Choosing a school in Barcelona PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES Choosing a school in Barcelona PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES Choosing a School in Barcelona

BARCELONA, Barcelona is a great place to live, thanks and cultures who have chosen to come A WELCOMING to all the business, leisure and cultural and live in Barcelona. They are people who TALENT opportunities here, as well as the local contribute a lot to the city, socially and DESTINATION lifestyle and the captivating Mediterranean economically, and they bring an important character. It is an open and diverse city that human capital of talent. attracts peoples from all over the world and Barcelona has a strategy to make these is among the top European cities chosen by people feel welcome, rooted and integrated international companies. with the rest of the population, so they will Some of the people who decide to make feel proud to be “new Barcelonians”. Barcelona their home come with their The City Council launched the Barcelona family and those with children are faced International Welcome service with practical with the challenge of finding the right information for anyone moving to our city, school. As each family is different, each the priority formalities to be carried out and one will make choices reflecting its own a broad range of free activities to make new priorities and preferences, depending on contacts and enjoy to the full everything many other factors too, such as the age of the city offers to newcomers and long-term the child, languages spoken or how long residents alike. they plan to live in Barcelona. In addition, the Barcelona International This guide is for international families Community Day is organised in October that are searching for pre- and compulsory every year as a major annual meeting point schooling for their children in Barcelona or for international talent. It is an event packed its surrounding area. with talks, workshops, roundtables, cultural The contents of the guide provide key and entertainment activities, as well as a and practical information in order to make fair to make contacts with organisations and this decision-making process as simple as professionals, and to share and exchange For more possible. It gives you optimum opportunities experiences. information: for understanding and navigating your way All these services and activities are open Barcelona in the complex field of the many and quality to foreign families arriving in our city. International Welcome educational options that you will find in Welcome to Barcelona! barcelona.cat/ Barcelona. internationalwelcome

There is also a more general purpose Barcelona International for this guide: to welcome and assist in Community Day the personal and professional landing of barcelona.cat/international communityday foreign people from different backgrounds Choosing a School in Barcelona

CONTENTS 3 5 Be inspired: Family networks International and communities

families share 51 - CULTURE OF 1 their experience COMMUNICATION AND Understanding COLLABORATION 34 - KEVIN’S FAMILY: Barcelona International the Catalan school ON LANGUAGE AND Schools Association (BISA) ACADEMIC SKILLS system 52 - GETTING INVOLVED 36 - ANOUK’S FAMILY: 7 - EDUCATION ORGANISATION Parents’ associations: ON CLASSES AND AFA is the new AMPA AND GOVERNANCE CULTURE Family Spaces, toy 8 - SCHOOLING 38 - JOY’S FAMILY: libraries and open schoolyards programme 8 - TYPES OF SCHOOLS ON INTEGRATION Centre for families with Public schools AND WELL-BEING teenagers (escoles públiques) 40 - HARRY’S FAMILY: International and niche State-subsidised ON ENROLMENT AND community groups private schools (escoles concertades) BEGINNING AT A NEW 54 - AFTER-SCHOOL Private schools SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND HOLIDAY (escoles privades) ACTIVITIES 9 - STAGES OF EDUCATION 57 - BULLYING AND Preschool HARASSMENT POLICY Compulsory Schooling 4 Upper Secondary Education How to choose the Higher Education 16 - LANGUAGE AND best school for Checklists CURRICULUM your child 17 - SCHOOL LIFE 58 - THREE STEPS IN 43 - SELECTION PROCESS: SELECTING A SCHOOL The school day STEP BY STEP 62 - THREE STEPS TO The school calendar 1st step: Consider the needs of your child and you family ENROLLING YOUR CHILD 2nd step: Gather information about any relevant schools 3rd step: Visit relevant 2 schools School provision 44 - ENROLMENT PROCESS: for international STEP BY STEP 1st step: Prioritise your families options 2nd step: Submit your 19 - LOCAL SCHOOLS application (pre-enrolment) Aula d’acollida 3rd step: Confirm by registering (enrolment) 19 - INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION 48 - OVERVIEW OF THE International Schools ENROLMENT PROCESS AND WHEN YOU NEED International Baccalaureate HELP Batxibac Dual Diploma Choosing a School in Barcelona / Understanding the Catalan school system

If you arrive in Barcelona with children, you EDUCATION de Barcelona) was created in 2002. This need to understand the education system. consortium is a public body jointly promoted 6 This can be a daunting task, which can feel ORGANISATION AND by the Government of Catalonia and 7 even more difficult if there’s a language GOVERNANCE Barcelona City Council as an instrument for barrier. co-management and decentralisation. One of the main characteristics of the So in this chapter we give you a brief education system administration is The Barcelona Education Consortium is, introduction to the Catalan School System. decentralisation, as educational powers are therefore, the sole body for education in The aim is to present the general structures shared between all levels of government in the city of Barcelona, while for the rest of to help you get an overview of how the Spain: Catalonia it is the Department of Education system is organised and the different options of the Government of Catalonia. • the State, through the Spanish Ministry you have when choosing the best school for your child. of Education, works to ensure a there is uniform education system that guarantees 1Understanding equal access for everyone exercising their For more information: basic right to education. Barcelona Municipal Education the Catalan • the Autonomous Communities (or regional Institute governments), through Departments of (Institut Municipal d’Educació de school system Education, which are responsible for Barcelona) – Barcelona City Council implementing and developing state laws ajuntament.barcelona.cat/educacio and aspects of the education system (only in Catalan and Spanish) • the local authorities, focused on barcelona.cat/en/living-in-bcn/studying educational management Barcelona Education Consortium • the education centres or schools (Consorci d’Educació de Barcelona) edubcn.cat (only in Catalan) As this guide is focussed on Barcelona and its area of influence, we will refer to Department of Education the Catalan school system. This system (Departament d’Educació) - falls under the framework of the Spanish Government of Catalonia Education Act (Llei orgànica d’Educació) ensenyament.gencat.cat and other education regulations and laws (only in Catalan) approved by the Government of Catalonia web.gencat.cat/ca/temes/educacio (Generalitat de Catalunya). Ministry of Education and But to understand the governance of the Vocational Training local education system, you should also be (Ministeri d’Educació i Formació aware that Barcelona City Council has been Professional) Government of Spain involved in education renewal and innovation educacionyfp.gob.es/en/ for decades and committed to dignifying and improving public education, by building and managing schools and implementing educational projects.

As a result of this determination and long tradition, the Barcelona Municipal Education Institute (Institut Municipal d’Educació de Barcelona) was set up in 1993 to manage all the schools and education centres owned by the city.

Later, taking into account Barcelona’s importance and in line with the vision of improving educational management to make it closer to ordinary citizens, the Barcelona Education Consortium (Consorci d’Educació Choosing a School in Barcelona / Understanding the Catalan school system

SCHOOLING education”. Families who practice home- State-subsidised private schools STAGES OF EDUCATION schooling refer to this article, but as it has 8 (escoles concertades) 9 All children living in Barcelona and in the not been developed, it is unclear whether it The education system is broken down into includes them or not. rest of the country are entitled to a place in These school are privately owned and stages, levels and years. This is illustrated in the public education system that guarantees managed and may or may not be secular. Figure 1 (page 10). them a free education. They voluntarily participate in the subsidy TYPES OF SCHOOLS programme (concert educatiu) of the Catalan Below, in Figure 2 (pages 12-13), you can Compulsory education spans ten years from Government by complying with established see a comparative chart showing the 6 to 16 years of age. It is the child’s year of In Barcelona’s education system there are requirements to receive subsides that cover equivalences between the local Catalan birth that will indicate which school year/ schools owned by public authorities and the cost of basic educational needs. system and selected foreign school systems. class they will attend, with the cut-off date schools owned by private institutions. being 31 December. These schools do not charge for tuition but Since this guide is mainly focused on the Some private schools are financed with any other expenses beyond the scope of preschool and compulsory education system, Although compulsory education is from 6 public funds through an educational compulsory education are paid for by the you will only find a little information on to 16 years of age, most children start in agreement (concert educatiu), providing families on a voluntary basis. In practice, this non-compulsory secondary education and September of the year they turn 3, which is that they meet the requirements set by the means a monthly cost of between €80 and higher education. To make sure you get all the quite young compared to most countries. education regulations. Therefore, education €500, depending on the school. information you are looking for, we offer you authorities do not allocate public funds only the basics and a recommendation for further The public education system is based on the to public education, but also to the private The curriculum of these schools is approved research in the following overview. principles of equity, quality and excellence. sector, mainly in the compulsory education by the Catalan Department of Education, in stages. accordance with the Spanish Education Act. It offers quality teaching that ensures equal Likewise, they follow the same enrolment Preschool opportunities for girls and boys, promotes Taking into account both the ownership of process, as they are governed by the same inclusion and attention to diversity and the schools and how are they financed, there legislation. Preschool education is split into two levels: encourages an education in skills for are three main types of schools to become Nursery School (Escola Bressol), 0-3 years life. It promotes integration and is based familiar with when moving to Barcelona. old, and Pre-Primary School (Educació on multilingualism, with Catalan as the Infantil), 3-6 years old. language of instruction. Private schools Public schools (escoles privades) While not compulsory, the vast majority of The purpose of compulsory education is to (escoles públiques) local children attend preschool from the facilitate the pupils’ acquisition of “basic Private schools do not receive government school year they turn 3 until they are 6. This competences” in different knowledge areas. subsidies, so the cost of schooling is mainly means that most nursery schools only cater Competence is defined as the ability to They are fully state-funded, tuition-free and covered by families, although they may also secular. All schools are owned by the public for children up to this age, although there are solve real problems, applying and linking receive support from private institutions a few exceptions. knowledge, skills and attitudes in diverse authorities; in Barcelona this means either such as foundations and religious orders. the regional government of Catalonia or contexts. Barcelona City Council owns 101 nursery Barcelona City Council and they are run by Opening and running a private school the Barcelona Education Consortium. schools (escoles bressol), which take children The Catalan education system today is requires Catalan Department of Education aged between 4 months and 3 years old. The implementing numerous educational authorisation to ensure they meet the Government of Catalonia owns 5 additional innovation programmes in several fields: The curriculum is approved by the Catalan necessary quality standards. The curriculum local authorities in accordance with the nursery schools (llars d’infants). In fact, teacher training with new methods, the use must also be approved by the education Barcelona is the city with the most public of learning and knowledge technologies, Spanish Education Act and they follow a authority, in accordance with the Spanish specific enrolment process. owned nursery schools in Spain and the artistic and environmental education, foreign Education Act. number will increase in the coming years. languages, and so on. Work is also being carried out to give schools greater autonomy Purely private schools use their own, The costs of public nurseries are publicly and boost their networking. Be aware that publicly-owned schools separate enrolment criteria and procedures subsidised and the fees that must be paid may be free, but extra services and which you will need to learn about on a case- are calculated by means of a social pricing Home-schooling is very common in many activities, such as lunch-break services by-case basis. system, according to the income and number countries and families choose this option (including or excluding a meal), of members of the family unit the child for many cultural, religious or logistical excursions, and some books can imply belongs to. Places are assigned according reasons. In Spain, it is not legal, and this fact some extra costs. to a points system, where points are given creates controversy. The official line is that for various concepts such as address, each region must regulate home-schooling family income and other circumstances. The in its own way. In Catalonia, the regulations enrolment process takes place in spring. recognise a new category of education defined as “compulsory non-attendance Choosing a School in Barcelona / Understanding the Catalan school system

