International schools in Barcelona - Practical guide for business people with children

INTERNATIONALCofunded by SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN BARCELONA let’s go! IN BARCELONA PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE WITH CHILDREN

INTERNATIONALSCHOOLSIN BARCELONAPRACTICAL GUIDE FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE WITH CHILDREN

B arcelona is an open and cosmopolitan Mediterranean city bursting with personality, acity which successfully combines its appeal as a tourist destination with its facet orientedtowards the world of business. This places us among the leading contenders in the rank-ings of European cities chosen by international companies.Half of the city’s annual visitors, which amount to almost eight million, come to the cityfor professional reasons. Many of these people come with the intention of taking up resi-dence and working here. Those accompanied by their families are faced with the need tochoose a school for their children. In order to make this decision easier, Barcelona CityCouncil has put together this guide.This initiative fulfils one of our government’s priorities, namely, to provide people with aservice while conveying the dynamic and welcoming nature of the capital of Catalonia,which forges a link between people’s day-to-day lives and the current economic reality.We wish to facilitate the arrival and stay of professionals and entrepreneurs, fosteringtalent and foreign investment, which are key to moving towards consolidating Barcelonaas an economic capital in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean.I have no doubt that this publication marks an additional step towards accomplishing thatgoal. Xavier Trias / Mayor of Barcelona

T he guide International Schools in Barcelona, which you are now holding, seeks to helpbusiness people that come to the city with children of school age to settle in. It includespractical and concise information on how our local education system works and whatstate and private resources are available. Special emphasis is placed on internationalschools in the Barcelona area, which are one of the options considered by parents thatplan to be in the city for a short period of time or prefer to maintain the education sys-tem of their country of origin.The city boasts a wide range of high-calibre educational establishments, which includesover 30 international schools. Having international schools is a crucial factor for attract-ing foreign talent and is clearly an asset conducive to reinforcing the Barcelona brand. Inturn, it helps the city gain a prime position on the map of European centres of excellencein terms of business and education.Children’s education is one of the most important missions as it shapes the future of oursociety. Education is also key as a fundamental tool for competitiveness and economicdevelopment, without forgetting the role of schools as an important pillar of social cohe-sion and integration of citizens from all over the world. We hope that the educationalestablishments included in this guide help strengthen the links with our city and are yetanother reason to make your stay in Barcelona an enriching experience. Sònia Recasens / Deputy Mayor for Economy, Business and Employment

CONTENTS

8 90 49 / Escaan International School 51 / ES International School 53 / Europa International Choosing a school School APPENDIX: • 55 / Hamelin InternaTional Laie Local education system 9 / Local or international? School • 9 / Types of schools 57 / Highlands School 91 / Decentralised education barcelona system 11 / International schools in the Barcelona area 59 / John Talabot 92 / Stages in education • 61 / Kensington school 95 / School calendar 63 / Lycée Français de 95 / Enrolment procedures Barcelone 14 97 / Official languages in the 65 / Lycée Français de Gavà Catalan education system Bon Soleil 97 / Project to promote foreign 67 / Oak House School languages 69 / Princess Margaret School •INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS 71 / Santa Clara International datasheets College • 73 / Schweizerschule21 / Àgora International School Barcelona 23 / Àgora Sant Cugat 75 / Scuola Italiana di International School Barcellona 25 / Aula Escola Europea 77 / SEK-Catalunya 27 / Benjamin Franklin 79 / St. Paul’s School International School 81 / St. Peter’s School29 / British School of Barcelona 83 / The American School of 31 / Colegio Hatikva Barcelona 33 / Colegio Japonés de 85 / The International School Barcelona of Catalunya 35 / Col·legi Montserrat 87 / The Olive Tree School 37 / Col·legi Xaloc 89 / Zürich Schule 39 / Deutsche Schule • Barcelona (DSB) 41 / École Française Bel Air43 / École française Ferdinand- de-Lesseps 45 / English academy santa claus 47 / English School

8choosing a school

9 local or international? TYPES OF SCHOOLSWhen you arrive in a new city, choosing The education system in Spain anda school for your children is no easy feat. Catalonia establishes that education isThe decision shall depend, among other compulsory for all children between thefactors, on the children’s previous educati- ages of 6 and 16.onal experience and on the period of timeyou plan to stay in the city. Two options are available: state schools and private schools, according to theFamilies that move frequently from one nature of their owner.country to another during the schoolingperiod of their children tend to choose • State schools are those that are ownedan international school, which guarantees by public administrations. The Generalitata certain continuity in their children’s de Catalunya, the Government of Cata-education or which allows them to obtain a lonia, constitutes the administrative bodyrecognised qualification, regardless of the with powers in the domain of educationfamily’s location. There are also families and the body responsible is the Depart-that move for relatively short periods of ment of Education. These schools aretime and consider it interesting to experi- financed using public funds.ence the school year in a local school, whi-le others prefer their children to continue • Private schools are those owned by ain the previous education system. Families person or legal entity of a private nature.that settle here for an extended period of These schools must be authorised by thetime sometimes opt to enrol their children education authorities but they are private-in a school that adheres to the local educa- ly managed.tion system, while keeping up good foreignlanguage training.Every family is different and has their ownpriorities and preferences. To choose thebest option, parents require informationon the range of schools on offer and howthe local education system works. Thisguide seeks to meet this need.

10Under this category lies another classifi- education. It basically comprises Pre-cation: Primary Education (Educació Infantil, the first cycle from 0 to 3 years of age and the- State-funded private schools: these are second cycle from 3 to 6 years of age),private schools that are under the system Primary Education (Educació Primària,of a legally-established financing agree- from 6 to 12 years of age), Secondaryment. Fulfilling the requirements set forth Education which includes Compulsoryin the agreement, these schools receive a Secondary Education (Educació Secundà-subsidy from the Government of Catalonia ria Obligatòria – ESO, from 12 to 16 yearswhich covers the cost of basic education of age) and non-compulsory secondaryitems. Parents voluntarily pay for the education (from 16 years of age, with Hig-remainder of the expenses not included her Secondary Education, Batxillerat, andunder compulsory education. Intermediate Vocational Training, Formació Professional de Grau Mitjà). Subsequently,- Non-state-funded private schools: these there is Advanced Vocational Training,are private schools which are not under Formació Professional de Grau Superior,the system of the financing agreement and University Studies.with the Government of Catalonia. In thiscase, families or other agents finance the Admission to the second cycle of Pre-cost of education. Primary Education, Primary Education, Compulsory Secondary Education, asThe provision of the state education ser- well as Initial and Intermediate Vocationalvice is carried out by way of state schools Training is free and universal.or state-funded private schools. Therefore,the Catalan Education Service (Servei The appendix to this guide outlines in furt-d’Educació de Catalunya) comprises state her detail the main features characterisingschools, owned by the Government of the Catalan state education system.Catalonia, as well as private schools underthe state financing system. Both school Barcelona is home to private associationstypes comply with Spanish and Catalan and bodies that run and manage schoolslaws and regulations. All schools under in accordance with their own principles orthe Catalan Education Service offer the education systems; however, said schoolssame curriculum content, as it is governed comply with the requirements set forth byby the same education law; however, each Spanish and Catalan law in the domain ofschool may adopt a different methodology education. All educational curricula (objec-or education programme. tives, content, pedagogical methods and assessment criteria, etc.) in private schoolsThe state education system is divided must be authorised by the local educationinto stages, cycles, grades and levels of authorities.

