What is Primary Education like in a British school?
In the British system, Primary Education begins in Year 1 (5 years old) and it is during this year when students begin to speak correctly, read and handle numbers. At this stage the Cross-Curricular methodology is applied , the same topic is used to address the subjects of the curriculum so that students acquire knowledge, develop skills and achieve understanding in the different subjects, focusing on a single topic. This way they make connections in a natural and practical way and helps them to think creatively. In Primary all classrooms are staffed by a head teacher who has extensive proven experience in the British system, and specialist teachers in ICT, Physical Education, and Music. As each student is different, and not all students achieve the objectives homogeneously, those students who need help in any area have personalized reinforcement classes.
Subjects in Primary Education (Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2)<
In Key Stage 1 (Year 1, Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6) the Curriculum is made up of 10 subjects, which are separated into three core and seven additional subjects.
The KS1 and 2 Curriculum is as follows:
Core subjects – CORE SUBJECTS
- English – ENGLISH
- Mathematics – MATHEMATICS
- Science – SCIENCE
Specific learning areas
- Art and design – ART AND DESIGN
- Computing – INFORMATICS
- Design and technology – DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
- Geography – GEOGRAPHY
- History – HISTORY
- Music – MUSIC
- Physical education – PHYSICAL EDUCATION
How we assess students in Primary Education
At British Schools we believe that continuous supervision and communication are two key elements for the success of our pedagogical system. For this reason, we make the following monitoring procedures available to parents:
Academy Program: English support and adaptation to the British system
¿Qué es Academy?
Academy is a program created to allow students to develop their full potential, specifically reinforcing those areas in which they have difficulties.
¿En qué consiste?
Individualized academic reinforcement carried out by professionals in the subject and British Curriculum.
- Highly qualified teachers and specialists in each subject.
- Individual classes or in very small groups.
- Preparation for exams (working on exam structure, motivation and confidence).
- Possibility of online monitoring of the study and work done by the student at home.
INDUCTION PROGRAMME
Program specifically created to provide the
first impulse to students entering the school in higher stages (KS2-KS3-KS4-KS5), offering a more extensive support that will prepare them to reach the level of English necessary to face the British Curriculum. The contents of the core subjects will also be reinforced in order for the students to reach the pace and level of the group/class.
- Highly qualified in-house teachers and specialists in each subject.
- Individual classes or in extra small groups.
- Intensive English language reinforcement (grammar, writing, technical vocabulary related to core subjects, etc.)
- Possibility of online monitoring of the study and work done by the student at home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Primary Education in British School
What is primary education in the British system?
Primary education in the British system covers Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, where students develop essential skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking. It is a key stage for both academic and personal development.
What ages does primary education cover?
Primary education typically begins at age 5 (Year 1) and continues until age 11 (Year 6), covering both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
What is Key Stage 1?
Key Stage 1 is the first stage of primary education in the British system, including Year 1 and Year 2 (ages 5 to 7). During this stage, students build the foundations of learning in English, mathematics, and science.
What is Key Stage 2?
Key Stage 2 is the second stage of primary education, covering Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7 to 11). At this stage, students consolidate their knowledge and further develop their academic skills.
How does British primary education differ from the Spanish system?
British primary education is characterised by a more practical and cross-curricular approach, where students learn through projects and develop key skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and independence.
What subjects are studied in British primary education?
Students study core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, alongside other areas including art and design, computing, history, geography, music, and physical education.
What level of English do students achieve in primary education?
Students develop a high level of English from an early age, as much of the learning takes place naturally and progressively in the language.
What are the benefits of studying primary education in Valencia at a British school?
Studying primary education in Valencia at a British school allows students to access an international education system, improve their English proficiency, and develop key skills for their academic and professional future.
Is it possible to join the British system without prior English knowledge?
What is the cross-curricular approach in primary education?
It is a teaching methodology where different subjects are connected through a common theme, enabling a more integrated, meaningful, and practical learning experience for students.
Facilities at our British schools in Valencia for Primary Education students
