A caring, learning community with high expectations
welcome to The British School of Barcelona
Founded in 1958, The British School of Barcelona has always provided a great independent international education for our students. All are encouraged to become global citizens; self-confident enough to express and discuss their beliefs and opinions, whilst demonstrating a deep understanding and tolerance of different cultures. We follow the English National Curriculum and employ up-to-date, research based pedagogical approaches to ensure our students develop high level learning habits and skills. We are a truly International school, fully accredited by the British and Spanish Governments, with our students graduating to some of the best International Universities around the world. However, our all-round education goes well beyond examinations; this includes the values which we hold dear and which our pupils demonstrate. We ensure our students leave school with a close group of friends, as well as the ability to make new ones, and that their academic achievements and skills will enable them to succeed at university and beyond, in an increasingly competitive world. We are a dynamic internationally-minded school community and we hope that you will enjoy finding out more about our school’s rich history, current successes and aspirations for the future. We look forward to sharing our BSB experience with you and your child.
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BSB Mission and Aims Our Mission The British School of Barcelona is a caring, learning community with high expectations.
Our Educational Aims Academic: We inspire all to be creative, curious thinkers within a culture of support and challenge. Character: We provide individual growth through high expectations; demonstrating commitment, resilience and respect for all.
‘Students’ personal development is outstanding in a school that values everybody’ (BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
Global: We are global citizens, embracing difference, cared for and caring, and principled in our beliefs.
‘Lessons provide plenty of opportunities for working on open-ended assignments that allow for creativity and for children to work at an appropriately challenging level’ (NABSS Inspection, BSB Sitges, October 2017)
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Early Years Foundation Stage: The Beginning of an Adventure The Early Years Foundation Stage in the BSB Sitges and BSB Castelldefels campuses is the part of the school which cares for and educates children from 3 to 5 years of age. 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)
‘The teaching staff is suitably qualified and experienced to be able to deliver the National Curriculum effectively in Early Years and Primary’
AVAILABLE AT BSB Castelldefels and BSB Sitges campuses
(NABSS Inspection, BSB Sitges, October 2017) 5
Primary: A World of Discoveries Our Primary schools in BSB Castelldefels and BSB 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 BSB Castelldefels and BSB 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.
‘The consistency of good teaching over time is the reason why all students make outstanding progress and achievement’
AVAILABLE AT BSB Castelldefels CAMPUS
(BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016) 7
AVAILABLE AT BSB Nexus CAMPUS
Pre-University: #BeWorldReady Pre-University education is for students aged 16 to 18 (Years 12 and 13). Our distinct educational model at this stage aims to prepare students for the real world in an environment that allows them to develop 21st century skills, through teamwork and learning techniques that encourage creativity and innovation, critical thinking, and communication, resilience and emotional intelligence, lifelong learning and unlearning for continuous growth, to meet the demands of a fast-changing world.
Our Offer Advanced Level Examinations (A Levels) The British Curriculum is a highly personalised programme that allows students to tailor their studies by choosing subjects that best suit their interests. 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 Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) BSB is an accredited IB World School offering the IB Diploma. IBDP is an international and enquiry-based programme that takes students onto a journey of becoming academically independent learners who are both knowledgeable and caring. IBDP is highly recognised and respected by the world’s leading universities due to its multidisciplinary approach which gives students a more global perspective, helping them make key decisions about their future.
Spanish Qualifications
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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.
In addition, we prepare our students to take the Spanish University Access exams (PCE or Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) to access Spanish universities.
Core Programme All students as part of the Pre-University programme are given opportunities to build their University Applications by gaining the relevant experience and qualifications in academic extended writing; community and experiential learning; debating experiences; event and project management; fundraising volunteering; drama projects; critical thinking; life and independence skills, and personal and social skills (PSHE).
Careers and Futures Guidance
Higher Education Destinations
BSB students will go on to universities and careers throughout the world and our specialist advisors will work with individuals to create their personal pathway.
Every year our students accept offers from Russell Group, and other British, Spanish and international universities. The vast majority of our graduate students go to their first-choice university.
We support the students through information, advice and guidance to enable them to make informed choices about their onward educational journey. Students are guided through the different stages of the application process and provided with all the relevant school documentation to complete this. This includes our hosting of two annual University Fairs, the successful ´What Next´ Careers event with speakers from a variety of industries and many presentations from prestigious universities/colleges from around the world.
‘They are very well prepared when they leave the school to make the most of their future lives’ (BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
Technology Each student is encouraged to bring their own laptop/tablet, which is used to support many lessons and independent study and research. Students use the Educational Apps to access and share educational material created by the teachers, thus integrating the technology into their day-to-day school life and learning how to study using technology.
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Our Vibrant School Life During and after the school day, students participate in a wide-ranging number of activities 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) and Rockschool.
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 summer school.
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.
BSB Summer Programmes The BSB Summer Programmes offer a great opportunity for 3-15-year-old children to practise their English or Spanish, have fun and make new friends in a truly diverse international environment during the long summer holiday. The offer includes engaging STEAM activities, such as robotics, programming, 3D design and virtual/augmented reality, as well as drama, music, dance, creative cooking, arts & crafts and a varied multisport programme. Every year students from all over the world join our pupils for this exciting learning experience.
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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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‘Pupils feel that they benefit from a safe and supportive school environment’ (NABSS Inspection, BSB Sitges, October 2017)
‘The school’s provision for students’ welfare, health and safety is outstanding’
‘The school has well-structured procedures for defining individual targets and plans appropriate work for pupils who have special learning needs. This includes some specific provision for gifted and talented pupils’
(BSO Inspection, BSB Castelldefels, March 2016)
(NABSS Inspection, BSB Sitges, October 2017)
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.