11There is a schools directory (non-university) that lists all the schools, both INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLSstate- and privately-owned, which provide IN THE BARCELONA AREAauthorised education. What is understood by the term international schools? A priori, a distinction must be made between two types of schools: Catalan schools directory: www10.gencat.net/pls/ense_ensenyam/ - Foreign schools: those that follow their p01.menu (available in Catalan only) country’s curriculum. - Foreign-language schools: those that teach in foreign languages, while following the local curriculum. The area of Barcelona plays host to a wide range of these two school types, those which cover different international education systems and schools which teach through the medium of foreign languages: English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian and Japanese. All the schools in question are privately- owned schools. Therefore, the economic factor must be taken into consideration. Choosing an international school is an expensive option, compared to a state school which is financed with public funds. International schools in the city of Barce- lona are mostly concentrated in the neighbourhoods of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Les Corts (See map on page 18). In the area of Barcelona, international schools are also located in municipalities that are home to large international communities such as Sant Cugat, Sitges and Gavà, to name but a few examples.

12In Barcelona there are schools that from local education authorities for alladhere to the English, French, German, the education offered or a particular lineItalian, Japanese, North American and of study.Swiss education systems. Most of theseforeign schools follow the curriculum of In bilingual schools, students comprisetheir respective countries throughout children from abroad as well as local chil-pre-university education. Others do so dren whose parents have prioritised theonly during primary school and then knowledge of foreign languages and edu-adopt the local (Catalan) system during cation in a more intercultural environment.secondary school in order to facilitatestudent admission to Catalan and Spa- Also worthy of mention is the Interna-nish universities. tional Baccalaureate (IB), an education programme implemented by 3,000Some of these foreign schools are partially schools in 141 countries throughout thefunded by their respective countries. world. This programme has been run sinceTherefore, these schools offer a state edu- 1968 by a non-profit organisation based incation service to foreign nationals of those Geneva (Switzerland). Its original purposecountries that reside in the area of Barce- was to offer a recognised diploma forlona. In these cases, priority is generally internationally mobile students preparingafforded to families from the country that for university. Today, the programme hasis financing the school, although the school been extended and covers schooling fromis open to students of all nationalities. Ge- 3 to 19 years of age.nerally speaking, preference is also givento students of other nationalities that have The students that successfully completeundertaken part of their schooling in one the IB programme can gain admission toof those countries. the finest universities in the world. In the 2012-2013 academic year, 7 internationalThe area of Barcelona also plays host to schools in the Barcelona area offer the IBa long list of private schools that teach programme, with English being the mainthrough the medium of foreign languages. language of learning.These schools are what we could callforeign language schools or bilingual-trilingual schools. Most of them adhere tothe Catalan education system: the same For further information regarding theeducational content, the same school ca- International Baccalaureate, see:lendar and holidays, etc. (Further details http://www.ibo.org/in the Appendix). Of these schools, onlya few are under the state-funding systemand therefore receive financial support

14INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS Datasheets

15In the next page, there is a table featuringa list of the international schools in the cityof Barcelona and its metropolitan area, inalphabetic order and classified accordingto the predominant foreign languages andthe age of students.Datasheets for each school follow, with aphoto and brief description, mostly provi-ded by the schools themselves. Therefore,Barcelona City Council is not responsablefor its contents.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN BARCELONA AREASCHOOL CITY AGES LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION IB* 0-2 3-5 6-11 12-16 16-18 ENGLISH FRENCH HEBREW ITALIAN JAPANESE GERMAN 1 Àgora International School Barcelona St. Esteve Sesrovires 2 a x x x x x2 Àgora Sant Cugat International School St. Cugat del Vallès x x x x x x 3 Aula Escola Europea Barcelona x x x x x x x4 Benjamin Franklin International School Barcelona x x x x x x 165 British School of Barcelona Castelldefels x x x x x 6 Colegio Hatikva Valldoreix (St. Cugat) 2 a x x x x x 7 Colegio Japonés de Barcelona Sant Cugat del Vallès x x x x 8 Col·legi Montserrat Barcelona x x x x x x9 Col·legi Xaloc L’Hospitalet de Llobregat x x x x x x x10 Deutsche Schule Barcelona (DSB) Esplugues de Llobregat x x x x x11 École Française Bel Air St. Pere de Ribes x x x x x 12 École Française Ferdinand-de-Lesseps Barcelona x x x 13 English Academy Santa Claus Barcelona x x x 14 English School Barcelona x x x 15 ESCAAN International School Sitges x x x x x x x16 ES International Scool El Prat de Llobreat 10-11 x x x

17 Europa International School Sant Cugat del Vallès x x x x x x 18 Hamelin International Laie School Alella x x x x x x 19 Highlands School Barcelona Barcelona x x x x x 20 John Talabot School Barcelona x x x x 21 Kensington School Barcelona x x x x x 22 Lycée Français de Barcelone Barcelona x x x x x 23 Lycée Français de Gavà Bon Soleil Gavà x x x x x 24 Oak House School Barcelona x x x x x 25 Princess Margaret School Barcelona x x x x 26 Santa Clara International College Barcelona 2 a x x x x x 27 Schweizerschule Barcelona Barcelona x x x x x 28 Scuola Italiana di Barcellona Barcelona x x x x x 1729 Sek-Catalunya La Garriga x x x x x x30 St. Paul’s School Barcelona x x x x x 31 St. Peter’s School Barcelona 18m x x x x x 32 The American School of Barcelona Esplugues de Llobregat x x x x x x 33 The International School of Catalunya La Garriga x x x x 34 The Olive Tree School Sitges x x35 Zürich Schule Barcelona 2 a x x x x 0-2 3-5 6-11 12-16 16-18 ITALIAN FRENCH HEBREW ENGLISH GERMAN JAPANESE *International Baccalaureate CITY AGES LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION IB*

18 1 7 SANT ESTEVE SESROVIRES SANT CUGAT DEL VALLÈS 6 MARTORELL 32 SANT BOI DE LLOBREGAT GAVÀ 23SANT PERE DE RIBES 5 11 CASTELLDEFELS 15 34 SITGES

192 18 LA GARRIGA 29 33 ALELLA 17 BADALONA 25 14 24 BARCELONA 8 4 20 13 35 3 26 27 1219 30 28 2210 31 21 916 EL PRAT DE LLOBREGAT

21ÀGORA INTERNATIONALSCHOOL barcelonaPuig de Mira, 15-21 Àgora International School Barcelona isUrbanització Masia Bach an independent, non-denominational day08635 Sant Esteve Sesrovires school highly committed to the values ofTel : + 34 93 779 89 28 international education in the changingE-mail : info@agoraisbarcelona.edu.es reality of the 21st century.FGC : Sant Esteve Sesrovires R6 The school is a part of the NACE Group www.agoraisbarcelona.edu.es and offers a comprehensive, pluralistic, trilingual education of the highest standard in purpose built state-of-the-art facilities. The school offers an education that prepares students for a successful and fulfilling future. It provides students with the skills, knowledge and abilities they will need to integrate into ‘tomorrow’s world’. A personalised education that allows every student to reach his or her maximum potential in the academic, personal, social and creative fields and an education based on values and virtues that teaches analyti- cal, critical and problem solving skills.

