Primary is one of the most important stages of education, therefore we must provide our students with the basic skills and tools they will need to consolidate Secondary Education. Recognising and putting into practice basic values such as fostering a good relationship among peers, promoting independence and developing good behavioural habits and study habits are essential to achieve our goal.
Our educational methodology includes different approaches to teaching (cooperative and collaborative, scientific, systematic study) and different dynamics (group-class, small groups or flexible groupings), besides using Information and Communication Technologies.
Progress monitoring
Our professional team of teachers and specialists work very closely in collaboration with the educational psychology department to follow our students’ progress, respecting every student’s learning pace and development process. We believe an independent student is a happy student.
International, human and educational environment
We have students from more than 40 different nationalities in our school, and in addition, 50% of our teachers are native English, French, German and Chinese speakers. Our curriculum incorporates the Cambridge International Primary programme, thus enriching our education to a large extent in this stage, no matter what country our students come from. In Primary School, we continue with the same English immersion programme. Primary 3 students are introduced to their another foreign language: French.
Cambridge International Primary Programme
At the European International School of Barcelona, we aim to provide a world-class curriculum which develops skills and understanding in English, Mathematics and Science at Primary level. Cambridge International Primary Programme comes from one of the world´s leading assessment organizations and provides an excellent framework for learning in the primary years and designs a solid foundation for your child´s future. The programme is rigorous and well-structured, serving our students to become successful global citizens.
The CIPP is designed for children aged 5 to 11 and provides learning objectives for each year of your child´s primary education. Its step-by-step programme of learning takes children from the start of primary education to completion, before they then move on to secondary education. In the final year of primary education, students will take the Cambridge International Primary Checkpoint and will then be issued with a primary Certificate of Achievement by University of Cambridge International Examinations.
The International designed curriculum does not simply demand recalling knowledge. More importantly, it develops the acquisition of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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English as a first and second language
This curriculum develops a learner´s speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English.
It has been developed in conjunction with Cambridge English Language Assessment and is based on the Council of Europe´s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. (CEFR), and is used across the world to map learner´s progress in English.
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Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum framework explores five content areas: number, geometry, measure, handling data and problem solving. This curriculum focuses on principles, patterns, systems, functions and relationships so that learners can apply their mathematical knowledge and develop a holistic understanding of the subject.
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Science
This curriculum framework covers four content areas: scientific enquiry, biology, chemistry and physics. Scientific enquiry is about considering ideas, evaluating evidence, planning, investigating, recording and analysing date. Environmental awareness and some history of science are also part of the curriculum.
Project-based learning
Both oral presentations and interdisciplinary projects play a very important role in the comprehensive education of students. Our main goal is for students to achieve an appropriate intellectual, physical, artistic, scientific, social, emotional and affective development. These projects are carried out using a constructive approach within the framework of Multiple Intelligences.
Being evaluated in order to learn
We carry out a diagnostic, regulatory and certifying evaluation. We help the student to take charge of their own learning process, thus learning to identify their own strengths and weaknesses in order for them to be effective in the use of their own abilities. A direct and systematic observation constitutes the backbone of the evaluation process. The certifying evaluation takes place in the school and outside European ISB, and includes both national and international examinations:
- National exams: Basic competencies
- International exams: Trinity Oral Exams and Cambridge Checkpoint in Primary 6; DELF exams.
Homeroom
We start the day with the “Homeroom” activity: a time for students to meet with their tutor and ask questions about activities, to reinforce behaviour rules, talk about current news. The way we feel or think at the beginning of the day is vital to face a great day at school.
Education in Values Programme
Based on tolerance and respect for other beliefs, this programme is a core subject worked on in both the “Values workshop” and in the Education in Values area (either Ethics or Religion).
Also, our students have the option to prepare for their First Communion and Confirmation, within the Pastoral Care Department.
Attention to each one of our students’ individual needs.
The work we carry out in collaboration with the Educational Psychology Department allows us to attend the individual needs of each student, respecting their personal development and learning pace.
We have a “Personalized extension plan” (TAG programme) and support programmes (dyslexia, ADHD)
Additional academic activities
Our students take part in many different activites, whose main goal is to complete their development process:
Two cultural excursions each term. Events that foster the learning of new knowledge ( Science Week, Cultural Week, Sant Jordi, Literary Contest, Primary Festival…) Events that foster education in values (Assemblies, Christmas Charity work, Reading Buddies)
Events that promote internationality (Maths Quest). Educational talks (Relationships education Guidance, Internet Safety.).