‘Pupils enjoy participating in the different activities that enrich the curriculum and they also value having opportunities to take on specific leadership responsibilities via the school’s house system or student council’ (NABSS Inspection, BSB Sitges, October 2017)
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Ensuring 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 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.
Parents and Families We value working in partnership with parents very highly. We welcome families to the many educational and festive events we hold in school on a regular basis: parent information meetings, workshop sessions, open classrooms, celebration assemblies, exhibitions of learning, recitals and shows, among others. We also encourage parents to join us in organising different social events for the whole BSB community. Effective communication between the school and parents takes place through regular correspondence and high-quality reporting systems which clarify end-of-year expectations, daily routines and children’s progress.
‘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)
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Three Campuses, One School BSB SITGES
BSB CASTELLDEFELS
Ages Taught
3 – 11 years old
Ages Taught
3 – 16 years old
Year Groups Taught
Nursery to Year 6
Year Groups Taught
Nursery to Year 11
Curriculum Taught
English National Curriculum, additional Enrichment Programme
Curriculum Taught
English National Curriculum, additional Enrichment Programme, International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
Our campus in Sitges joined The British School of Barcelona in January 2016. Led by the Principal of the BSB, the Senior Business Manager, and the Headteacher of Sitges campus, the school offers a broad and balanced Early Years and Primary curriculum, delivered by suitably qualified staff in a safe, attractive and well-resourced learning environment. The BSB Sitges campus employs over 45 staff, including fully-qualified teachers, specialist subject and language teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff in the areas of administration, IT, maintenance and services. BSB 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 • STEAM & Reading areas • 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
Validation of Spanish Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) BSB 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 Principal of BSB, the Senior Business Manager, and the Headteachers of Primary and Secondary, the campus employs over 200 staff, including fully-qualified teachers, specialist subject and language teachers, heads of subjects, directors of learning, specialist extra-curricular teachers, assistants and exam invigilators, as well as support staff in the areas of administration, IT, maintenance and services. The campus of 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:
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• A 376-seat theatre • Purpose-built dining rooms • A medical room • A study garden • Sports areas: an indoor gymnasium, three outdoor multi-sports courts and a multi-game artificial turf pitch
BSB NEXUS
BSB Rugby/Football Stadium
Ages Taught
16 – 18 years old
Year Groups Taught
Years 12 and 13
Curriculum Taught
Advanced Level Examinations (A Levels), International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) Validation of Spanish Bachillerato
BSB Nexus is a purpose-built campus for students aged 16 to 18. Located in Castelldefels, very close to our main school site, it provides a distinct educational model that not only educates students of this age academically but also helps them develop 21st century skills to help students reach their full potential as they prepare for university and their future careers. The campus addresses this focus with study areas and social spaces for individual and group projects, and also strengthens personal skills such as initiative and leadership, social skills and the sense of belonging to a community.
Our new state-of-the-art rugby and football stadium is located adjacent to the BSB Castelldefels campus. This 9,000 m2 facility allows us to enhance the sports offer for our students during term time and for after-school activities throughout the school year. The complex comprises a rugby and football pitch of 8,000 m2 and a constructed area of 1,116 m2 with: • A 200 m2 multipurpose room (with special flooring for official table tennis competitions) • An 80 m2 lecture room overlooking the pitch for physical education lessons • Six changing rooms (for men and women) • A grandstand to accommodate over 300 spectators It is an eco-friendly facility where sustainable materials and renewable energies have been taken into account in its design and maintenance.
The three-storey centre has: • Specially designed seminar and tutorial rooms • Large independent 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 Towns of Sitges & Castelldefels Sitges and Castelldefels are two beautiful Mediterranean coastal towns located in the south of Barcelona. The Mediterranean mild climate, with year-round sunshine, the wonderful combination of mountains and coastline, its world-class sports facilities and the proximity to Barcelona make of Sitges and Castelldefels increasingly popular destinations for expat families. from around the world. Both Sitges an Castelldefels are convivial towns with a vibrant cultural life, where numerous world-renowned cultural, sports and festive events take place throughout the year. All BSB campuses 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.
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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 highly-experienced team of 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 throughout the year. These events give prospective 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 at each campus. The Admissions Officer is also on hand to answer questions about the admissions process and discuss next steps.
A Cognita School The British School of Barcelona is part of Cognita, a prestigious international education group consisting of 74 schools, all of them with their own identity, with great potential and a common goal: to prepare the students so they can achieve excellence and success. Founded in the United Kingdom in 2004, Cognita has schools in 9 different countries all over the world. It has recruited over 7,000 professionals among teachers and support staff to assure the wellbeing and education of over 43,000 students. Thanks to the effort and talent of these professionals, Cognita is helping dozens of thousands of students exceed their own expectations.
School Accreditation Our accreditations support ongoing quality improvement and best teaching practices on behalf of our pupils and students.
Together, our schools offer a unique global education that allows young students to achieve academic excellence in every aspect of their learning and personal growth, going beyond just grades. Through its Education Advisory Board, Cognita supplies all of its schools with the resources needed to raise the educational standards, promoting an improvement in the quality of teaching among its educators, guaranteeing the exchange of best practices and stablishing collaborations in order to facilitate innovation among the Cognita schools.
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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
BSB Nexus Ginesta, 2-10 Castelldefels (Barcelona) Tel: +34 661 297 210 Email: admissions.preuniversity@bsb.edu.es
www.britishschoolbarcelona.com