23ÀGORA SANT CUGATInternational SchoolCarrer Ferrer i Guàrdia, s/n Àgora Sant Cugat International School is a08174 Sant Cugat del Vallès private co-educational, non-denominatio-Tel : + 34 93 590 26 00 nal school which is part of the educationalE-mail : administracio@agorasantcugat.edu.es group of NACE centres.FGC : Sant Joan S2 S55 The education provided to students is www.agorasantcugat.edu.es known for being innovative and leading to high academic results, giving priority to personal attention and each student’s needs. A trilingual education is offered in English, Catalan and Spanish with the option of French, German and Chinese. Importance is given to human and social values. The school offers an education for children ranging from 0 to 18 years of age and follows a curriculum with an international projection. Students can experience different international activities: language and cultural exchanges, Comenius Project, MUN, GYLC, etc. The music project is directly linked to the Barcelona Liceu Conservatory, and it provides all students the opportunity to learn a musical instrument in School from the age of 6 to 16, as well as the option of taking the Liceu examinations. The School also has an orchestra and a band. ICTs are used in all areas of the curriculum and in all ages as an important component of the learning process.

25Aula Escola EuropeaAvinguda de la Mare de Déu de Lorda, 34 Founded in 1968, the school is entirely08034 Barcelona independent and has no political, religiousTel : + 34 93 203 03 54 or economic affiliations. Aula Escola Euro-E-mail : secretaria@aula-ee.com pea seeks academic excellence in a spiritFGC : Reina Elisenda L6 of critical rigor, tolerance and dedication www.aula-ee.com to international diversity and understanding, and it prepares young people to reflect, analyze critically and constructive- ly, create, imagine and, above all, generate the changes demanded by society. Lan- guages of instruction are Catalan, Spanish, English and French, which allow the school to carry out exchanges with schools from other countries. Aula Escola Europea is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme since January 2012. The 23.000 m2 campus, close to a natural park, includes three academic buildings and a 2000 m2 Sports Centre. It has several kitchens and dining rooms, as well as school bus routes servicing over 15 neighbourhoods.

27Benjamin FranklinInternational SchoolCarrer de Martorell i Peña, 9 Established in 1986, the Benjamin Franklin08017 Barcelona International School (BFIS) is an indepen-Tel : +34 93 434 23 80 dent, non-profit, co-educational day schoolE-mail : info@bfischool.org located in the residential neighbourhoodFGC : Sarrià L6 of Sarrià. It is accredited by the Middle www.bfischool.org States Association of Colleges and Scho- ols and authorized by both the Spanish Ministry of Education and the Catalan Government. Today, with some 560 students representing over 40 nationalities, it continues to be a truly vibrant international school made up of one-third American students, one-third Spanish students and one-third students of other nationalities. BFIS offers an integrated Nursery by means of a Grade 12 programme with English as the primary language of instruction. The school recently introduced the Internatio- nal Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme into its curriculum, while continuing to offer the American High School Diploma and the Spanish Baccalaureate certificate. BFIS is proud of its excellent, diverse faculty and their dedication to both continuous professional development and the integration of best practices into the teaching model.

29British School ofBarcelonaCarrer Ginesta, 26 The British School of Barcelona is commit-08860 Castelldefels ted to excellence at all levels in order toTel : +34 93 665 15 84 provide a high quality and enjoyable educa-E-mail : info@britishschoolbarcelona.com tion for each individual child. All studentsRenfe : Castelldefels Centre R2 will receive the respect, encouragement www.britishschoolbarcelona.com and dynamic educational opportunities ne- eded to be successful, confident members of a modern and ever-changing world. The school ‘s vision underpins on the following aspects: • To ensure every child, member of staff and parent feels supported, valued and appreciated; • To encourage a “love of learning” with the aim of preparing pupils for the next stage of their educational journey; • To celebrate diversity and internationa- lism and to ensure every child emerges as a confident multi-linguist; and • To provide a rich and varied curriculum with the aim of exciting the interest and imagination of each of its pupils. This school offers a British education to children from three to eighteen years of age. It follows the structure and curriculum of The English National Curriculum with complementary lessons given in Spanish and Catalan.

31Colegio HatikvaAvinguda Mas Fuster, 128 HATIKVA, previously the Sephardic Scho-08197 Valldoreix (Sant Cugat del Vallès) ol, has offered, since 1972, a multiculturalTel : +34 93 211 91 16 and humanistic education.E-mail : info@colegiohatikva.com Hatikva ensures a comprehensive andFGC : Valldoreix: S1 S2 S5 S55 holistic development of its students, gui- www.colegiohatikva.com ded by the values of the millennial Jewish tradition. It offers four languages, encompassing four different cultures. It strives to achieve personal, moral and cognitive growth in each student. At the same time, school excellence as a whole is an important goal. Based on the Catalan curricular framework, the school’s programme is ambitious, both on the formative and academic fields. Its constructivist learning system is focus- sed on investigation, significant learning, multi-disciplinary projects and ample spaces of creativity. The students are indispensable active participants in their process of growth. Its mission is to form responsible and proactive citizens of the world, with a strong sense of identity, and democratic values.

33Colegio Japonés deBarcelonaCamí de Can Graells, 61 The Ministry of Education of Japan overse-Polígon Can Graells es the quality of teaching and the educati-08174 Sant Cugat del Vallès onal and management team. The school’sTel : + 34 93 589 32 47 academic programme is divided into twoE-mail : fpcjap@telefonica.net levels: the “shogakko” - from 7 to 12 years of www.colegiojaponesbcn.net age - and the “chugakko” - up to 15 years of age-, which is the minimum required. The teaching of contemporary subjects is com- plemented with traditional studies such as calligraphy, Japanese cooking or practices of the tea ceremony. In 2010, the school celebrated its 25th anniversary.

35Col·legi MontserratAvinguda de Vallvidrera, 68 The educational project ranges from 0 to 1808017 Barcelona years of age and accompanies each studentTel : + 34 93 203 88 00 in achieving their personal excellence. TheE-mail : secretaria@montserrat.org educational system is based on the Earlyfgc : Peu del Funicular S1, S2, S5, S55 Stimulation and Multiple Intelligences www.cmontserrat.org theory and it uses proactive methodologies for a student-centred learning. The school encourages autonomy, commitment, cooperative learning and collabora- tion with the aim of improving the social environment. The integration of technologies facilitates personalised learning which is contextuali- sed in real life. The presence of art, music, drama and visual media in the curriculum contributes to the enhancement of self-expression and aesthetic sensitivity. The centre is trilingual and also teaches French, German and Chinese. From Sep- tember 2012, the International Baccalaurea- te Diploma Programme will be offered.

