Primary Education (5 to 11)

The philosophy of this academic stage has already been mentioned in the Educational Design section. However, we would like to highlight the importance that we place on creating a relaxed, pleasant working environment for our students, where the task of learning is an enriching process that, at the same time, encourages work habits, respect and tolerance.

The first two years of Primary Education (Year 1 and Year 2) are essentially dedicated to integration and preparation, in which students come into contact with the learning strategies that, although still simple, will be applied in later years in this stage.

The academic and teaching organisation at the Primary Education stage ensures proper curricular development and that the goals established in the National Curriculum are met. The teaching staff is comprised of a Teaching Director, cycle co-ordinators and the teachers assigned to each year, who are responsible for tutoring the students.

An important part of the tutorial and pastoral programme is the weekly Assemblies, both at cycle and stage levels. These cover aspects related to the values that we attempt to instil in our students in an educational and, in many cases, playful way, and they are included as part of the educational design. Apart from facilitating mutual coexistence amongst students of different ages, they favour an atmosphere of respect and appreciation among students, which is the distinguishing characteristic of our centre.

In accordance with the National Curriculum for England and Wales, the areas studied by students at this stage are:

The Primary Education stage includes specialised teachers in certain areas of the curriculum, such as physical education, computer studies and art/design.

The timetables for each year in Primary Education (see Private Zone), especially in Key Stage 2, are designed so that all subjects given, both the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science) and the other subjects (History and Geography, Computer Studies, Art and Design, Drama, Physical Education) are allocated sufficient time for the proper development of the teaching schedule: explanations by the teacher, individual and group activities and personal attention to the students.

Native Spanish teachers with appropriate qualifications, co-ordinated by the Head of Spanish Studies, give Spanish language and culture studies. Beginning in Year 2, students have one class period a day dedicated to the areas of Spanish and Social Studies.

The area of drama is a very important part of the English curriculum. Proof of this is the Year End Festival held in June, in which all of the students can demonstrate, in the presence of their families, what they have learnt over the year.

The centre gives its students at this stage the subject of Religion as an integral part of the pastoral programme. Students who wish to do so may take their First Communion at the school. This takes place in May, after the children have completed preparatory catechism studies.