make a huge effort to coordinate projects, Figure 1 For further information on public methods and educational content to 10 nursery schools: facilitate students’ transition. 11 CATALAN SCHOOL SYSTEM: SIMPLIFIED CHART Escoles Bressol - Ajuntament de Barcelona Primary School (Escola Primària) Conditional access Access test required ajuntament.barcelona.cat/escolesbressol (only in Catalan and Spanish) This runs from primer de Primària (5-6 years old) to sisè de Primària (11-12 years old). Higher There are three two-year stages or cycles education making up the total of six academic years. UNIVERSITY DEGREE HIGHER VOCATIONAL TRAINING (Estudis de grau) (Cicles formatius de grau superior) In Barcelona you will also find a big number of private nursery schools and Subjects and knowledge areas kindergartens. What they offer and the cost Subjects and knowledge areas in Primary School varies, so we suggest you visit their official in Primary School homepages and get in touch with them to Upper find out more about the different projects secondary available. Language area • Catalan language and literature education PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION BASIC VOCATIONAL TRAINING (Batxillerat) • Spanish language and literature (Cicles formatius de grau mitjà) Public pre-primary education is free and 16-18 years universal, from 3 years old, which means • First foreign language children are guaranteed a place (though not necessarily at the parent’s first choice Maths area of school). It is most commonly located in • Maths Secondary the same building as the Primary School. education Children who have attended Pre-Primary are Environmental knowledge area COMPULSORY SECONDARY EDUCATION also registered for Primary School before the • Knowledge of the natural environment (compulsory) (Educació secundària obligatòria, ESO) enrolment process begins. This is important • Knowledge of the social and cultural 12-16 years to take into account if you want your child to environment attend the compulsory school system when they reach the age of 6. Artistic area • Artistic education (visual and plastic, Primary music and dance) education Compulsory Schooling PRIMARY SCHOOL Physical education area (compulsory) • Physical education (Educació primària) Compulsory schooling is from the ages of 6-12 years 6 to 16 and divided into Primary School Education in values area (escola primària) and Compulsory Secondary • Education in civic and social values or Education (educació secundària obligatòria, religious education ESO). With this scheme, successful Preschool completion of primary school is followed by In all subjects, cross-cutting work the lower secondary level where students PRE-PRIMARY is done in reading comprehension, follow the same general common core oral and written expression, audio- (Educació infantil) curriculum. 3-6 years visual communication, information and communication technologies, This organisation is very common in Southern entrepreneurship and civic and European countries, but if you don’t have constitutional education. NURSERY SCHOOL any previous experience in this part of the (Escola Bressol) world it may come as a surprise to you that 0-3 years your child will, in most cases, have to change school after finishing primary education. However, each public primary school has an assigned or affiliated secondary school, which ensures educational continuity. The Source: Compiled internally based on information from the Catalan Department of Education. affiliated primary and secondary schools Choosing a School in Barcelona / Understanding the Catalan school system

Figure 2 12 13 SCHOOOL SYSTEM EQUIVALENCES

Years Years old Catalan British French German Italian Japanese Swiss US old

0 - 3 Escola bressol Preschool Crèche Krippe Nido d’infanzia 0 - 3

Petite Sezione Preschool 3 - 4 P3 Nursery 1. Jahr 1st year 1. Jahr 3 - 4 Section 3 anni (PK3) Early Years Pre- Educació École Moyenne Kinder- Scuola Sezione Kinder- Early 4 - 5 P4 Reception 2. Jahr Yochien 2nd year 2. Jahr Kindergarten 4 - 5 infantil Maternelle Section garten dell'infanzia 4 anni garten Childhood (PK4)

Grande Sezione Kindergarten 5 - 6 P5 Year 1 3. Jahr 3rd year 3. Jahr 5 - 6 Section 5 anni (K5)

6 - 7 1r primària Year 2 CP 1. Klasse 1ª Elementare 1st year 1. Klasse Grade 1 6 - 7 École primaire 7 - 8 2n primària Year 3 CE1 2. Klasse 2ª Elementare 2nd year 2. Klasse Grade 2 7 - 8 Primary Grund- Education schule École Scuola Primar- Elementary 8 - 9 3r primària Year 4 CE2 3. Klasse 3ª Elementare 3rd year 3. Klasse Grade 3 8 - 9 Élémentaire primaria stufe School Educació Shogakko primària 9 - 10 4t primària Year 5 CM1 4. Klasse 4ª Elementare 4th year 4. Klasse Grade 4 9 - 10

10 - 11 5è primària Year 6 CM2 5. Klasse 5ª Elementare 5th year 5. Klasse Grade 5 10 - 11

11 - 12 6è primària Year 7 Sixième 6. Klasse 1ª Media 6th year 6. Klasse Grade 6 11 - 12

Scuola Sekundar- Middle 12 - 13 1r ESO Year 8 Cinquième 7. Klasse secondaria 2ª Media 1st year stufe 7. Klasse Grade 7 12 - 13 School di 1º grado I Collège Secondary 13 - 14 2n ESO Year 9 Quatrième 8. Klasse 3ª Media Chugakko 2nd year 8. Klasse Grade 8 13 - 14 Educació Education secundària Gymna- obligatòria sium Enseignement 14 - 15 (ESO) 3r ESO Year 10 Troisième 9. Klasse 1ª Liceo 3rd year 9. Klasse Grade 9 14 - 15 secondaire

15 - 16 4t ESO Year 11 Seconde 10. Klasse 2ª Liceo 1st year 10. Klasse Grade 10 15 - 16 Sekundar- High Liceo stufe School 1r II 16 - 17 Year 12 Lycée Première 11. Klasse 3ª Liceo Kotogakko 2nd year 11. Klasse Grade 11 16 - 17 batxillerat Batxillerat Sixth Form 2n 17 - 18 Year 13 Terminale 12. Klasse 4ª Liceo 3rd year 12. Klasse Grade 12 17 - 18 batxillerat

Source: Compiled internally through internet research Choosing a School in Barcelona / Understanding the Catalan school system

There is no streaming in primary education Upper Secondary Education Higher Education and students in the same class are not 14 15 separated into different levels. This means Students who finish Compulsory Secondary In Catalonia higher education is classified that all classes are mixed ability. This is not Education (ESO) can go on to Upper according to whether the institutions provide only a strength for the learning community Secondary Education. At this level they university or non-university education. but also for the long-term ambition of can choose Pre-university Education or A university degree requires students to preparing all students for a good and Vocational Education and Training. Either do an access test, while access to higher successful life, social as well as professional. way, it is not compulsory and there are vocational training is conditional on other different modalities: day, evening and online. qualifications. Most schools in Barcelona and Catalonia have a strong culture of close collaboration In Catalonia it is common for young people between parents and teachers. All schools to go on to Upper Secondary Education but Higher Vocational Training have parent consultations during the school some may choose to leave the education (Cicles Formatius de Grau Superior) year, and as a parent you are always allowed system at this level. to contact the relevant teacher if you need This lasts a further two years and students to discuss the progress and/or possible Compulsory Secondary Education must have turned 18 to start. It is open to challenges of your child. (Educació Secundària Obligatòria, ESO) Pre-university Education (Batxillerat) direct entry from students who have passed their Batxillerat. If students pass their Cicles Homework can be given from the first year, This runs from primer d’ESO (12-13 years This prepares students for university and Formatiu de Grau Superior they obtain access and examinations can start from around the old) to quart d’ESO (15-16 years old). It is a is for those who wish to continue their to the university system. third year of primary school. four-year course of compulsory secondary academic schooling and get a higher education. education. It takes two years to get the Pupil evaluation takes the form of continuous Batxillerat Certificate, after which students University degree (Estudis de grau) and global assessment, taking into account ESO is divided into two cycles: one from 12 have to sit an entrance exam to get into their overall progress in the different subjects to 14 and the other from 14 to 16 years old. university. Students must pass an entrance exam and degree of achievement in the basic However, students have the right to stay on (PAU, which stands for Proves d’Accés a la competences in each knowledge area. at school until they are 18. Universitat) to access these studies. Either that or have a vocational qualification or In both cycles, there are core compulsory Public Batxillerat programmes do not charge for tuition. equivalent academic level. If students Evaluation subjects and optional subjects. There are come from another educational system, also curricular diversification programmes, they should familiarise themselves with the from the third year on, geared towards process of having their certificate or diploma The marks are not reflected in numbers in obtaining the ESO certificate. recognised by the government (homologació). Primary Education but in the following terms: Basic Vocational Training • Excellent achievement Homework and examinations can start (Cicles Formatius de Grau Mitjà) from the first year of ESO, and families are (assoliment excel·lent, AE) For more information on university expected to motivate their children and help Basic Vocational Training is intended to studies: • Notable achievement them become more independent. provide knowledge, skills and competences