37Col·legi XALOCCarrer de Can Tries, 4-6. Xaloc is a school founded in 1964 which08902 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat not only imparts formal education but alsotel : +34 93 335 16 00 International Baccalaureate.E-mail : xaloc@xaloc.org Xaloc’s educational project is based on sin-FGC : Europa i Fira S8 gle-sex education (male), which encouragesMetro : Bellvitge L1 each student to develop his abilities andRenfe : Bellvitge R2 aims to give students a firm grounding that www.xaloc.org spreads to all the student’s dimensions in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility. It provides a solid education aimed at fully developing the students, such as the con- quering of good habits and manners, order, effort, perseverance, respect and solidarity, the integration of new technologies and good command of his native languages, as well as English and French. Personal attention is given to every student and family by a personal tutor. The education offered at this school is inspired by a transcendent vision of human existence in accordance with the Catholic Church.

39DEUTSCHE SCHULEBARCELONA (DSB)Avinguda Jacint Esteva Fontanet, 105 The Deutsche Schule of Barcelona is a08950 Esplugues de Llobregat comprehensive “School of Bi-culturalTel : +34 93 371 83 00 Encounter”.E-mail : dsbarcelona@dsbarcelona.com It offers German-speaking and German-na- www.dsbarcelona.com tive pupils (a total of 1,400) an educational model covering a period of 12 years. It concludes with the completion of the Maturity Test that provides admission into Spanish and German Universities. The organization of the teaching is planned in such a way that it enables all students, regardless of their mother tongue, to achieve common learning objectives. The German School of Barcelona is a private school endorsed by the Cultural As- sociation of German College San Albertus Magnus founded in 1894.

41École FrançaiseBel AirCarretera 246a, Km 42, Vilanoveta The École Française Bel Air was created08810 Sant Pere de Ribes in 1992. It is a private school and not state-Tel : +34 93 896 22 67 assisted.E-mail : info@ecole-belair.com The teaching has been officially approved www.ecole-belair.com by the Ministère de l’Education Nationale Française from nursery school P3 to the secondary level, 4th of ESO. It is a Secular School, multilingual and intercultural, located in the town of St. Pere de Ribes near Barcelona. The École Française Bel Air is enrolled in the register of foreign schools. It is recognised and authorised by the competent authority for education purposes, and it has the obligation due to the French-Spanish agreement of teaching the Spanish and Catalan language and culture. The centre provides comprehensive programmes in these subjects.

43École françaiseFerdinand-de-LessepsGran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 707 The École Française Ferdinand-de-Lesseps08013 Barcelona is more than 150 years old. It forms partTel : +34 93 232 16 12 of a global network of French schools thatE-mail : secretaria@lesseps.net provide the French programme of theMetro : Monumental, Tetuan L2 Ministry of National Education, including www.lesseps.net Spanish, Catalan and English. After primary education, the students continue their studies at the Lycée Français de Barcelone with whom the school has an agreement. There are currently 520 students enrolled in two establishments: Carrer de València for nursery school and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes for the primary school.

45English academysanta clausCarrer de Lleó XIII, 12 English Academy Santa Claus, a Kindergar-08022 Barcelona ten and Junior School for boys and girlsTel : +34 93 417 18 47 aged 3-12, first opened its gates in 1965.E-mail : mail@academysantaclaus.com Its founder combined her English natio-FGC : Avinguda Tibidabo L7 nality with her deep integration into the www.academysantaclaus.com host country with the aim of providing the school with a multilingual and cultural essence. It is a small and family school that follows the official curriculum of multilingual language learning. The aim is for the pupils to obtain a good level in three languages: English, Spanish and Catalan. When students complete their education, they will be prepared to successfully continue their academic development in schools which use any of these three languages as their main vehicle of communication and study.

47English SchoolCarrer de Gustavo Bécquer, 50 The English School is a unique, friendlyCarrer de Montornès, 37 school which offers a high level of linguistic08023 Barcelona and cultural education. The School has justTel : +34 93 213 88 64 one group per year with a limited numberE-mail : englishschool@colegioingles.net or pupils in each; in spite of this, the scho-METRO : Penitents L3 ol regards itself as open and non-elitist. www.colegioingles.net Kindergarten starts with full English im- mersion in K3. Primary School is housed in a new building which opened in 2011. Here, the pupils switch between English, Spanish and Catalan according to the teacher’s native language. The school can offer some Primary places for newcomers. Individualised linguistic support programmes, based on the School’s long experience, are designed for those students who may need them. These programmes enable the quick integration of children of all ages and linguistic origins. The English School provides a variety of services to facilitate the lives of their students (and their parents): lunch and bus services, swimming pool, Summer School, etc.

49Escaan InternationalSchoolPasseig Isaac Albéniz, s/n ESCAAN International School has been08870 Sitges especially designed to meet the needs ofTel : +34 93 894 20 40 students through its progressive teachingE-mail : information@escaan.com philosophy and modern, purpose-built fa-Renfe : Sitges R2 cilities. The Escaan philosophy emphasises www.escaan.com a belief in community, family, education and knowledge. Escaan’s students come from many different countries and have the opportunity to share their cultures while learning. The curriculum – which takes pupils from infant class to International Baccalaureate – is conducted in English, with Spanish and Catalan also being taught in addition to other languages such as French, German and Chinese, which are available as options. Children are encouraged to develop naturally while being guided to respect other cultures, languages and customs, giving them an open-minded perspective of the world that surrounds them. Escaan helps its students to enjoy their school life and enter the adult world with a sound education designed to reflect the ever-changing world.

51ES INTERNATIONALSCHOOLc/o Academia Sánchez-Casal Since 1999, ES International School -Autovia de Castelldefels (C-31), km 191 formerly known as Schiller InternationalApartat de Correus 176 School - has offered an independent,08820 El Prat de Llobregat co-educational, American Primary, JuniorTel : +34 93 479 16 16 (ext. 242) and Senior High School programme fromE-mail : info@schillerschool.eu the American fifth through twelfth grades. www.es-school.com The school’s endeavour is to empower students to be lifelong learners and to excel as critical thinkers in a culturally diverse, ever-changing society, through a commitment to total quality, encouragement of risk-taking, and celebration of success. Students also benefit from the myriad of cultures which brings a global perspective to the curriculum. The campus of ES International School is located within the first-class facilities of the Academia Sánchez-Casal, and emphasis is placed on intensive tennis training and physical conditioning. Sports are an essential part of the curriculum.

53Europa InternationalSchoolAvinguda Pla del Vinyet, 110 All children should be able to speak at08172 Sant Cugat del Vallès least one of the three main languages inTel : +34 93 589 84 20 the School -English, Spanish or Catalan.E-mail : info@europais.com A modern school recently extended withFGC : Sant Cugat S1 S2 S5 S55 excellent sports facilities. Students are www.europais.com mainly Catalan and Spanish from the ages of 1-18. Strong emphasis on English, Catalan and Spanish and other languages (French and German or Chinese) with many cultural projects and exchanges organised throughout the school year. It focuses on rounded education with high academic and sporting achievement. Meals are cooked on-site and there are school buses with routes from Sabadell and Sant Cugat. The Extra-school Activity Programme includes Sports, Music and Dance activities, a Language School and an Academic Support Centre.

