are also awarded Celebration Certificates and Work-of-the-Week Certificates on a regular basis.
The House System Our House system provides students with many opportunities to show their abilities and develop new skills. It also helps us instill and reinforce our key values as a school. By participating, as well as winning, students earn House points, which strengthen the bonds among all the members of the House. At the end of year, the winning House is awarded the House Trophy.
‘The consistency of good teaching over time is the reason why all students make outstanding progress and achievement’ (BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
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Ensuring Quality Academic Quality We are regularly inspected on the quality of our work by inspectors and inspection teams from the UK from the BSO (British Schools Overseas) inspection service, CIS (Council of International Schools), Examination boards and teams from Cognita, our parent company. Also, and very importantly, every year our students achieve outstanding levels of performance in their external examinations, well above the average found in the United Kingdom. The prestigious Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards annually reward our top performing learners at both (I)GCSE and A Level exams, in recognition of the enormous talent and hard work not only amongst learners but also within our teaching staff.
‘The strong focus on consistency in teaching quality is a key reason why students of every ability and background make outstanding academic and personal progress through the whole school’ (BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
Parents and Families We value working in partnership with parents very highly. We pride ourselves on keeping parents informed of their child’s progress. We do this through our Parent App, regular correspondence, open mornings/afternoons, celebration assemblies, parent information and workshop sessions and opportunities to meet teachers as wanted. We also have an enthusiastic Parent Group, which regularly organises social and educational events for parents and families both long-standing and new.
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Three Campuses, Two Towns, One School BSB SITGES Ages Taught
3 – 11 years old
Year Groups Taught
Nursery to Year 6
Curriculum Taught
English National Curriculum, additional Enrichment Programme
School Capacity
350 students
Our campus in Sitges joined The British School of Barcelona in January 2016. Led by the Headteacher of the BSB and the Headteacher of Sitges campus, over the past two years it has been through a comprehensive review to meet the quality of teaching, learning and the high standards of delivery and achievement expected at The British School of Barcelona. The BSB Sitges employs over 40 staff, including specialist subject and language teachers, teaching assistants, administration and support staff. The newly revamped BSB campus in Sitges offers modern and new facilities to provide the very best learning environment for Early Years and Primary aged children: • Spacious, well-equipped classrooms and learning and library spaces • Specially designed Early Years learning areas • Language Centre and Resources Centre • Information Technology Centre • Food Technology Centre • Soundproof Music room and three music rehearsal rooms • Theatre • Purpose-built dining rooms • A medical room • Thoughtfully designed, newly equipped play spaces and sports areas
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The Town of Sitges Sitges is a beautiful Mediterranean coastal town located in the Garraf area. Sitges benefits from a year-round mild climate that makes it possible for our students to enjoy outdoor activities almost every day of the year. Sitges is a convivial town which welcomes families from around the world. It is a vibrant, multicultural town, where numerous world-renowned cultural and festive events take place throughout the year. The town also hosts a wide range of sports and water-sport events. The BSB Sitges campus can be reached easily from Barcelona, Tarragona or the Barcelona-El Prat Airport by public transportation (train and bus). The British School of Barcelona also provides transport services to and from any of our campuses.
BSB Castelldefels Campuses In Castelldefels The British School of Barcelona has two campuses: the BSB Castelldefels and the International Pre-University Centre.
BSB CASTELLDEFELS
INTERNATIONAL PRE-UNIVERSITY CENTRE
Ages Taught
3 – 16 years old
Ages Taught
16 – 19 years old
Year Groups Taught
Nursery to Year 11
Year Groups Taught
Years 12 and 13
Curriculum Taught
English National Curriculum, additional Enrichment Programme, International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), Spanish Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO)
Curriculum Taught
Advanced Level Examinations (A Levels), International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP), Foundation Programme, Spanish Bachillerato
School Capacity
1100 students
School Capacity
400 students
Our main school site in Castelldefels was founded in 1958. Since then it has grown into a model of excellence of teaching, which embraces a holistic approach to children's learning and development. Led by the Headteacher and the Heads of Primary and Secondary, the campus employs over 170 staff, including fully-qualified teachers, specialist subject and language teachers, heads of subjects, directors of learning, teaching assistants, administration and support staff working inside the education areas. The BSB Castelldefels is divided into three distinct areas, each of which has its own entrance and its own age-appropriate, learning and play and social spaces: • In Early Years, this includes classrooms with direct access to outside play spaces where the Continuous Provision framework can be further developed. • In Primary, learning takes place in well-equipped classrooms and support and specialist rooms. The Primary school also has a well-shaded play area with enhanced playground facilities. • In Secondary, there are faculty areas with dedicated rooms for all subjects, including IT; nine modern science laboratories; a purpose-built art block; a large, purpose-built music department with a main teaching room and five practise rooms, and a large two-storey Library and research centre. There are also some shared facilities across the school, including: • A 376-seat theatre • Purpose-built dining rooms • A medical room • A new study garden • Sports areas: an indoor gymnasium, three outdoor multi-sports courts and a multi-game artificial turf pitch.