(assoliment notable, AN) required for jobs such as a video technician, Students are regularly assessed and from Study in Catalonia - • Satisfactory achievement sound technician, data technician, Generalitat de Catalunya (assoliment satifactori, AS) an overall perspective. As happens in the electrician, nurse, hairdresser and so on. case of Primary Education, a few students studyincatalonia.gencat.cat/en

• “Non-achievement” may have to repeat a year if they don’t Course hours vary but one part is devoted For support in the process of (no assoliment, NA) reach the expected level of attainment. to training in education centres and another recognition of foreign university But, if necessary, an individualised to practical training in workplaces. Basic qualifications, check at: support plan can be drawn up to allow the Vocational Training (Cicles Formatius de students to reach the corresponding level of Grau Mitjà) only lasts two years and, as its University Qualifications Mentoring competences for that academic year. name suggests, only provides a basic level of If pupils have not attained a satisfactory level Service (SARU) of education, they may have to repeat a year training. before moving onto the next stage, but only If students complete the four years and if the teaching team consider that repetition pass the expected standards, they will get a could be a positive measure for the student’s Compulsory Secondary Education Certificate academic and personal development. Before (Graduat en Educació Secundària Obligatòria, repeating a year, an individualised support GESO). With this certificate they can then plan may also be drawn up to allow students move onto the next level of upper secondary to catch up. education. Choosing a School in Barcelona / Understanding the Catalan school system

LANGUAGE AND Foreign Curriculum – Foreign Language SCHOOL LIFE The school calendar 16 CURRICULUM 17 Schools that teach a foreign curriculum In line with the development of Catalan Spain has some of the longest school also use a foreign language of instruction. culture and the local lifestyle, you will holidays anywhere in Europe. Half-terms do Catalan and Spanish are the two official Some schools are sponsored by foreign languages of Catalonia. Catalan is mostly find that Catalan schools are very diverse not really exist, though this is compensated governments and give preference to with each adapting to local needs and by the numerous local festival days and non- used as the language of instruction for citizens of that country or students who learning in the region’s education system, opportunities. This means that all schools teaching days that give children and teachers have previously studied there but they are – public as well as state-subsidised and more breaks in the school year. in both public and state-subsidised private open to anyone. Others are not associated schools. private schools – have different educational with any government but simply follow the projects and may also differ in their There are usually two week’ holiday over curriculum of a different country and have educational approach and methodologies. In Christmas, one week over Easter and a After completing compulsory schooling, been certified by the appropriate body. Some students are fluent in both official languages general, you will find many innovative schools long summer holiday of around 10–11 schools have negotiated agreements with with the flair, creativity and capacity to weeks. Children moving up from primary to (Spanish and Catalan) and have adequate local authorities to offer students double knowledge of at least one foreign language. absorb different influences while promoting secondary school will sometimes get an extra certificates when they graduate. Barcelona tolerance and respect. week or two of summer holiday, which may This language is generally English but, in currently has schools that follow, among some schools, it may be French or German. even include an optional end-of-school trip others, the British, French, German, Italian, We suggest you visit a selection of schools at abroad. Japanese, Swiss and US education systems. Taking into consideration the curriculum and the end of the academic year before you plan Some of these opt to send students to to take your child to school. The school year will vary depending on the the language of instruction, three options are the local secondary education system to available: type of school and the level of schooling. facilitate acceptance at Catalan and Spanish Most of Catalonia’s schools are governed by a universities. Others continue with the foreign The school day school calendar that runs from September to curriculum and their students apply to June, divided into three terms: Local Curriculum – Local Language universities in their home country. The daily timetable varies depending on the Public schools in Catalonia follow a type of school and the level of schooling. • Autumn term – runs from the second week curriculum that must be approved by of September to the Christmas holidays (a the Catalan Department of Education in In primary education most children go to few days before 25 December), which last accordance with the Spanish Education school from early morning until midday, approximately 15 days. Act (LOE). In school the spoken language is with a long lunch break before going back mainly Catalan since this is the co-official to school in the afternoon. Both private and • Winter term – begins two days after language of the region along with Spanish. public primary schools normally look after Epiphany (6 January) and lasts until the Students joining the public education a child from the beginning to the end of the Easter holidays (which vary between March system who don’t speak either of the official school day (8-9am to 4-5pm). School lunch and April, depending on the year). The languages have the right to receive special may be available, although some children Easter Week holidays last for around 10 language support. Schools must provide take a packed lunch or go home. Lunch is days. newly arrived students with a personalised considered the main meal of the Spanish day, • Spring term – starts after Easter and welcome and, specifically, language services and if your children eat the school lunch, they finishes towards the end of June, before the that allow them to begin learning Catalan. will be encouraged to eat the substantial Sant Joan festival (24 June). meal alongside other children. The summer holidays last until the second Local Curriculum – Foreign Language In secondary education some schools start week of September. around 8–8.30 am and finish around 2.30- We also define these schools as multilingual 5.30 pm, depending on the day of the week. schools. They follow the local curriculum, In some cases, secondary schools might not Be aware that some international private school calendar and holidays but use a provide supervision during the lunch break, schools may vary slightly from this foreign language of instruction, either in and your child will either have to go home or general calendar. whole or in part. These schools are generally you will need to pick them up.

private, but may be state-subsidised, which Baccalaureate students finish their will greatly affect the fees. Students at these studies in May and have a month to schools include local children looking for Be aware that homework may take up prepare for their university entrance an intercultural environment and a foreign some of your child’s daily schedule. exams. language focus as well as children of expats. Choosing a School in Barcelona / School provision for international families

In this chapter we give you a brief overview LOCAL SCHOOLS of what pre- and compulsory schools offer Many of the State-subsidised private and the international education you will find In this guide, local schools are defined schools and a few public schools are in Barcelona and the Barcelona area that as public and state-subsidised private multilingual and offer different kinds might be of special interest to international schools that are following a local curriculum of international certificates. In this families. using the local languages as languages of guide, these schools are considered 18 instruction. multilingual schools. 19 We know that one of the main decisions you must consider when choosing a school If you are planning on staying for a longer is whether you prefer a local and/or an period in Catalonia, then a local school may be international education for your child. The a good option for your child. The local schools following sections will guide you in making in the Catalan Education System are of good Aula d’acollida the best decision based on your specific quality and a local choice will make it easier for needs and circumstances. 2School you and your family to integrate into Catalan Local public schools have a support initiative society. Teachers in Catalan public schools are called an aula d´acollida or ‘welcoming provision for highly qualified and care about their teaching. classroom’ for newly arrived students who They are keen to innovate and introduce new don’t speak Catalan and therefore have the methodologies to improve results. right to receive special language support. The international general aim is to strengthen and consolidate There are many advantages to a local school. social cohesion, intercultural education First, the lower costs are not only good and the Catalan language in a multilingual families economically, they also ensure a diverse framework. and versatile learning environment where students interact in a social community that This means that Catalan schools must reflects the surrounding local society. (This implement measures to welcome students diversity is naturally greater if you choose and their families, providing an integration a public school over a state-subsidised itinerary that enables them to learn Catalan. private school). The possibility of socialising The structure of the aula d´acollida is flexible with different kinds of people with different and adapts to the individual needs of the perspectives on life will make your child participants. It is intended that students highly reflective and, often, more confident in will be able to interact with the students of a variety of social situations. their corresponding class and follow ordinary classes in the language of instruction. Another advantage is the fact that your child will be fully bilingual (if not multilingual, depending on your private situation and whether the school offers a second language INTERNATIONAL other than English). This will not only make EDUCATION it easier for your child to find local Catalan friends but also help the whole family to a International education, or international better, long-term integration into the local schooling, is defined in this guide as community. A further benefit of choosing a schooling that uses a curriculum or local school is that, in most cases, it will be language of instruction other than the close to your home, which will enable your official language of the local community. child to walk to and from school without This includes foreign schools, but also being dependent on a lift. multilingual or local schools that offer an international certificate. Furthermore, public schools are more accessible and inclusive for children If you are planning a short-term stay in with learning disabilities or other special Catalonia, you may feel it is worth prioritising circumstances. Each of Barcelona’s districts an easy transition for your child, although the has a psychoeducational advisory and immersion will be beneficial in future years. guidance team known as an EAP (equip International education in Barcelona and the d’assessorament i orientació psicopedagògicca) Barcelona area is a great option for expat which specialises in supporting families that families but you need to do some research to have children with specific educational needs. see what best suits the needs of your child. Choosing a School in Barcelona / School provision for international families