55Hamelin InternaTionalLaie SchoolCarrer de Núria, 30 Hamelin International Laie School is a pri-Carrer de la Riera Coma Fosca 3-5 vate school provided with the acknowled-08328 Alella gment of the ISO Quality Standard, whichTel : +34 93 555 22 96 certifies its excellence in education. BelowE-mail : laie@escolessas.com; you will find a brief description of whathamelin@escolessas.com characterises the school:Renfe : El Masnou R1 · Teaching levels : K-12, Children’s Educa- www.escolessas.com tion, Primary Education, Compulsory Secondary Education and High School education. · Methodology : Skilful and motivated teachers, Trilingual Education (English, Spanish and Catalan), Fourth language (French, German or Chinese), Active methodology, Exchange programmes, Early stimulation, Comprehensive education, Conscientious treatment of values, Development of emotional intelligence and Individual monitoring. · Facilities : Own kitchen, Canteen and cafeteria, Sports grounds, Laboratories, Computer rooms, Dancing halls and Theatre. · Services : School psychologist, Speech therapy, School transport and After- school activities.

57Highlands SchoolbarcelonaCarrer de Manuel Florentín Pérez, 26 Highlands School Barcelona is located08950 Esplugues de Llobregat in the neighbourhood of Pedralbes . It isTel : +34 93 252 51 88 the only private Catholic schools with aE-mail : secretaria@colegiohighlands.net trilingual curriculum (English, Spanish, and www.colegiohighlands.net Catalan) in the city of Barcelona. Preschoolers receive 60% of the curriculum in English, while the rest is taught in Spa- nish. At the Primary School level, Catalan is introduced gradually as a subject matter in order to comply with legal requirements. The emphasis continues to be in English as primary language all throughout the student’s educational experience. The school prepares its students for the Cambridge examinations, as well as for the Catalonian “ selectivitat” exams, which are both in Spanish and Catalan. Teaching style is based on the “Zic Zac Zoo” (preschool) and “Sunrise” (primary school) pedagogic methods. At the Obligatory Se- condary Education “ESO” and “Batxillerat” levels, the school follows the “Awaken the leader within you” program in order to bring out the full potential of each student.

59John Talabot SchoolCarrer de les Escoles Pies, 136 - Primary & John Talabot School is a centre that im-Secondary parts education from a secular and plura-Carrer Quatre Camins, 83 - Kindergarten listic point of view. John Talabot School is08017 Barcelona officially recognised and subsidised by theTel : +34 93 212 34 99 Catalan Government (“Centre Privat Con-E-mail : info@johntalabot.com certat” of the Generalitat de Catalunya).FGC : Sarrià L6, Avinguda Tibidabo L7 The school only holds one group per level. www.johntalabot.com This reduced amount of students allows the School to get to know and suitably serve each one of them. A strong academic formation, as well as cultural and human values, based on multilingual language learning is offered to students: Catalan 33%, Spanish 33%, English 33% and French as 4th language starting in 2nd year of Compulsory Secon- dary Education (ESO). The school implements new technologies as teaching tools and it strongly and deeply works on the acquisition of good manners, norms for harmonious coexisten- ce and human values. After-school activities are available. School bus. Uniform.

61Kensington schoolCarrer dels Cavallers, 31-33 Kensington School was founded in 196608034 Barcelona to provide a British education to theTel : +34 93 203 54 57 international community in Barcelona. TheE-mail : info@kensingtonschoolbcn.com School opened a primary department inFGC : Reina Elisenda L6 1968. It grew gradually to its present size of www.kensingtonschoolbcn.com 220-230 pupils between the ages of 4 and 18 years of age. The school is not selective: it aims to provide a sound education for all pupils regardless of the different backgrounds, nationalities, levels of achievement or abilities. The school is noted for its outstanding results in the British level examinations (GCSE and GCE ‘A’ ). Success in these can provide the qualifications necessary to pro- ceed on to university in the UK, the USA, or the student’s own country of origin. The school encourages a friendly atmosphere and promotes a common sense approach to behaviour and learning, thereby stimulating motivation for study. The aim is to achieve a high level of understanding, independent reasoning and cooperation between staff and pupils. Personal attention and extra assistance are always available.

63Lycée Français deBarceloneCarrer de Bosch i Gimpera, 6-10 The Lycée Français de Barcelone has been08034 Barcelona operating in Barcelona since 1924. The LFBTel : +34 93 203 79 50 is run directly by the Agency of FrenchE-mail : lfb@lfb.es Education Overseas (AEFE). It contributesFGC : Reina Elisenda L6 / Sarrià L6, S1, S2, to the promotion of the French languageS5, S55 and culture by educating French, SpanishMetro : Maria Cristina L3 and foreign pupils. It contributes to conso- www.lfb.es lidating the bonds of cooperation between the two educational systems. The LFB curriculum has been officially approved by the French Ministry of Edu- cation, from preschool to baccalaureate (3 to 18 year-olds) and it abides by the French educational system. The LFB, which is recognised and authorised by the Spanish government, also integrates an additional curriculum, in compliance with the cultural agreements between both countries. The governments have set the equivalence between the studies done at the LFB and those done within the Spanish system. The LFB is noted for: · An education based on reasoning and analysis. · Teaching four languages · The enhancement of scientific education · An artistic education · Official French and Spanish degrees.

65Lycée Français de GavàBon SoleilCamí de la Pava, 15 Lycée Français Bon Soleil at Gavà, near08850 Gavà Barcelona, is a French institution basedTel : +34 93 633 13 58 on multilingual language learning (French,E-mail : courrier@bonsoleil.es English, Spanish and Catalan) where greatRenfe : Gavà R2 emphasis is placed on new technologies www.bonsoleil.es applied to all fields of education and also practising sports from an early age. Close cooperation with families combined with an established and experienced team is the school’s greatest asset. Students are drawn from a wide bac- kground and the resulting experience enriches their school life. It is a people-centred school with a Euro- pean outlook. Student care is a priority and the prime objective is to educate future European citizens with sound values. The final two years of school enable the students to obtain both French and Spanish baccalaureate which therefore en- titles them to study at French and Spanish universities.

67Oak House SchoolCarrer de Sant Pere Claver, 12-18 Oak House School is a co-educational08017 Barcelona Primary and Secondary school for childrenTel : +34 93 252 40 20 from 3 to 18 years of age. Oak HouseE-mail : sec@oakhouseschool.com Primary school is fully authorised by theFGC : Sarrià L6 Catalan regional government and is a mem- www.oakhouseschool.com ber of the National Association of British Schools in Spain. In the Primary school, pupils’ studies are based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Primary pupils also study the Spanish and Catalan languages and humanities in Spanish. Oak House Secondary school is also authorized by the Catalan regional government and pupils are taught in English, Spanish and Catalan. Secondary pupils’ studies are based on the local Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) curriculum and established British examination courses (IGCSE s) in a range of subjects. During the final 2 years of their education, pupils follow the regional Batxillerat courses. Oak House pupils receive a broad and balanced trilingual education and are thus prepared for further study in any of the 3 languages.

