Infant Education

Infant Education

During the three years at Educación Infantil children learn about social, personal and environmental values, as well as developing their physical and mental skills. From 4 years old, children are gradually introduced to reading and writing, although fluent reading ability is not expected. This is one of the newer areas of Spanish education and is generally well-taught by specialist teachers. As part of recent reforms in both infant and primary education, all subjects endorse the concepts of conservation and ecology, cultural integration, road awareness and good civic behaviour.

 
Primary Education

Children progress to Educación Primaria at six years of age. This lasts until they are 12 and is divided into three cycles of two year. At the end of each cycle a child who is considered not to have achieved the objectives set for that cycle, may be required to repeat the second year. Throughout Primary education, students study the following subjects: Spanish language, Maths, Conocimiento del Medio (a general knowledge subject which includes biology, history, geography, general and local knowledge and social awareness), Physical Education, Art and Craft and a second language, usually English.

In addition most students will study Religion which mainly consists of teaching Catholic doctrine, although it is necessary for schools to offer an alternative for children who opt out. In some schools this time might be used to offer extra language support, but this would not be obligatory on their part. In many regions of Spain the local dialect and culture is also taught as a subject, although depending on the area, it is often possible to opt out. English will be taught by a specialist, but there is no obligation for the class teacher to speak English. Classes are always mixed ability in Spain; the concept of "streaming" is unknown.

The state provides schools with the services of support teams consisting of a psychologist, social worker and speech therapist. Children normally have the same class teacher for each two-year cycle, who will make themselves available for one hour a week to speak to parents about their children's progress. There are also parents meetings every term to discuss class work and special projects and trips.

From year three children are introduced to termly exams, but there is no equivalent to National testing in the Spanish system. Although state education is free, parents will have to buy all textbooks and materials. Uniforms are generally not worn, except in religious grant-assisted schools.

Continue to Secondary Education