There are many advantages to choosing an The descriptions are followed by alphabetical International Baccalaureate international education for your child. First, lists of relevant schools. Listed schools are it is an easy way for your family to pass selected by means of systematic online In 1968 a Geneva-based non-profit through if you are only likely to spend a few research. In other words, all data is collected organisation created a diploma for students years living in Catalonia. Your children may from the internet and the information shared who travelled internationally during be able to follow their native curriculum or in official webpages. Some schools will their teenage years. This International 20 choose an international education that gives appear in more than one list. Baccalaureate (IB) offers a continuum of 21 them the option of continuing their studies international education. The programmes in other countries. In general, international encourage both personal and academic students will have better options of International Schools achievement, challenging students to remaining proficient at reading and writing in excel in their studies and in their personal their native language, while becoming fluent In Barcelona and its metropolitan area development. in a second or third one. For example, it is there are about 40 schools that offer an worth taking into account that local schools international education. Today, the programme has four top-quality, in Catalonia are taught primarily in Catalan, highly demanding educational programmes while a foreign or bilingual school will place The international schools in the city of for students aged 3 to 19 all over the more emphasis on Spanish or English. Barcelona are mainly located in the districts of world. For more than 50 years now, these Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Les Corts. But there IB programmes have been renowned for Another advantage to consider is that are also quite a few international options in the their first-class academic level and rigour. international students are exposed to a surrounding metropolitan area with significant There are currently more than one million diverse range of cultures in a multinational expat communities in cities such as Sant Cugat, IB students at around 5,000 schools in 150 Batxibac environment. In particular, if you choose Sitges, Gavà, Esplugues de Llobregat and La countries. a subsidised private school that follows a Garriga, to name but a few. In 2010 the Catalan Department of Education bilingual (English/Catalan) curriculum, your Students that successfully finish the IB and the French Ministry of Education created child will meet both Spanish and foreign Many of the schools that offer an international programme are eligible to apply to many the Batxibac (Catalan Batxillerat plus French pupils. education in the metropolitan area follow a universities all over the world. Baccalauréat) programme. foreign curriculum. In fact, there are schools Finally, many expat families prioritise a that follow the British, French, German, Italian, There are currently 20 schools in the This programme follows a mixed curriculum private international school because these Japanese, Swiss and US education systems. Barcelona area that offer the IB, one of which with one-third of class hours taught in are more likely to boast better facilities and Other schools teach the national curriculum in is a public secondary school. See Table 2 French, following the French curriculum, plus a more “campus-like” feeling due to private a foreign language. (pages 26-27). The language of instruction classes in French language, literature and sector funding and the (often pricey) fees. at IB schools varies, meaning that the history. In this guide we consider international International Baccalaureate can be studied schools to include foreign schools that in several languages (including Spanish, In order to be accepted on the Batxibac Be aware that the field of international teach a foreign curriculum and local schools English and French). programme, students must prove they have a education is very varied, so the promoter that teach a local curriculum in a foreign basic level of French, equivalent to B1 of the of this guide will not be held liable language. Table 1 (pages 22-23) comprises Common European Framework of Reference for the information contained in the an alphabetical list of those schools and is Many state-subsidised private schools for Languages. Students that successfully guide. Interested parties must verify the followed by Figure 3 (pages 24-25) which offer the International Baccalaureate complete this curriculum obtain the Catalan information regarding any school they features a map with their location. (IB) curriculum. Be aware that several Batxillerat certificate and then, upon passing wish to contact. schools in Barcelona teach the IB with an additional external exam in French, the Spanish as the language of instruction. French Baccalauréat.

This option is widely available at both public and private schools. Have a look at Table 3 In the following pages of this chapter we help (pages 28-29). you to get an overview of the international

schools as well as the schools that are following For more information: the Catalan curriculum but, at the same time, offering different kinds of international International Baccalaureate Further information: certificates. These schools are not considered ibo.org as international schools but are still described Batxibac under the umbrella of international education. xtec.gencat.cat/ca/curriculum/ batxillerat/baccalaureat/ (only in Catalan) Choosing a School in Barcelona / School provision for international families

Table 1 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE BARCELONA AREA

School Location Age of enrollment Language of instruction Origin of curriculum 22 23 SPANISH CATALAN ENGLISH FRENCH GERMAN ITALIAN JAPANESE HEBREW FOREIGN ORIGIN 0-3 3-6 6-12 12-16 16-18 Akua School Santa Coloma de Cervelló x x x x x American School of Barcelona Esplugues de Llobregat x x x x x American Anne Sullivan International School Pallejà x x x x x Barcelona Montessori School Barcelona 1 x 9 x British Benjamin Franklin International School Barcelona x x x x x American Col·legi John Talabot Barcelona x x x x x x Colegio Hatikva Sant Cugat del Vallès 1 x x x x x x x Deutsche Schule Barcelona Esplugues de Llobregat x x x x x German École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps Barcelona x 11 x French English Academy Santa Claus Barcelona x x x x x English English School Barcelona Barcelona x x x x x x ES International School El Prat de Llobregat x x x x American Escoles Betlem Premià de Dalt x x x x x x x x European International School of Barcelona Sant Cugat del Vallès x x x x x x x x Gresol International - American School Terrassa x x x x x x x x American Hamelin Laie International School Montgat x x x x x x x x Highlands School Barcelona Esplugues de Llobregat 1 x x x x x x International Rural School Llinars del Vallès x x x x British Istituto Italiano Statale Comprensivo di Barcellona Barcelona x x x x x Italian Japanese School in Barcelona Sant Cugat del Vallès 5 x 15 x Japanese Kensington School Barcelona x x x x x British Lycée Français Bel Air Sant Pere de Ribes x x x x x French Lycée Français de Barcelone Barcelona x x x x x French Lycée Français de Gavà - Bon Soleil Gavà x x x x x French Moderato Montessori Barcelona Barcelona 1 x x x Oak House School Barcelona x x x x x x x British (Primary) Princess Margaret School Barcelona x x x x x x Richmond International School Sant Pere de Ribes x x x x x British Santa Clara International School Barcelona x x x x x x x x Santa Maria del Pino Alella x x x x x x Schweizerschule Barcelona Barcelona x x x x x Swiss SEK Catalunya International School La Garriga x x x x x x x x St. Nicholas School Barcelona x x x x x x x St. George’s School Barcelona 2 x x x x x British St. Patrick's International School Sant Joan Despí x x x x x x British St. Paul's School Barcelona x x x x x x x St. Peter's School Barcelona 1 x x x x x The British College of Gavà Gavà x x x x x British The British School of Barcelona Castelldefels / Sitges x x x x x British The International School of Catalunya (ISCAT) La Garriga x x x x x British The Olive Tree School Sant Pere de Ribes x x x x British Zürich Schule Barcelona 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x x Choosing a School in Barcelona / School provision for international families

SANT CELONI Figure 3 32 40 LA GARRIGA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE BARCELONA AREA

CALDES DE 18 MONTBUÍ 1 Akua School 24 LLINARS 25 DEL VALLÈS 2 American School of Barcelona GRANOLLERS 3 Anne Sullivan International School ARENYS DE MAR 4 Barcelona Montessori School 5 Benjamin Franklin International School 6 TERRASSA 15 Col·legi John Talabot 7 Colegio Hatikva SABADELL MATARÓ MOLLET DEL VALLÈS 8 Deutsche Schule Barcelona 9 École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps ABRERA BARBERÀ 13 10 English Academy Santa Claus DEL VALLÈS PREMIÀ 11 English School Barcelona RUBÍ 30 DE MAR 7 CERDANYOLA 16 12 ES International School 14 20 MARTORELL 13 MONTGAT Escoles Betlem SANT CUGAT DEL VALLÈS 14 European International School of Barcelona

BADALONA 15 Gresol International - American School 16 Hamelin Laie International School SANT SADURNÍ MOLINS 17 D’ANOIA Highlands School Barcelona 3 DE REI 18 International Rural School PALLEJÀ BARCELONA 2 19 Istituto Italiano Statale Comprensivo di Barcellona 8 17 20 Japanese School in Barcelona

1 ESPLUGUES 21 Kensington School 35 DEL LLOBREGAT 22 Lycée Français Bel Air SANT JOAN VILAFRANCA DESPÍ 23 Lycée Français de Barcelone DEL PENEDÈS 12 27 24 Lycée Français de Gavà - Bon Soleil EL PRAT DEL RONDA 25 Moderato Montessori Barcelona LLOBREGAT DE DALT 26 11 26 Oak House School 24 38 4 10 5 25 27 Princess Margaret School GAVÀ 6 CASTELLDEFELS 29 28 Richmond International School 22 28 41 29 Santa Clara International School SANT PERE 39 34 C. BALMES DE RIBES 42 31 30 Santa Maria del Pino SITGES 36 23 VIA AUGUSTA 37 31 Schweizerschule Barcelona VILANOVA I 39 32 SEK Catalunya International School LA GELTRÚ 21 PG. DE SANT JOAN 33 St. Nicholas School AV. DIAGONAL 33 9 34 St. George’s School 19 35 St. Patrick's International School 36 C. ARAGÓ St. Paul's School AV. PARAL·LEL 37 St. Peter's School 38 The British College of Gavà 39 RONDA The British School of Barcelona LITORAL 40 The International School of Catalunya (ISCAT) 41 GRAN VIA DE LES The Olive Tree School CORTS CATALANES 42 Zürich Schule Choosing a School in Barcelona / School provision for international families

Table 2 SCHOOLS OFFERING INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) IN THE BARCELONA AREA

26 School Location Age of enrollment Language of instruction Origin of curriculum 27 SPANISH CATALAN ENGLISH FRENCH FOREIGN ORIGIN 0-3 3-6 6-12 12-16 16-18

Agora International School Barcelona Sant Esteve Ses Rovires 1 x x x x x x x

Agora Sant Cugat International School Sant Cugat del Vallès x x x x x x x x

American School of Barcelona Esplugues de Llobregat x x x x x x American

Aula Escola Europea Barcelona x x x x x x x x

Benjamin Franklin International School Barcelona x x x x x x x American

Col·legi Montserrat Barcelona x x x x x x x x

Col·legi Sant Miquel dels Sants Vic x x x x x x

Col·legi Xaloc L'Hospitalet de Llobregat x x x x x x x

Escola Voramar Barcelona x x x x x x x x x

Gresol International - American School Terrassa x x x x x x x x American

Hamelin Laie International School Montgat x x x x x x x x

Institut Moisès Broggi Barcelona x x x x

La Salle Bonanova Barcelona x x x x x x

Lycée Français de Gavà - Bon Soleil Gavà x x x x x French

Oak House School Barcelona x x x x x x x British (Primary)

Princess Margaret School Barcelona x x x x x x

Salesians de Sarrià Barcelona x x x

SEK Catalunya International School La Garriga x x x x x x x

St. Peter's School Barcelona 1 x x x x x

The British School of Barcelona Castelldefels / Sitges x x x x x British Choosing a School in Barcelona / School provision for international families

Table 3 SCHOOLS OFFERING BATXIBAC IN THE BARCELONA AREA

School Location Age of Language of School Location Age of Language of 28 enrollment instruction enrollment instruction 29