69PRINCESS MARGARETSCHOOLPasseig de la Font d’en Fargas 15-17 Princess Margaret School, founded in 1967,08032 Barcelona is a private co-educational and trilingualTel : +34 93 429 03 13 school of reference in Barcelona.E-mail : colegio@princessmargaret.org The school offers different stages fromMETRO : Vilapicina/Horta L5 Early Years Education and Primary to www.princessmargaret.org Secondary Education following the official programme of the “Generalitat de Catalunya”. In addition and simultaneously, students are immersed in the English language in a way that guarantees a high level of English. They obtain successful results in the Official Examinations of Cambridge University, which have a wide International recognition, and in the “Escola Oficial d’Idi- omes”, obtaining certificates recognised by universities in Spain. Students receive a quality education as a result of the pedagogical methodology used by the school. Children obtain an extraordinary academic level and, at the same time, they are formed as individuals able to face their future on a human, professional and personal level.

71SANTA CLARAINTERNATIONAL COLLEGECarrer de Pomaret, 17-19 Santa Clara International College is a trilin-08017 Barcelona gual school with an established EuropeanTel : +34 93 212 35 93 mission.E-mail : santaclara@santaclaraic.com The school provides an innate and holisticFGC : Sarrià L6 education to its students, not only focusing www.santaclaraic.com on the academic aspects, but also on their emotional and moral development. The School’s endeavour is to develop the process of educational leadership, excellence and the growth of each student’s unique personalities, with the aim that as future citizens they are competent in their professions, in solidarity with their environment, and above all, creative with their own lives. The levels provided are: · Nursery and Kindergarten in English from the age of 1 · Primary and Secondary Education · Batxillerat · Examinations for Spanish University Entrance (PAAU)

73SCHWEIZERSCHULEBARCELONACarrer d’Alfons XII, 95-105 The Swiss School of Barcelona in Plaça08006 Barcelona Molina, in the Centre of Barcelona, is aTel : +34 93 209 65 44 Swiss Government Approved School follo-E-mail : info@escuelasuizabcn.es wing the Swiss Curriculum. The school isFGC : Plaça Molina L7 / Sant Gervasi L6 multicultural and multilingual and is open www.escuelasuizabcn.es to children from 3 to 18 years old from all nationalities. The language of instruction is German but all students will also learn Spanish, Catalan, English and French. The students leave the school with a Swiss and Spanish double degree. In addition to the academic programme focusing on a balanced intellectual, emotional, social and physical development, the school is well known for its personal approach towards students and their families. The highly qualified and experienced staff keeps the children motivated and eager to learn.

75SCUOLA ITALIANA DiBARCELLONAPassatge de Méndez Vigo, 8 The official name of the school is “Istituto08009 Barcelona Italiano Statale Comprensivo di ScuolaTel : +34 93 487 46 65 / +34 93 203 00 06 primaria e di Scuola secondaria di 1º e diE-mail : preside@liceoamaldi.com 2º grado”.Metro : Passeig de Gràcia L3 / Girona L4 It comprises a “Scuola infantile” (3-5 years www.scuolaitalianabarcellona.com old, 6 sections, 133 students), a “Scuola primaria” (6-10 years old, 10 classes, 234 students), a “Scuola secondaria di 1º grado” or “Scuola media” (11-13 years, 6 classes, 136 students), and a “Liceo Scientifico” (14-17 years old, 8 classes, 127 students). In total there are 630 students divided into 30 classes. The vehicular language of teaching is Italian. Spanish, Catalan and English are also taught. The qualifications are recognised by the Spanish education system.

77SEK-CATALUNYAAvinguda Els Tremolencs, 24-26 SEK-Catalunya is one of a family of non-Urbanització Els Tremolencs religious schools, “San Estanislau de Kost-08530 La Garriga ka,” with a reputation for its internationalTel : +34 93 871 84 48 outlook, interactive style of learning andE-mail : sek-catalunya@sek.es emphasis on English. It is located near theRenfe : La Garriga R3 lovely town of La Garriga, close to Barce- www.sek.es lona, with a bus service provided for most surrounding areas. It has large, spacious buildings and grounds including an indoor pool and newly refurbished infant play areas. It maintains its international outlook through the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme at all educational levels, as well as frequent contact and exchanges with other international schools. Students aged from 3 to 18 learn in English, Catalan and Spanish with German and French options at secondary level. Native English conversational assistants work alongside teachers in lower primary and infant English classes.

79ST. PAUL’S SCHOOLAvinguda de Pearson, 39 There are 8 main characteristics that08034 Barcelona define St. Paul’s School:Tel : +34 93 203 05 00 · Linguistic Objectives: The aim is forE-mail : secretaria@stpauls.es pupils to be fluent in English, Spanish andFGC : Reina Elisenda L6 Catalan and have a high level of French. www.stpauls.es · Academic Excellence: Pupils are encouraged to achieve their full potential. Commitment, hard work and dedication is emphasised throughout the learning process. · Character Development: Pupils should know how to conduct themselves in any situation, take decisions which contribute to their own personal development as individuals and lead a healthy lifestyle. · Leadership in Information Technologies. · Curriculum of the Generalitat de Ca- talunya: St. Paul’s School is a school in Barcelona which is open to the world. · Organizational Structure: All aspects of Fundación Privada St. Paul’s, a non-profit organization, contribute to the ultimate aim: education. · Quality: Effort is placed on continual improvement. · From 3 years old up to university: A long path together.

81St. Peter’s SchoolCarrer d’Eduard Toldrà, 18 The school was founded in 1964 as a bi-08034 Barcelona lingual English-Spanish school focused onTel : +34 93 204 36 12 languages, science and university.E-mail : stpeters@stpeters.es St. Peter’s School is a private, indepen-FGC : Reina Elisenda L6 dent school for pupils from Pre-School to www.stpeters.es Secondary (Batxillerat), from 18 months to University entrance level. The curriculum is Spanish although taught in English. All legal matters pertaining to the pupils’ education are governed by Spanish law. As you find out more about St. Peter’s School you will verify that its ideology is carried out by a team of professionals working on a personal level involving everyone: children, families and teachers.

83THE AMERICAN SCHOOLOF BARCELONACarrer Jaume Balmes, 7 Located just outside the city on a spaci-08950 Esplugues de Llobregat ous, beautiful piece of land in EspluguesTel : +34 93 371 40 16 de Llobregat, The American School ofE-mail : info@a-s-b.com Barcelona is a non-profit, independent, www.a-s-b.com co-educational school that teaches the American curriculum. Classes run from pre-kinder through to 12th grade and teaching is predominantly in English. ASB has offered the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme since 2007 and results have consistently exceeded the world average. The school lies on a large campus with an artificial turf soccer field and out- door and indoor sports courts. In addition to an extensive sports programme, there are many extra-curricular activities and numerous service-learning opportunities. The school is authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Education and accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Over half of the students are international and eventually attend universities mainly in the US, Canada, the UK or Spain. A school bus service is available from several locations in the city as well as Sant Cugat and Sitges.

