SPANISH EDUCATIVE SYSTEM

INDEX Educative system diagram. Academic calendar and schedule. Our schedule. What do students learn at school? Preschool Education Primary Education Compulsory Secondary Education Non-Compulsory Upper Secondary Education (Bachillerato) Adult Education Our school How are schools organized and what do the teachers and tutors do? How are the students evaluated? What other services are offered to the students?

SPANISH EDUCATIVE SYSTEM

CALENDAR There are usually three evaluations that coincide with each of the trimesters: 1st Trimester: From September until Christmas time (December) 2nd Trimester: From the end of Christmas time (January) until Easter (March or April) 3rd Trimester: From the end of Easter until the end of June

Schedule In Spain the academic schedule can vary from school to school, but in most Preschools, Primary and Secondary Schools, the takes place in the morning. There are also schools in which the students attend classes in the morning and in the afternoon. There is always at least one break or intermediate period of twenty minutes or half an hour in the morning to rest or have a snack. This break is called “recreo (recess).” When classes end, schools that have lunch service or offer their facilities for certain extracurricular activities extend their schedule.

OUR SCHEDULE In Rivas Vaciamadrid almost all the schools attend classes in the morning and in the afternoon. In the morning the classes are from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm with a 30 minutes brake. In the afternoon the classes are from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Teachers from 1:00 pm to 2:00pm have meetings with parents or other teachers for coordination.

What do children learn at school?

PRESCHOOL: ages 3, 4, and 5 This phase includes 3 academic years which correspond to the ages 3, 4, and 5. It is not compulsory, but it is very important to familiarize children with the school system as soon as possible to help ease the transition into Primary School. Its aim is to contribute to the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of boys and girls.

PRIMARY EDUCATION: ages 6 to 12 This phase is compulsory and it is free. Its aim is to provide all children with an education that will help to reinforce their personal development and wellness, allow them to obtain basic cultural skills related to oral expression and comprehension, reading, writing and mathematics. It will also develop their social skills, work and study habits, artistic sense, creativity and emotional growth. An academic year can only be repeated once. There are three cycles, each one with two academic years: - First Cycle. Ages 6 to 7 - Second Cycle. Ages 8 to 9 - Third Cycle. Ages 10 to 11 or 12

COMPULSORY SECONDARY EDUCATION (ESO): ages 12 to 16. This phase is divided into four academic years. Its aims are: to provide students with the basic elements of culture, especially the humanistic, artistic, scientific, and technological aspects to develop and consolidate study and work habits to prepare the students for their subsequent studies and incorporation into the workforce and to exercise their rights and obligations in life as citizens. Upon completion, students receive the title of Compulsory Secondary Education Graduate. This title allows them to continue with their studies either in Non-Compulsory Upper Secondary Schools or in Vocational Training.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING This phase prepares students to perform a specific job. There are two levels: 1. Intermediate Level Vocational Training 2. Senior Level Vocational Training

NON-COMPULSORY UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION (BACHILLERATO) This phase prepares students to begin University studies or Senior Level Vocational Training. It consists of two academic years and various disciplines are offered. Students must take general class subjects and elective class subjects. There are 3 disciplines: - Bachillerato in Humanities and Social Sciences - Bachillerato in Science and Technology - Bachillerato in the Arts

“LA ESCUELA”

In our school we teach: Preschool Education (from 3 to 6) Primary Education (from 6 to 12). Our school main subjects are: Maths, Language, Arts, Science, Physical Education, English and Music. Bilingualism: As some schools in Madrid, our school became biligual 4 years ago. The kids recive more hours of English and they also learn Science, Arts and Music in English. The community of Madrid provides the Bilingual schools with some native “Language Assistants” to help teachers in class.

How are schools organized and what do teachers or tutors do?

-The Educational Council -Pedagogical team -Tutor The organization of a school consists of various diverse teams, groups, and personnel. -Administration -The Educational Council -Pedagogical team -Tutor

ADMINISTRATION -The Head Master: in charge of the school. -The Head of Studies: organizes academic life. -The secretary: in charge of economic and administrative matters.

THE EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL Serves as the governing body and consists of representatives of the teaching staff, parents and students. PEDAGOGICAL TEAM Group of teachers of various subjects who give lessons to a group of students.

THE TUTOR Is a teacher who, apart from teaching his or her main class, is also in charge of a group of students. It is the tutor’s responsibility to aid and guide the students in their schoolwork, in their relationships with other students, and also to help resolve any other sort of problem that may arise. The tutor is the one in charge of the relationships with the parents and is regularly in contact with them to inform them about any matter concerning their children.

How are the students evaluated?

The most commonly grade system is: Every term, the parents receive a report card, containing information regarding their child’s progress. The report card contains grades based on the student’s knowledge of the subject matter, classwork, and attitude in class . The most commonly grade system is: A number from 1 to 4 or the word Insuficiente (Insufficient): the student has not reached a sufficient level. 5 or the word Suficiente (Sufficient): the student has a basic level. 6 or the word Bien (Good): The student has an acceptable level. •7, 8 or the word Notable (Notable): the student has a very good level. •9,10 or the word Sobresaliente (Excellent): the student has a remarkable level of knowledge.

What other services are offered to the students?

Transportation Service -Students living far from the school or who have transportation difficulties will be guaranteed a form of transportation. Lunch Service -Lunch service may be requested by any student. The price will be free or vary depending on the family income. Extracurricular Activities -These are activities that provide students with a broader education focusing on cultural aspects, insertion into society, and positive use of free time. Participation is voluntary and the activities are held outside of normal school hours.

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