Anna Ravell Barcelona 3-18 C E F Secondary Institut Josep Lluís Sert Castelldefels 12-18 C

Escola Pia de Terrassa Terrassa 3-18 C Institut La Llauna Badalona 12-18 C

Escola Pia d'Igualada Igualada 3-18 C Institut La Serreta Rubí 12-18 C

Frederic Mistral-Tècnic Eulàlia Barcelona 3-18 C Institut La Vall de Tenes Santa Eulàlia de Ronçana 12-18 C

Institució Cultural del CIC Barcelona 16-18 C Institut Lluís de Peguera Manresa 12-18 C

Institut Alexandre Satorras Mataró 12-18 C Institut Lluís Domènech i Montaner Canet de Mar 12-18 C

Institut Angeleta Ferrer i Sensat Sant Cugat del Vallès 12-18 C Institut Manuel de Cabanyes Vilanova i la Geltrú 12-18 C

Institut Arquitecte Manuel Raspall Cardedeu 12-18 C Institut Mediterrània Castelldefels 12-18 C

Institut Celestí Bellera Granollers 12-18 C Institut Menéndez y Pelayo Barcelona 12-18 C

Institut d'Argentona Argentona 12-18 C Institut Milà i Fontanals Igualada 16-18 C

Institut de Lliçà d'Amunt Lliçà d'Amunt 12-18 C Institut Miquel Martí i Pol Cornellà de Llobregat 12-18 C

Institut de Sant Quirze del Vallès Sant Quirze del Vallès 12-18 C Institut Moisès Broggi Barcelona 12-18 C

Institut de Terrassa Terrassa 12-18 C Institut Molí de la Vila Capellades 12-18 C

Institut de Vic Vic 12-18 C Institut Montserrat Barcelona 12-18 C

Institut de Viladecavalls Viladecavalls 12-18 C Institut Montserrat Colomer Sant Esteve Sesrovires 12-18 C

Institut Egara Terrassa 12-18 C Institut Pau Vila Sabadell 12-18 C

Institut Eugeni d'Ors Vilafranca del Penedès 12-18 C Institut Torras i Bages L’Hospitalet de Llobregat 12-18 C

Institut Forat del Vent Cerdanyola del Vallès 12-18 C Institut Vicenç Plantada Mollet del vallès 12-18 C

Institut Gerbert d'Aurillac Sant Fruitós de Bages 12-18 C Institut Vinyes Velles Montornès del Vallès 12-18 C

Institut Guillem de Berguedà Berga 12-18 C La Salle Bonanova Barcelona 3-18 C

Institut Icària Barcelona 12-18 C E Lycée Français de Gavà - Bon Soleil Gavà 3-18 F

Institut Jaume Balmes Barcelona 12-18 C Santa Teresa – Ganduxer Barcelona 0-18 C

Institut Jaume Callís Vic 12-18 C Vedruna – Gràcia Barcelona 3-18 C

Institut Joan Fuster Barcelona 12-18 C Vedruna Vall Terrassa 3-18 C

C Catalan E English F French Choosing a School in Barcelona / School provision for international families

Dual Diploma

The Dual Diploma was created and developed by Academica in 2001 and is the official programme for the international recognition of school-leaving qualifications that allows 30 students to obtain two qualifications at the 31 same time: that of their own country and the American High School Diploma.

In 2009, Academica chose Spain as the base for its internationalisation project involving the creation of a structure with its own specialist personnel and implementation of the Dual Diploma. There are currently more than 450 schools in Spain that subscribe to the programme and offer the Dual Diploma to their students.

The Dual Diploma can be started in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of compulsory secondary education (ESO) or in the first of the final two years of pre-university education (Batxillerat). Students receive the same qualification as American students when they finish high school, recognised in all US states and most universities in the world.

Further information:

Dual Diploma academica.school/?lang=en

Check the schools that offer a Dual Diploma in your area here: academica.school/los300mejores

Choosing a School in Barcelona / Be inspired: International families share their experience

Decisions about schooling for your child KEVIN’S FAMILY: JOY’S FAMILY: are very personal and can be difficult. It’s common and normal for parents to feel ON LANGUAGE AND ON INTEGRATION anxious about getting this decision right. ACADEMIC SKILLS AND WELL-BEING

We have talked to four international families who have been through the process of Pg. 34 Pg. 38 choosing a school for their children in Barcelona and the Barcelona area.

In the following pages we highlight the main 32 points from our conversations. Our intention 33 is to share the different experiences of 3Be inspired: these families to inspire and help other international families that are looking for the International best school for their children.

families You can watch the videos of the interviews with the families at: barcelona.cat/choosing-a-school- share their testimonials ANOUK’S FAMILY: HARRY’S FAMILY: ON ON CLASSES AND ENROLMENT AND BEGINNING experience CULTURE AT A NEW SCHOOL

Pg. 36 Pg. 40 Choosing a School in Barcelona / Be inspired: International families share their experience

KEVIN’S FAMILY: Student: Kevin (11) On language and Mother: Mireya (from Ecuador) Father: Andree (from Germany)

academic skills Type of school: Private international school

34 Name of the school: Deutsche Schule Barcelona 35

We met Kevin and his family in Barcelona. Andree, his father, tells us about the Normally they spend most of their time in enrolment process, saying it was a big help Cubelles where they live close to the beach for them to visit different schools with Kevin. and the town’s cultural life. He advises other parents to listen to their children and involve them in the process What is not so close is Kevin’s school. As with of choosing their school, including giving many other international families, it was a them time to reflect on their own needs and priority for Kevin and his parents for him to personal preferences. attend a school that offered an international language other than Catalan or Spanish. As regards the distance, Andree and Mireya Previous contact with the public school system both agree that location matters and that showed them how the local language, Catalan, a school closer to their home would be has a big influence that the family were not preferable. However, the best school for interested in. So Kevin is now going to the Kevin is in another area which does not German School of Barcelona, which is more than afford them this privilege. 40 kilometres from their house in Cubelles.

Kevin explains that in the future he would like to On language and academic skills: study at a German university. Furthermore, the family has relatives in Germany, which motivates Kevin to improve his German language skills. “For me languages are really important for his future and The German School is a private school that here he can learn three or four offers a lot of academic and extracurricular

activities that enable students to develop languages” many competences. Kevin and his parents Andree, German entrepreneur and Kevin’s have been very happy with the welcome they father. have received at the school and with the links they have already established with other families and the school network.

Kevin, 11, with his parents Choosing a School in Barcelona / Be inspired: International families share their experience

Moving back to Barcelona has helped the family ANOUK’S FAMILY: realise how most teaching in Catalan schools is Student: Anouk (17) bilingual, practically trilingual, seeing that kids start studying Catalan, Spanish and English Mother: Marie (from France) from a very young age. Anouk and her mother On classes and culture agree that it as a big plus that students learn Type of school: State-subsidised private more languages and see it as an advantage school worth considering when you prioritise what is important for you and your child. Name of the school: Escola Frederic Mistral- Tècnic Eulàlia Before ending the interview, Anouk and Marie 36 shared some advice for international families 37 that wish to settle down in Barcelona or the surrounding metropolitan area in the future. Anouk is the middle sister of three. She First, they strongly recommend reflecting on returned to Barcelona with her family seven what kind of education you want in the long run. years ago after a long period abroad. Are you planning to stay in Catalonia or should you prepare for studies abroad in the future? Anouk´s father is Catalan and her mother is French. This might be one of the reasons why Another tip is related to the enrolment process. she and her sisters have all chosen to study at Marie suggests that you talk with all the a state-subsidised private school that offers schools you are considering, that you read all the Batxibac along with other international the official information and that you follow education. However, Anouk and her mother the enrolment calendar closely. She says the have a lot of confidence in the local schools district education office and, above all, the in Barcelona. They explain how the education school have helped them a lot with the process. system has pleasantly surprised them in terms of the enrolment process and, later, integrating and establishing social networks. On classes and culture:

Referring to enrolment, Marie emphasizes how the system is geographically based, “In the Catalan (education) which ensures that you have access to one system contact with the teachers of the district schools in your area. On the other hand, she warns about the difficulty of is close and not so much based

accessing a public school if you prefer one on authority as trust” outside your own neighbourhood. Marie, French hospital nurse and Anouk’s mother. She also shares their experience of the Catalan school system, which they both find ambitious and highly trustworthy.

The family chose a local school because they didn’t want to live like expats in Barcelona. On the contrary, Marie and her partner wanted their children to be well integrated and familiar with the Catalan language and culture, as it is part of their heritage as well.

Anouk, 17, with her mother Choosing a School in Barcelona / Be inspired: International families share their experience

JOY’S FAMILY: Student: Joy (4) On integration Mother: Krystal (from England) Father: Paul (born in Catalonia)

and well-being Type of school: Public school

38 Name of the school: Escola Pere Villa 39

When we asked Krystal if she had any For Joy and her family the enrolment process suggestions about where would be a great proved quite easy. They had some strong place for an interview with her and her preferences from the beginning and knew daughter Joy, she quickly invited us to a they wanted a school with cultural diversity beautiful little oasis in the middle of the and a great local school project. In their family neighbourhood. It was open and experience the guidelines were quite well welcoming, so we decided to talk with the explained, with clear steps and open days to whole family. visit the schools they were interested in.

Krystal is the mother of Joy and her little The family advise using the international sister Ebony. She came to Barcelona looking community and talking to other international for a vibrant, cosmopolitan city close to families that have gone through the process the beach and not far from London where of settling down in the city before you. Learn she has her family. It was here she met her and take all the advice you can get but you partner Paul, who is also the father of Joy have to prioritise what is best for your family. and Ebony.

Krystal explains she was surprised by how On integration and well-being: early school begins in Catalonia. On the

other hand she sees it as a great opportunity for international families, considering the “Putting your children into a benefits you get from a school network as a local school you have to accept newcomer. that they are going to learn a Both Krystal and Paul consider the local language that maybe you don’t public school to be the best tool to integrate know but they will be well and for the family to learn the local language.

