What are the school hours ?9.00 am to 4.30 pm
How many pupils are there at British School of Alicante?820.
How many pupils are there in each class ?On average there are 26 pupils per class and two or three classes per year group.
What is the ratio of international students at the school ?80% Spanish; 9% British; 11% from other countries including China, Russia, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Denmark, France, Holland and others.
Which curriculum does the school follow?The English National Curriculum.
Are the teachers British?All academic staff teaching the English National Curriculum are qualified British teachers or, in the case of French, native speakers. Those teaching Spanish language, Spanish validation and Valencian language are qualified native Spanish teachers.
Does British School of Alicante accept students with little or no English ?We take children with no English between the ages of 3 and 5 years.There are a limited number of places for non-English speaking Primary pupils between the ages of 6 and 9 of proven academic ability.From the age of 10 onwards new pupils must have a high level of English to enter the school. Induction English lessons are offered for pupils with the minimun acceptable level of English.
What language do the children speak in the playground ?On the whole most of our students speak Spanish in the playground. Because of this we find that new children joining the school with little or no knowledge of the language, pick it up very quickly.
Will my child learn Spanish at British School of Alicante ?All students at British School of Alicante study Spanish. Spanish pupils are required to take a minimum number of Spanish classes per week, the frequency and number depending on their age. Non-Spanish speakers are taught Spanish as a foreign language at all ages.
What other languages are available?French, Valencian, German and Chinese.
Is religion part of the curriculum ?As a multicultural school we introduce our students to different religions and cultures and teach them moral values based on the western Christian tradition but which tend to be common to all religions. At Christmas we celebrate Christian activities such as Nativity plays and Carol singing.
What sports are available ?The British School of Alicante is able to offer a wide range of sporting activities including football (7 and 5-a-side pitches), basketball,tennis volleyball, hockey, gymnastics, athletics. There are also optional classes which take place after school and at lunch time and include amongst others tennis, ballet, judo and football. Regular sporting events and competitions are held during the year.
How much homework is set ?This depends on the age of the pupil. As a general rule, in the Infant Department no homework is set but pupils are expected to take reading books home to share with their parents. In the Junior Department, from Year 3 onwards pupils use a homework diary to note down any homework tasks they need to remember. Depending on their age they are expected to carry out between 1/2 hour of homework per week in Year 3, to an hour per week plus study at the weekends in Year 6. In addition to this they are encouraged to read in both English and Spanish. In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils are set purposeful, relevant homework tasks on a regular basis. In Years 10 and 11 students receive between 1 and 2 hours homework per night with assignments at the weekend. In Years 12 and 13 students are expected to attend to homework and revision everyday in school and at home as directed by each teacher.
What examinations do students take at the school?GCSE, IGCSE, GCE AS and A2 Level (CIE/EDEXCEL)
Where do students go after finishing their studies at British School of Alicante ?Almost all of our students continue with their education at Universities in Spain, Britain and other countries.
Is it possible to study at British School of Alicante for one term only ?The minimum time we can normally accept students is for one whole academic year. Note also however that the IGCSE courses in Years 10 & 11 and the A Level (AS & A2) courses in Years 12 and 13 are integral 2 years programmes.
How well do new international students adapt to the school?Students at British School of Alicante are used to welcoming newcomers and on the whole are very friendly and helpful. The Heads of the different departments make sure that "buddies" are always on hand to show newcomers the ropes at first. However, much depends on the attitude of the new student and how willing he/she is to make new friends and join in with the rest.
How do I go about applying for a place for my child ?The first step in the admissions process is to send in an application form with full details of the pupil in question. The procedures for admission vary slightly according to the age of the candidate (link to admissions) Infants are required to see the school’s educational psychologist whilst Juniors and Seniors must take entrance examinations in Mathematics and English. School reports for the two years prior to entry are also taken into consideration.