85THE INTERNATIONALSCHOOL OF CATALUNYAEl Passeig, 9 The International School of Catalunya is08530 La Garriga a British School that offers the NationalTel : +34 93 841 40 77 Curriculum supported by the InternationalE-mail : info@iscat.es Primary Curriculum. Spanish and CatalanRenfe : La Garriga R3 are an integral part of the programme. www.iscat.es Mother-tongue instruction in Swedish and Russian are current options within the programme for international students, with German and Dutch becoming available from September 2011. ISCAT aims to foster a life-long passion for learning through a reduced number of students per class, enquiry-based creative learning and a differentiated programme which ensures the appropriate intellectual challenge for each individual. Learning ex- plicitly addresses inter-cultural awareness and social responsibility through develop- mentally appropriate thematic units. The School’s mission is to offer a secure, nurturing and multicultural environment in which the intellectual, physical, emotional and creative development of each student is optimised, respecting the language, culture and creativity of every individual.

87THE OLIVE TREE SCHOOLCarrer Sant Francesc Gumà, 22 A small British Government-recognized08870 Sitges primary school with a warm, caring familyTel : +34 677 419 632 atmosphere.E-mail : info@olivetreeschool.es Maximum of 10 children per class.Renfe : Sitges R2 It is located in a house with a garden in the www.olivetreeschool.es beautiful city of Sitges, near Barcelona. Emphasis on creativity, experimentation & intellectual discovery. A high expectations school. All children play a musical instrument; the 8-11 year-olds put on a termly Shakespeare production; all children regularly paint, design and create. Only children who are native-speakers or very fluent speakers of English guarantee excellent standards. The school follows the English National Curriculum but interpret it creatively. Children are inspired with love for learning and a gentle respect for all others.

89Zürich SchuleAvinguda de Pearson, 73 The Zurich school is a private school08034 Barcelona that has existed for over 40 years. Today,Tel : +34 93 203 76 06 around 300 students attend the classes.E-mail : info@zurichschule.com Lessons are in German, Spanish, CatalanFGC : Reina Elisenda L6 and English. The student experience at this www.zurichschule.com school begins at the age of 2 and ends at the age of 16. From the very first moment, the student’s language of instruction is German. The facilities and the organization allow the students to learn in a family and personal atmosphere. The Zurich school has a full day schedule (09:00 to 17:00 hours). The school’s mission is marked by a humanistic approach, which essentially de- termines the educational work (Humanistic and Positive Psychology). Zürich Schule offers Summer-camps in Germany, student exchange programmes with a school in Berlin and a great skiing week at the Pyrenees. All German teachers have German as their mother tongue.

90APPENDIX:Local education system

91 Education Law 12/2009, of 10 July, governs Decentralised education system the education system in Catalonia.Since the adoption of the Spanish For their part, local authorities (basicallyConstitution in 1978, the Spanish edu- city and town councils) collaborate withcation system has undergone a process other administrations in creating, buildingof transformation, by which the Central and maintaining state schools as well as or-Government has transferred functions, ganising additional activities and services.services and resources to the Autonomous Given the importance of Barcelona and itsCommunities. nature as the capital of Catalonia, the city has a special system recognised by law: theTherefore, Spain enjoys a decentralised Municipal Charter of Barcelona. Under theeducation system model that distributes aegis of this law, the Barcelona Educationpowers between the State, Autonomous Consortium was founded in 2002, a publicCommunities, local authorities and schools. body which emerged from the cooperationThe Spanish non-university education between the Government of Cataloniasystem is governed by the Spanish Organic and Barcelona City Council. It constitutesLaw on Education (LOE, Spanish acro- a tool for shared management and decen-nym)), approved in May 2006. This governs tralisation to work towards improving theits structure and organisation and reaffirms management of education services in thethe nature of the state education service. city of Barcelona.The State, through the Ministry of Edu- The Catalan Education System has a ne-cation, ensures the homogeneity of the twork of schools comprising state schoolseducation system and guarantees equality and state-funded private schools (concer-in basic rights for all in the exercise of the tats). All the information in this appendixrights to basic education. refers to these type of schools.The Autonomous Communities have regu-latory powers in order to develop the basicstate standards and are responsible for the For further information, see:regulation of non-basic elements or aspects Ministry for Education http://www.of the education system, and for the exe- educacion.gob.es (in Spanish)cutive and administrative duties involved in Department of Education of the Govern-administering the education system in their ment of Catalonia www.gencat.cat/respective regions. Catalonia has had these ensenyament (in Catalan and Spanish)powers in education since 1981 and the res- Barcelona Education Consortiumponsible body is the Department of Edu- http://www.edubcn.cat/ (in Catalan)cation of the Government of Catalonia.

92 country, which means that nowadays al- Stages in education most 100% of children aged 3 to 6 attend school.Next page is a table summarising theeducation system in state schools andstate-funded private schools. For further information, see: www.bcn.cat/barcelonabressolPre-Primary Education (in Catalan and Spanish)or Nursery Education(Educació Infantil)Pre-Primary Education refers to the Primary Educationfirst non-compulsory schooling period (Educació Primària, EP)for children up until the age of six, inorder to contribute to their physical, Primary Education is compulsory and freeemotional, social and intellectual deve- of charge. It has three two-year cycleslopment. It is divided into two three- (first, second and third) for children agedyear cycles: 6 to 12 years old. In general, students join the first cycle of Primary Education the• First cycle or early childhood education calendar year they turn six. (from 0 to 3 years of age) and• Second cycle or first schooling (from 3 to 6 years of age), free of charge. Compulsory Secondary Education (Educació SecundàriaCentres that solely provide the first cycle Obligatòria – ESO)of Pre-Primary Education are given thegeneral title of pre-schools or nursery Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO)schools. Barcelona city has a significant ne- is a compulsory and free schooling periodtwork of state nursery schools promoted which completes basic education. It coversby the local authorities. The establishment four years for students aged 12 to 16, thoughof a type of financing for privately-run students are entitled to remain in thenursery schools, in a similar manner to the school under the ordinary system until 18existing one for compulsory education, is years of age. There are programmes of cur-currently being studied. ricular diversification, from the third year, which are oriented towards achieving theDespite its non-compulsory nature, enrol- Certificate of Secondary Education (knownment in the second cycle of Pre-Primary as GESO). This certificate grants access toEducation is widespread throughout the Post-Compulsory Secondary Education.