Krystal shares her concerns about not being integrated” able to follow the communication in the Krystal, British co-founder and director of local school system and how, as a mother, Social Fam and Joy’s mother. not being able to communicate from the beginning has made her feel disconnected from Joy’s school experience. On the other hand, she sees the fact her two girls learn Catalan as a really big bonus for them. What’s more, she explained that a teacher settled her anxiety when she took action and invited herself to a parent consultation.

Joy, 4, with her little sister and parents Choosing a School in Barcelona / Be inspired: International families share their experience

Another thing that Harry values is the HARRY’S FAMILY: amount of homework. Compared to his old Student: Harry (10) school, it is not very much and that leaves him more time to play soccer, spend time Mother: ChunYu (from China) with his friends and have time for himself. He On enrolment enjoys the beautiful natural surroundings, Type of the school: Private school the beach and the food in Barcelona and the Mediterranean area. and beginning at Name of the school: American School of Barcelona Harry and his mother agree that Barcelona is a great place to live in. ChunYu describes how 40 a new school the city became their first choice because of 41 its good location, the growing economy and Harry and his family are a great example of the good investment environment. And they an expat family coming to live in Barcelona both continue to be happy with the expat life without any local networks. The family have that they have managed to establish in the made a huge effort to establish themselves multicultural city of Barcelona. from scratch and deal with the process of understanding the education system. On enrolment and beginning at a new Harry came to Barcelona with his mother school ChunYu in the middle of his primary education. The company that ChunYu was working for in China was opening an office in Barcelona, so “I recommend other she saw a great opportunity for herself to get international families choose an international career as an expat here and for Harry to get an international education. an International School. The Her husband and father of the family travels schools are very nice and open, between China and Spain. and the kids fit in more easily. When Harry and his mother first moved I advise you to apply for a school to Catalonia it was already decided that as early as possible because there Harry should attend the American School of are limited places available” Barcelona. Today ChunYu tells us how this private international school has made the ChunYu, Chinese executive at China transfer to a new education system easier in Construction Bank CCB Spain and Harry’s terms of language, network and culture. The mother. family highly recommend other international newcomers to follow their path and choose a private school with an international origin.

Harry highlights how everyone has been very helpful and supportive in his process of learning English. He was already a fast learner but the support from colleagues and teachers has been really appreciated.

Harry, 10, with his mother Choosing a School in Barcelona / How to choose the best school for your child

How do you choose the best school for your SELECTION PROCESS: Also take the timeframe of you stay into child? Whether you are choosing a public, account and the possible beneficial criteria state-subsidised private or private school, STEP BY STEP of allocation that may provide some of your or whether you are paying for tuition or not, interests. See, for example, how primary careful planning is a must. In this chapter As each family is different, each family will and secondary schools make a huge effort we give you a few guidelines on how to make choices reflecting its own priorities and to coordinate projects, methods and systematise your planning. preferences when deciding which school is educational content. This enables students the best for their children. to connect one educational level to another and ensures educational continuity from We have drawn up the following guidelines primary to secondary school. to provide the information and key questions you may consider in order to make the You may also wish to write down four or five selection process as simple as possible. The things that are most important to you when guidelines are divided into three steps. you consider the choice of a school. And as 4How to you go through the selection process, you 42 may want to add to and revise your notes. 43 choose the Before you begin the selection process, we recommend you consider the extent to which you want to involve your child nd Gather information best school in the process. Depending on their age and personality, it may be a motivation 2 about any relevant for your child to take part and be listened to in the STEP schools reflections and final decision-making. A household’s proximity to the school is Remember that we all have different one of the general criteria for establishing experiences of the school system. Be the priority order to gain access to a local open-minded and avoid prejudices in (public or state-subsidised) school. For the your selection process. purpose of applying this criterion, catchment areas (àrees d’influència) are delimited using the home address the families have used in the municipal register of residents (empadronament).

st Consider the needs Consequently, your next step will be to find 1 of your child and you out which schools are in your catchment area. You will have some public schools and STEP family some state-subsidised private schools to choose from. You can also apply for a school Start your process by thinking about what outside of your catchment area but with kind of school you want for your child. Which fewer points than most other applicants, it values are important for your family and what might be more difficult to get in. are your expectations of an excellent learning environment? Think about your child’s If you are going to follow the procedure of personal and educational needs. After all, enrolling your child in a local school, you can the new school and neighbourhood network list up to ten schools when you do the official will accompany them through a stage of application. We suggest you do an extensive relating, living and growing that might last for study on the schools in your neighbourhood several years. so you can finally prioritise your list.

How do you weigh the importance of proximity? Should you and your child prefer to apply Having the school close to your home might for a private school, the application and foster your child’s or children’s independence enrolment process may not follow the same by going to school on their own and building up guidelines. a circle of friends. But maybe the ideal school project is not in your neighbourhood. What do you regard as the best option for your child if you have to choose? Choosing a School in Barcelona / How to choose the best school for your child

st Prioritise Priority criteria You will find information about how Be aware that most schools offer open to apply on the official websites of the house sessions in February or March 1 your private schools or by contacting the for incoming families. There you will STEP options General criteria relevant schools directly. be able to tour the buildings, speak to teachers and administrators and ask any On the application form, you will be asked pertinent questions. To find out more to fill in your preferences, ranking the public Proximity details you can phone the schools you and state-subsidised private schools you Catchment area is an important factor wish to visit, take a look at their websites have selected. You may choose up to ten in scores. Based on your home address, When you begin to gather information about or check the school noticeboards. schools. you can find out at which state schools the schools that you have considered the you can get the highest scores for most relevant, we suggest you concentrate There is no guarantee your child will get into proximity. on the following: curriculum and language of your first choice, or in fact any of the schools • If the student’s usual place of residence instruction, approach to learning, academic you have initially chosen, although in practice is in the school’s catchment area performance, school policy, special provision most children secure a place at a school on 44 and facilities and services. ENROLMENT PROCESS: their list. The pre-enrolment form should • If the workplace of the father, mother 45 STEP BY STEP be submitted to the school you have listed or a guardian is in the school’s In order to find the necessary information, as your first preference. We suggest you fill catchment area we suggest you consult the websites of all the spaces in case other families have a Pre-enrolment for public and state- • If the student´s usual place of the schools and the Barcelona Education higher priority due to the points system for subsidised private schools begins in early residence is in the same municipal Consortium (in the case of Barcelona) or the allocation. Catalan Department of Education in the case spring (March-April) for the school year district as the school, but not in its of other Catalan cities. starting in September but always check the catchment area (only in the city of official dates as they vary each year. Barcelona) We strongly recommend you request a A supplementary strategy might be to ask • If the student’s usual place of other families about their experience through dated, stamped copy of the application for your own records. residence is in the same municipality the school associations, for example, the Be aware that the information which as the school applied for in the first AMPA (Student Parents’ Association) or AFA follows is relevant for public and place but not in its catchment area (Student Families’ Association). state-subsidised private schools. For completely private schools, you should Although there is more than one option, contact each one for more information. If you have been following the guidelines in you cannot accumulate more than one score rd Visit Also bear in mind that is very important the previous section (Selection process: Step under the proximity criterion. relevant to submit your applications and by Step) you might have already considered 3 documents within the established the priority in which you wish to order you Family benefits STEP schools deadline! schooling options. • Siblings that attend the same school Visit, experience and explore as many However, your next step is to prioritise your • Parents or legal guardians who work at schools as you can and meet their teams school selection according to the points the school in person. That is the most reliable way for Enrolment is necessary at the start of each system for allocation. If a school receives getting information and taking a decision. education cycle (at the ages of 3, 6, 12 and more applications than its available places, Minimum Income 16) or upon moving. Barcelona does not the priority criteria establish which child We suggest you think ahead and prepare any • If the mother, father or guardian is have school districts, as the whole city takes precedence. Access to a school place questions or queries you would like to raise a beneficiary of income support, is considered one district, but your home is determined solely by the application of at each of your visits or meetings. You might, calculated according to children under address is used to indicate which schools general criteria and, where appropriate, for example, be interested in discovering their care fall into your catchment area. When enrolling complementary criteria. These criteria give different kinds of learning environments and children in the Catalan Education System, eligibility scores to families depending on knowing more about a school’s culture and Disability families may select the school of their various circumstances. educational projects from the principals or choice. • Where a student or their parent, head teachers. You may also be keen to listen guardian or sibling has an accredited to the experience of teachers, students and We have drawn up the following guidelines Be aware that the priority criteria are disability equal to or more than 33% other parents. to provide the information and key questions not fixed and can vary from year to you may consider in order to make the year. Interested parties must verify enrolment process as simple as possible. The the information regarding the official guidelines are divided into three steps. procedures. Choosing a School in Barcelona / How to choose the best school for your child