Our new ‘state-of-the-art’ International Pre-University Centre is also located in Castelldefels, very close to our main school site. It develops and enhances the current very successful offer we make to students today and have been doing for many years. We are one of the few schools worldwide to offer Advanced Levels (A Levels) in parallel with the International Baccalaureate (IBDP) alongside a core personal development programme. The purpose-built, three-storey centre has: • Specially designed seminar and tutorial rooms • Large library and research/self-study centre • Social and external study areas • Cafeteria Students also have access to specialist laboratories, art rooms, sports facilities, music rooms and the large theatre on the main school site next door.
The Town of Castelldefels Castelldefels is a beautiful seaside town that lies south of Barcelona. The Mediterranean climate, with year-round sunshine, the wonderful combination of mountains and coastline, its world-class sports facilities and the proximity to Barcelona make of Castelldefels an increasingly popular destinations for expat families. Both campuses lie within easy access to the centre of Barcelona, and are just a 10-minute drive from the airport. They are also easily accessible by public transport, with direct connections by both train and bus to the centre of Barcelona. The British School of Barcelona also provides transport services to and from any of our campuses.
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Our Admissions Process The admissions journey at The British School of Barcelona is simple and transparent. We do not have a catchment area and we welcome children of mixed abilities and many talents. We are non-selective. You will be guided every step of the way by our experienced and personable Admissions Officers. Children are welcome to join us at any time during the school year and into any year group, subject to a place being available.
Step 1 Contact the Enquiries Department for an initial conversation about your child and to check availability in the relevant year group. Step 2 Arrange a visit to school for a personal guided tour by our Admissions Officer or attend one of our Open Mornings. Step 3 Complete the Application Form and submit your child’s most recent school report. Step 4 Depending on your child’s age, we will assess their level of English and ability. We will then provide you with feedback. Step 5 If successful and subject to availability, we will make a time-limited formal offer of a place for your child to join us, or will add your child’s name to our waiting list. Step 6 If you accept the offer, you will be requested to submit all the admission documentation and pay the matriculation fee in order to secure your child’s admission.
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Open Mornings At The British School of Barcelona we host several Open Morning events in each campus throughout the year. These events give parents a chance to learn more about our school; tour our facilities; meet staff and pupils; hear from the Headteachers, and experience the daily life and learning atmosphere of The British School of Barcelona. The Admissions Officer is also on hand to answer questions about the admissions process and discuss next steps.
Taster Sessions in Early Years If your child is 2 to 4 years old, parents and children are welcome to join our Nursery and Reception classes, and enjoy a play session with our youngest pupils and Early Years teachers.
A Cognita School The British School of Barcelona is part of Cognita, a global leader in independent education that is committed to enriching the lives of children to achieve more than they believe they can. Founded in the United Kingdom in 2004, the Cognita family now includes 67 schools worldwide. Thanks to the efforts of our talented educators and support staff, we have helped thousands of students achieve beyond expectation. With the most diverse portfolio of schools in the world, Cognita draws upon our international breadth and the wide-ranging expertise of our educators to share best practice and raise standards across our Group. At the same time, we value and respect the individuality of our schools, each one retaining its own unique ethos, with curricula and programmes tailored to the needs of the parents and children it serves.
School Accreditation Our accreditations support ongoing quality improvement and best teaching practices on behalf of our pupils and students.
BSB Castelldefels and BSB Sitges accreditations
BSB Castelldefels Accreditations
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BSB Castelldefels Ginesta, 26 Castelldefels (Barcelona) Tel: +34 93 707 95 98 Email: enquiries@bsb.edu.es
BSB Sitges Passeig Isaac AlbĂŠniz, s/n Sitges (Barcelona) Tel: +34 93 882 89 79 Email: admissions.sitges@bsb.edu.es
International Pre-University Centre Ginesta, 2-10 Castelldefels (Barcelona) Tel: +34 93 707 95 98 Email: enquiries@bsb.edu.es
www.britishschoolbarcelona.com BSB Parent App available:
The British School of Barcelona is part of the Cognita Schools Group | www.cognitaschools.com Registered in Spain as The British School of Barcelona, SA with CIF No A58129107 Registered in Spain as Cognita BSB Sitges, SLU with CIF No B87340410 Whilst Cognita endeavours to ensure that the information in this prospectus is accurate, complete and up to date, it makes no warranties or representation in respect of this. You are strongly advised to visit us to discuss your requirements before committing to place your child or children with us.