93 CATALAN EDUCATION. SIMPLIFIED CHARTS SYSTEM conditional access access test required University: Postgraduate studies HIGHER EDUCATION CiclEs FormatiUs University: de GraU SUPERIOR Graduate studies (higher vocational training) secondary secondary education education Upper BaTXILLERAT CiclEs FormatiUs SECONDARY EDUCATION (academic programme) de GraU MIG (16-18 years) (vocational training) Compulsory Compulsory education Educació SecundÀria ObligatÒria (12-16 years) 6 degrees EDUCATION PRIMARY (6-12 years) 2nd cycle (3-6 years) PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION 1st cycle (0-3 years)source : Drawn up by the authors

94Higher Secondary Education University Studies(Batxillerat) (Ensenyaments universitaris)Batxillerat constitutes part of Post- To gain admission to university, studentsCompulsory Secondary Education and, must pass one of the established entrancetherefore, it has a voluntary nature. It is a examinations or hold the qualification oftwo-year cycle and is organised into three advanced technician or equivalent level ofbranches: arts, science and technology, academic studies.and humanities and social science. Thetítol de batxiller/a (Post-Compulsory Sec-ondary Education Diploma) grants admis-sion to University studies and Advanced For further information with regard toVocational Training. enrolment in different languages, see: http://www20.gencat.cat/portal/ site/queestudiar (in Catalan andVocational Training Spanish)(Formació Professional)Vocational Training is divided into inter-mediate and advanced training cycles.Students who complete this programmesuccessfully are awarded the certificateof technician and advanced technician. Tobe admitted to this programme, studentsmust possess the Certificate of Compulso-ry Secondary Education (for the intermedi-ate cycle) or the batxiller Post-CompulsorySecondary Education Diploma (for theadvanced cycle) or equivalent certificatefor academic purposes. Admission can alsobe gained without the aforementionedacademic requirements if the studentpasses an entrance examination (over 17sto the intermediate cycle and over 19sto the advanced cycle, or if 18-year-oldspossess a technician certificate related tothe speciality).

95 School calendar Enrolment proceduresThe school year begins in the month of When children or pupils are educated un-September and ends in the month of June, der the Catalan Education System, parentsand is divided into three terms: or guardians may choose the school of their choice, whether a state or state-funded• The first begins in September until the private school. In the pre-enrolment form, Christmas holidays, which last for two different choices of school must be stated weeks. in order of preference.• The second begins in January until the Easter holidays (March/April), which last School places are initially distributed ac- ten days. cording to a points system, which features• The third begins after the Easter holidays priority admission criteria such as siblings until the end of June. The summer holi- attending the school or parents working in days include the months of July, August the educational establishment, proximity and the first week of September. of the student’s residence to the school or proximity of the father’s or mother’sFor Batxillerat (higher secondary edu- workplace to the school, beneficiaries ofcation) students sitting the University the minimum income for social integrationEntrance Examinations (Prova d’Accés a la (ajut de la renda mínima d’inserció), theUniversitat, PAU), the academic year ends disability of the student, father, mother orin May, with approximately one month to siblings, large or single-parent families, theprepare for the examinations. chronic illness of the student, etc. If demand exceeds supply for a certain school, a lottery system is used, which sorts the applications with the same number of points. Pre-enrolment Pre-enrolment for the school year begin- ning in September starts in the month of March of the same year. A pre-enrolment form must be filled out which can be obtained on the Internet, at the schools themselves or at the School Enrolment

96Office of the Barcelona Education Con- Registrationsortium (Plaça Urquinaona no. 6, 08010Barcelona). To formalise the registration, the docu- ments must be submitted which, for someThis form must be submitted before the reason, were not submitted in the pre-end of the pre-enrolment period for the enrolment procedure. The school principalchosen school as the first option or at the will hold an informative interview with theSchool Enrolment Office. Applicants are parents or guardian of the student that willadvised to request a dated and signed register for the first time at the school.copy of the application. The followingdocuments must be attached to the form: Pre-enrolment calendar• Original and photocopy of the FamilyRecord Book (Llibre de Família) or other All these procedures must be undertaken ondocuments concerning family connection. specific dates. Deadlines must be adhered to. If the application for admission is submitted• Original and photocopy of the Spanish outside the deadline, the school will refer tonational identification number (DNI), the education authorities for its resolution.passport or other identification documentsof the father, mother or guardian. Translation and interpretation• Proof of the family residence. service• Photocopy of the Spanish national iden- The Department of Education of thetification number (DNI) of the student or Government of Catalonia has a translati-alternative document if over 14 years of age. on/interpretation service at the disposal of school committees and schools that register students that are enrolling in aPublication and appeals school in Catalonia for the first time in order to facilitate communication betweenThe educational establishment shall publish the school and the family.a provisional list of students with the pointsscale, and will open a period for the submis-sion of appeals. All this information will bedisplayed on the notice board. Finally, once For further information regarding enrol-the appeals have been resolved, each scho- ment in different languages, see:ol will publish the definitive list of allocated http://www.xtec.es/lic/nouvingut/places and, if necessary, the waiting list for families/fam_com_sisteduc.htmstudents that have not been admitted.

97 Official languages in the Catalan Project to promote foreign education system languagesCatalan is Catalonia’s own language. Seeking to promote linguistic and culturalIt enjoys the status of official language diversity, which contributes to the lifelongalongside Spanish, official throughout the learning of multi-lingual citizens, the Depart-Spanish State. ment of Education of the Government of Catalonia fosters activities which promoteCatalan is the language generally em- foreign languages in schools in Catalonia.ployed as the vehicular language and the One such initiative is the Experimentallanguage of learning in the education Foreign Languages Project (Pla Experimen-system in Catalonia both in state schools tal de Llengües Estrangeres, PELE), whichand state-funded private schools. began in the 2005-2006 academic year.On completing their compulsory educa- PELE is aimed at state or state-fundedtion, students have complete mastery of schools. Its overarching goal is to increaseCatalan and Spanish as official languages the knowledge of foreign languages andand have at least an adequate knowledge renew methodology in education plans byof a foreign language. Generally speaking, promoting multi-lingual and interculturalthe foreign language is English, but it can awareness-raising actions across the edu-be French or German in some schools. In cation community.addition, many schools offer the possibilityof studying more than one foreign langua-ge. State schools and state-funded privateschools must draw up, as part of their Further information at: http://phobos.xtec.education plans, a language plan that sets cat/pluriling/pele.html (in Catalan only)out how languages are to be dealt with atthe school. The PELE project has been put intoStudents that join the education system practice in different ways: in pre-primarywithout knowing one of the two official education, a foreign language has beenlanguages are entitled to receive specific introduced; in the upper cycle of primarylanguage support. Schools must provide education, a second foreign language hasnewcomers with a personalised reception been introduced; and as far as secondaryprocedure and, in particular, language students are concerned, project work hasservices so that they can start learning been incorporated as well as the improve-Catalan. ment of student communication skills pla- cing an emphasis on the spoken language.

98In primary and secondary education, themethodology of teaching a subject unrela-ted to language learning through the medi-um of a foreign language has been applied(for instance, teaching history or naturalsciences through English or French). Thismethodology is known by its acronyms: AI-CLE in Catalan (Aprenentatge Integrat deContingut i Llengua Estrangera), CLIL inEnglish (Content and Language IntegratedLearning) or EMILE in French (Enseigne-ment d’une matière par Intégration d’uneLangue Étrangère).Today the city of Barcelona plays host to107 schools that have implemented anexperimental foreign language project(PELE). Of these, 41 centres (29 schoolsand 12 secondary schools) have implemen-ted the AICLE-CLIL-EMILE methodology.

www.doitinbcn.comwww.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness© of the editionBarcelona City Council - Barcelona Activac/ Llacuna, 162-16408018 Barcelonawww.bcn.cat/barcelonabusinessTextsInternational Economic PromotionBarcelona City Council - Barcelona ActivaDatasheets and photography for each schoolmostly provided by the schools themselvesGraphic designDoctor MagentaD.L. B-21599-2012Printed and bound in European Union

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