nd Submit your rd Confirm by Specific criteria Documentation 2 application 3 registering STEP (pre-enrolment) STEP (enrolment) Affiliation To fill in the forms correctly, you will Every public primary school has an Once you have decided your priorities, you need to ensure that you have all the School places are distributed first through affiliated or assigned secondary school must fill in apre-enrolment form (sol·licitud required documents. If not, you might the points system of allocation and, then, by to facilitate a student’s move from one de preinscripció) which can be found online find yourself in a rush to get hold of a draw where demand exceeds the number of educational level to another, ensuring as well as at all schools. Pre-enrolment is them before the established deadlines. places at the school. pedagogical continuity. essential for securing a place for your child The following documents must be • In general, affiliation is considered at one of the schools in Catalonia’s education Once the schools have finished the allocation submitted with the pre-enrolment when a place is requested at a system supported by public funds. process, a list of applicants by points will be form. The original documentation will secondary school and it is a beneficial published on the noticeboard of the school you be returned once it has been compared factor if the student applies for the The pre-enrolment form consists of 8 have been assigned to. At this stage you may with the copy submitted. affiliated school sections depending on the student’s family want to check that the assigned point score is 46 and personal situation: • Original and photocopy of the Family correct and fill in an appeal if necessary. 47 • If you are enrolling you child in a Catalan Record Book - Llibre de Família or other school for the first time, this priority 1. Student’s data documents proving family membership The finaladmission lists will also appear on the criterion is not relevant in your situation 2. School data school noticeboards and you will receive a direct • Original and photocopy of DNI, NIE message with your allocated school. So it is 3. Place applied for (identity number for foreign nationals), important that the contact data you notified in Supplementary criteria 4. Specific criteria passport or other form of identification your pre-enrolment application are correct. for parents or guardian, including EU Family conditions 5. General criteria citizens’ state ID If the student is a member of a large or 6. Supplementary criteria • Original and photocopy of the child’s Get more information about important single-parent family. 7. Voluntary choice on religion DNI or alternative document if over deadlines to keep here: 14 years old http://queestudiar.gencat.cat/ 8. Signed declaration (only in Catalan and Spanish) • Proof of family residence (certificat d’empadronament) • Original and photocopy of the child’s health The application and supporting card (TSI-Targeta Sanitària Individual) documents must be submitted within If necessary, a waiting list will be created for the established time limit. Order of those not admitted directly, and in the event Supporting documentation for allocation does not imply priority or of oversubscription, you will be assigned a classification criteria if applicable for reservation of places. place at another school. points (i.e. business address, financial circumstances, disability certificate, When the pre-enrolment process has ended and medical report) your child has been given a place in a school, you must confirm your registration byenrolling your child at the new school within the established period. Otherwise, the school will understand Identification or affiliation data of the student has rejected the place. foreign students can also be credited with alternative documentation that the person can provide. If you and your family arrive in Barcelona or the metropolitan area in the middle of the school year, you must immediately go to the Education Consortium, to find out which schools The application form and the documentation have places available for your children. must be submitted to the school you have For other cities in the metropolitan chosen as your first priority. This school will be area, your local city council will direct your main source of information and you will you to the right office. receive information by email or phone when all applications are processed for reasons of equality, objectivity and personal data security. Choosing a School in Barcelona / How to choose the best school for your child

OVERVIEW OF THE ENROLMENT Figure 4 PROCESS AND WHEN OVERVIEW OF THE ENROLMENT PROCESS YOU NEED HELP

We have done our best to explain the When? What to do? enrolment process (in a public or state- subsidised private school) as easily and intuitively as possible for you to get through it. Figure 4 (page 49) provides you with a summary so you have a temporal overview of Process of selection the process but bear in mind that you should February 1ST) CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS check the exact dates. - March 2ND) GATHER INFORMATION 48 49 However, in spite of all the guidelines, 3RD) VISIT RELEVANT SCHOOLS the fact is, that for many newcomers, as well as locals, enrolment can seem both stressful and frustrating. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you have any questions Process of enrolment regarding your child’s enrolment. March 1ST) PRIORITISE YOUR OPTIONS You have a number of different options, depending on whether you live in or outside Barcelona. The following information services are based in Barcelona city. If you live in the metropolitan area, your local city council will

direct you to the right office. March ND - 2 ) SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION (PRE-ENROLMENT) April

Help and Information Office in the city of Barcelona ALLOCATION OF PLACES: • Publication of the lists with provisional eligibility Consorci d’Educació de Barcelona points. Plaça Urquinaona, 6, Barcelona April - • Challenges to provisional eligibility scores. June • Tie-break draw or lottery. • Publication of the lists with final eligibility scores. • Lists with the allocated places and waiting lists.

June 3RD) CONFIRM BY REGISTERING (ENROLMENT)

September Start of the school Choosing a School in Barcelona / Family networks and communities

In this chapter we give you a brief CULTURE OF Barcelona International Schools introduction to the many networks and communities, as well as many facilities and COMMUNICATION AND Association (BISA) services, that you will be in contact with as COLLABORATION a parent of a child of school age. You will BISA was formed in 2012 so that the see that your child’s community will be an Catalonia has a great tradition of international education community excellent way for you and your family to meet straightening out civil society by forming could benefit from sharing information, new people and get involved in civil society. associations. There are recreational collaborating on projects and engaging in associations, associations that advocate on-going conversations with each other and human and social rights, as well as cultural, leaders in the Barcelona community. BISA’s political or sports associations. And, last but approach is to help its members evaluate not least, educational associations. and meet the varying educational needs which result from providing an international 5Family In your research of finding the best education in Barcelona. BISA members meet educational provision for your child, you may periodically to provide opportunities for them have already noticed how Catalan schools to connect and share. networks and offer many interesting projects and are part of a large network of professionals, facilities and resources. In fact, Catalonia’s For more information: communities 50 entire education system is committed to 51 offering creative and innovative projects Barcelona International Schools that invite civil society involvement and the Association (BISA) empowerment of democratic citizens. bisa.info

In getting to know the culture of

communication and collaboration between school, family and the surrounding network, you will experience how these communities invite discussions about all kinds of topics. You may be surprised by the amount of information and sharing you will find in different channels such as social media, school intranets or applications, email groups or face-to-face meetings. But you may also be amazed by the energy that associations put into thinking about educational issues such as gender equality, perseverance, consumption, responsibility, respect, socio-emotional education, food waste and so on.

Read more about the commitments and values or the educational system here: familiaiescola.gencat.cat/ca/educar- creixer-en-familia/educacio-valors/ (only in Catalan)

Choosing a School in Barcelona / Family networks and communities

GETTING INVOLVED Centre for families with International and niche For more information: teenagers community groups If you move to Barcelona or the surrounding Familia i Escola - Generalitat de metropolitan area, you will find many options The Centre for Families with Teenagers Barcelona has a big international community Catalunya to engage you and your family in civil society. is a service provided by Barcelona City and there are several associations, groups familiaiescola.gencat.cat/ca/escolaritat/ There are many ways to get in touch with Council for people who exercise parental and initiatives to support families in participacio-compromis/participacio- local as well as other expat families. Here are roles (parents or guardians). The centre Barcelona and those that are international. coresponsabilitzacio/participacio- a few useful resources for families planning offers information, training and guidance on Some of these include niche community funcionament-centre/ampa to settle down in Barcelona. topics such as self-knowledge, reviewing groups based on your native language or (only in Catalan) and recognising parental function, empathy, that want to dedicate time to family-related assertiveness and communicative skills issues - many of which are available in Parents’ associations: AFA is the various neighbourhoods. There follows a list new AMPA Furthermore, the service provides tools and you might want to check out: resources for boys and girls to develop their One of the ways to participate in the life of Family Spaces, toy libraries and personal and social skills and encourages the educational community is through its open schoolyards programme their personal growth through individual Barcelona Babies and Kids associations. Most schools have strong and attention and group activities. The centre’s Group of parents and parents-to-be to work team is formed by social educators, active parents´ associations, which are a Support in a new place is key to smooth share resources and information: psychologists and administrative personnel, facebook.com/groups/ 52 good source of information on school life, integration. Meeting other families that share 53 often with their own websites. Furthermore, in order to offer a comprehensive service to barcelonababiesandkids similar experiences can be very useful while meet the needs that are contemplated. it is an excellent resource for getting involved navigating and finding your feet in the city. in your children’s education process and Sharing such experiences and advice will be Barcelona Family Life everyday life in a new community with new helpful for both you and your family. Useful information for international impressions and learnings. For more information: families living in Barcelona: Throughout the city, there are spaces designed barcelonafamilylife.com The parents´ associations are typically called to encourage families to connect, particularly Centre per a famílies amb AMPA (Association of Student’s Mothers for those with children under the age of 3. In adolescents English Language Association of and Fathers - Associació de Mares i Pares the city of Barcelona, you can find a network ajuntament.barcelona.cat/familia/ca/ Catalonia d’Alumnes) or AFA (Association of Students of public facilities such as the Family Spaces centre-families-adolescents An Educational Advocacy Group which Families – Associació de Famílies d’Alumnes). (Espais familiars) and toy libraries (ludoteques) (only in Catalan) provides a forum for parents of native AFA is just the new and more up-to-date with recreation and educational activities, and heritage speakers of English name for an association that includes all where children can play, explore and interact attending Catalan schools: kinds of family constructions. and families can share their experience of facebook.com/groups/ESCPAC educating and raising their children. The parents´ associations are legally Kids in Barcelona recognised non-profit associations of Another interesting initiative is the open Information in English for families: volunteer parents at a school, which have schoolyards (patis oberts) programme, to facebook.com/KidsInBarcelona their own rules of procedure and articles of create spaces for public use for families and association regulated by law. children outside school hours, at weekends Mama Proof Barcelona or during school holidays. This programme A platform to transform cities into more The main purpose of these associations offers a monitoring service that opens and friendly and inclusive spaces for families: is to work, together with the schools, on closes the schoolyard within the planned mammaproof.org/barcelona the education of all children, promoting hours, oversees the proper use of the facilities (only in Spanish) communication and parents’ participation. and seeks to establish relationship dynamics Likewise, the parents´ association is between participating children and families. Mamans à Barcelone generally responsible for the school’s Community of French-speaking families: educational activities, planning and mamansbarcelone.com managing the extracurricular activities, the morning reception of children, the dining For more information: room, parental training, and so on. Family Spaces – Barcelona City Council barcelona.cat/infancia (only in Catalan and Spanish) Choosing a School in Barcelona / Family networks and communities

