Outdoor learning: A 2,100m2 forest is a classroom Sotogrande International School

All these spaces respond to an innovative educational approach, focused on the child as the generator of their own learning. “We believe the child is born strong, eager and ready to learn. The children are driven by their interest in the world around them, by making sense of what they see and their hunger to know more. It is their surroundings and the people they interact with that stimulate them and inspire them to grow,” explains Mrs Butler, Head of Primary.

As an IB School, this programme for Early years has been designed as a preliminary stage to the IB Primary Years Programme offered by the school from three years on and offers children an education based on play and

“We believe with the right stimulation and environment, children will develop and enrich their knowledge through experience and self-discovery. We encourage social interaction, group work and collaboration. Each child is treated as equal, where each question and thought is highly valued by the team. We as educators lay the path of exploration and it is the children who inquire, question and make their own discoveries. Learning through play allows children to put their experience into practice and make sense of the world around them,” adds Mrs Butler.

“Seeing students interact with nature and inspired by learning opportunities created by our passionate and dedicated teaching teams is truly wonderful,” said James Kearney, the headteacher.

Extra-Curricular school activities

STUDENTS in the majority of international schools in Spain have the option to continue their learning experience after the school day has ended through extra-curricular activities. These activities encourage students to increase their physical, social, intellectual, and artistic growth while having fun. But what extra-curricular activities are available in schools in Spain?

UNDERSTANDING the differences between the IB Diploma and A Levels is key to being able to make the right choice. The International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) and A Levels have one thing in common: both are examined by tests at the end of a two-year study term. But which option is the best for students considering their options?

A Levels (short for Advanced Levels) are UK national curriculum school-leaving qualifications. Students often select three or four subjects and study for these for two years between the ages of 16 and 18. The IB Diploma is an alternative to A Levels for students aged 16-18. It requires no specific prepara- tion classwork so it can be pursued directly after completing GCSEs. It provides a broad curriculum comprised of six subject groups, with students typically studying three at the higher level and three at the standard level.

The IB offers studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. The A Level programme consists of distinct academics and extracurricular activities, whereas the IB Diploma programme is unique in that it is centred on a set of core competencies, abilities, and values that are critical to the development of each student. The IB takes a comprehensive ap- proach, demanding students to study a wider range of disciplines and examine the connections between them in an international context.

The IB has remained a tried and tested method whereas the A Level standard has been altered and continues to change.

A Levels are a wonderful alternative for students who have a strong interest in a particular subject, desire to capitalise on their existing talents, and are self-disciplined enough to study in a less controlled atmosphere.

The IB Diploma is appropriate for students who want to maintain breadth in their topic selection, are ready to work hard in a structured atmosphere.

Extra-curricular activities (ECAs) and classes are really popular in Spain, and many Spanish children will attend an English language academy for a few hours when their school day has ended. They also provide childcare for parents who work later than school hours. ECAs at international schools in Spain often include sports, performing arts, languages, music and more.

Sports have become important elements of a student's development, where they can learn discipline, commitment, teamwork, and team spirit. It also means students begin to adopt the good habit of exercising at an early age. Parents should speak with their child and consider their personality before enrolling them in a sport ECA, deciding which activity will best complement their skills and abilities. For example, a child who is shy and finds it difficult to make friends quickly may benefit from taking part in team sports.

International schools in Spain are sure to have activities that will educate and entertain your child.

The arts, such as drama classes, dance and music, are a wonderful way for your child to learn and practise new hobbies as well as socialising skills. Learning about and through arts is fundamental to the development of a rounded child.

Youngsters have boundless energy and it’s critical to channel this into activities that are constructive and can be utilised as learning tools.