AFTER-SCHOOL Furthermore, in Catalonia there is an Mum Abroad Spain extended civic movement called esplais, Offers recommendations, tips and advice ACTIVITIES AND HOLIDAY which is similar to the scouts but based from local mums on life in Spain with ACTIVITIES on a less hierarchical system and more kids: mumabroad.com/mumabroad_ focused on leisure. The esplais are non- spain/barcelona The everyday for a child studying in a profit associations based on volunteering Catalan school might be longer than you and have a pedagogical aim. Through Oh Mother! have expected, and you may be surprised games, recreational activities, excursions, Barcelona-based podcast about life as a how much time children spend outside their workshops, outdoors activities and other parent: ohmotherbarcelona.com homes. ways of enjoying free time, children are trained with a holistic perspective, and Social Fam Taking into account that the school begins have the opportunity for personal and Connection and support for relatively late compared to other countries interpersonal development. The Catalan international families coming to and includes a rather long lunch break with government ensures that leisure education Summer camps (campaments d´estiu) Barcelona with children of school age: classes in the afternoon, you may think that is of high quality and regulates the training wesocialfam.com your child’s programme ends here. But the of monitors (volunteer educators) and youth Summer camps include a variety of fact is that it is very normal for children in facilities. Esplais organise activities about educational activities, usually non-thematic Catalonia to do at least one after-school 2 or 3 hours long every weekend but they or specialised, that are held outside the activity during the week. might also organise summer camps or other participants’ place of residence for 1-2 activities during school holidays. 54 weeks (depending on the age group). All 55 camps include daily activities such as After-school activities (extraexcolars) cooking, eating, playing, etc. as well as Summer schools (casals d´estiu) overnight facilities. This refers to those activities organised by educational centres that are held Taking your children to holiday activities The cost of participating in official summer outside school hours: during lunchtime is very normal in Catalonia, especially in camps can vary but an estimated price is breaks or after the afternoon classes on summer but also at Christmas or Easter. around €500 for 10-15 days including all an ordinary school day. In many centres, activities, meals and other facilities. they are organised jointly with the parents´ Summer schools are educational activities association (AMPA or AFA). that take place during the morning and/or afternoon, usually from Monday to Friday, Be aware that there are many private and The after-school activities not only provide during summer holidays. The activities other non-governmental organisations that support to families by extending the time vary in content and are normally held in offer activities for children and teenagers during which their children are under adult the same environment as the children and during the summer. supervision, they also provide learning time teenagers go to school in. So it is common for pupils outside basic school. Socialising for participants to be from the town or and interacting with children of the same age neighbourhood where the summer schools helps your child to integrate and also build are held. a network other than the pre-defined one of the classrooms. This is just one reason why As a general rule there will be no For more information: you might wish to consider the after-school accommodation, unless there is an excursion programmes of your school district, such as that lasts more than one day. Leisure activities – languages, sports, music, etc. Barcelona City Council The cost of participating in official summer vacances.barcelona.cat/ca/activitats-de- schools can vary from €50 - €100 per week, lleure (only in Catalan and Spanish) Children’s centres and Esplais depending on the content and if lunch and afternoon activities are included in the price. Holidays and leisure activities – There are children’s centres (casals infantils) Government of Catalonia which provide a meeting place where jovecat.gencat.cat/ca/temes/vacances_i_ children have the opportunity to share their estades (only in Catalan) leisure. Some of them are public while others are run by private non-profit foundations and offer services with specialist professionals who organise a programme of activities such as workshops, group games, play areas and outdoor stays. Choosing a School in Barcelona / Family networks and communities

BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY

The prevalence of social media and digital forums has given schools an extra challenge, because they now have an educational influence over how students learn to interact in cyberspace, respecting the same norms of behaviour, democratic rights and protection of our private sphere that rule our real and physical world.

To improve school harmony and intervene against bullying and harassment in cyberspace and in real life, the Catalan Government has introduced a framework of protocols that schools must follow. The aim is to ensure that schools continue to be safe places for socialising and learning, and to 56 make sure that teachers have effective tools 57 for helping students.

Families play an important role in preventing, detecting and intervening to stop bullying that is key in cyberbullying situations, which are usually outside school. This is one of the reasons why the school policy against bullying and harassment is often drawn up by the parents´ association in collaboration with the school board and the student council. Choosing a School in Barcelona / Checklists

THREE STEPS IN st Consider the needs nd Gather information SELECTING A SCHOOL 1 of your child and your 2 about any relevant Checklists STEP family STEP schools

Personal and educational needs

Does your child have any special List of relevant schools for your family learning needs? • Does your child need more challenging work? • Does your child need more individual attention? • Does your child need an English • language acquisition programme? Does your child have any special • learning style to take into consideration? •

• Proximity 58 • 59 Do you want your child to go to a school within walking distance of your home? • How far are you willing to drive your child to school? And what are the options for • other transport? Is it important for the integration of your child to have school friends in the local environment? Curriculum and language of instruction Do you want your child to go to a school Is the curriculum officially approved by near after-school care? Near where you the Catalan Department of Education in work? Near a close relative? accordance with the Spanish Education Do you have the economic means to Act (LOE) or does it follow another consider a state-subsidised private or educational approach? fully private school? Does the school have a strong programme of core academic subjects such as English, history, maths, science, Timeframe and allocation arts and other foreign languages? Does the school have a special focus or How long are you planning to stay in theme for the curriculum? Catalonia? And how may the timeframe influence your choice of schooling? Does the school offer relevant international certificates such as the How old is your child? Will your child International Baccalaureate, Batxibac, have to move to another education Diploma Dual or any other? level while living in your present neighbourhood? Does the school have extracurricular activities that support what is taught Do you have more than one child to enrol and is there an effective language now or in the future? acquisition programme for children who need it, e.g. an Aula d´acollida? Choosing a School in Barcelona / Checklists

Special provision rd Visit Students Does the school offer extracurricular 3 relevant What is the attendance rate for activities after school, at weekends of STEP schools students? during holidays, and do all students have What do students say about their the opportunity to participate? Culture school? Are publications for parents available in What do students say about their the relevant languages? Do the students appear to be courteous, classroom? happy and motivated? Are students involved in developing Approach to learning Facilities and services Do the teachers appear to be helpful and school policies? friendly? Does the school have a particular Do students have access to computers Is there a welcoming attitude towards all approach to teaching and learning (e.g. and to the internet in class and in the students and families? Parents project-based, individual vs. group library? performance, frequent testing)? How are students with diverse learning How does the school encourage parental Are there any costs related to the needs helped? involvement? Is the school staff able to communicate purchase of the relevant books and in a language that your child other learning materials? Does the school have an active parent- understands? teacher organisation? Is there a cafeteria, and does the school Principal or head teacher What is the homework policy? Does it offer a nutritionally well-balanced lunch Are families expected to be involved with match your expectations for how much programme? What is the principal’s philosophy about homework? homework your child should do? education? 60 Is supervised midday and after-school How frequently does the school 61 care offered and does it include extra What is the principal’s attitude towards communicate with parents? costs? Academic performance motivating the students? Are parents involved in the development What does the school do to keep of school policies? How do the school’s test scores compare good teachers and improve teacher to those of other schools? performance? In the past few years, have test scores risen or declined, and how does the school explain the rise or decline? Teachers

Are the teachers highly qualified to School Policy teach in their subject areas? Are the teachers highly qualified to What does the school do to help motivate the students to learn? personal development and citizenship in How do teachers evaluate student work? the school? What is the discipline policy? How does Do teachers share the course content the school handle and help students and objectives with students and who misbehave? parents? Does the school have a policy against When and how frequently are teachers bullying and harassment? available for student and parent Does the school have a uniform or dress conferences? code? Do teachers assign homework? Choosing a School in Barcelona / Checklists

THREE STEPS TO Be aware... rd Confirm ENROLLING YOUR CHILD ... that the information which follows relates 3 by registering to public and state-subsidised private STEP (enrolment) schools. For completely private schools, you should contact each one for more st Prioritise your information. Don’t forget... options: list of 1 ... that there is no guarantee your child will ... to check information on the noticeboard of STEP preferred schools get into your first choice, although most of the school you have been assigned to. the applications get the first option and all children get a place in the education system. ... to check that the assigned score given on the school noticeboard is correct. Fill in an ... that the pre-enrolment form must be appeal if necessary. List of the preferred schools submitted to the school you have listed as your first preference. ... It is important that the contact data 1st nd Submit your you have notified in your pre-enrolment ... that if a school receives more applications application are correct. You will receive a than its available places, the priority criteria application nd 2 2 direct message from your allocated school. establish which child takes precedence. STEP (pre-enrolment) ... to confirm your registration by enrolling your rd 3 ... that access to a school place is child at the new school within the established determined solely by the application of period. Otherwise, the school will understand th Remember... 4 general criteria and, where appropriate, the student has rejected the place. supplementary criteria. ... to pay attention to the pre-enrolment 5th 62 ... that catchment area is the most important calendar (edubcn.cat , only in Catalan). 63 th factor in scores unless you have some 6 special family benefits. ... to make sure you write everything clearly and correctly. You can always contact the school that 7th ... that there is a supplementary criterion if you are assigned to in order to keep you are a single parent or have a large family. ... to provide an email address and a mobile phone number. track of your child’s application status. 8th ... to think hard about your first option: it 9th must be the one you prefer and the one that the criteria scores will mark. 10th The priority criteria are not fixed and can vary from year to year. Get more ... to fill in the 10 options: all schools have information and verify the data here: quality projects and you will have more http://queestudiar.gencat.cat/ca/ possibilities to secure a place in one of the preinscripcio/estudis/obligatoris/ schools you prefer. documentacio ... that you cannot change the order of your (only in Catalan and Spanish) options once you have submitted them. ... to include supporting priority-criteria documents. ... to hand in your application in person, if possible. ... to ask for a dated and stamped copy of the application.

Applications (or receipts for applications sent online) and documents must be sent within the established deadline. PROMOTED BY: Barcelona City Council City Promotion barcelona.cat/internationalwelcome

WITH THE COLLABORATION OF: Sanne Bruun Hansen (consultant) Consorci d’Educació de Barcelona (CEB) Departament d’Educació de la Generalitat de Catalunya Institut Municipal d’Educació de Barcelona (IMEB)

LANGUAGE CORRECTION BY: Linguaserve Internacionalización de Servicios

DESIGNED BY: Doctor Magenta

PRINTED BY: Grafiques Cuscó

Legal deposit: B.6979-2020 Barcelona, March 2020