An Inspired school

1.    What are the school hours?
9.00 am to 4.30 pm

2.    How many pupils are there at British School of Alicante?
1086

3.    How many pupils are there in each class?
On average there are 25 pupils per class and three classes per year group.

4.    What is the ratio of international students at the school?
75% Spanish and within the 25% foreign we have 40 nationalities including pupils from UK, China, Russia, United States, Italy, Germany, Denmark, France, Holland and others.

5.    Which curriculum does the school follow?
The English National Curriculum.

6.    Are the teachers British?
All academic staff teaching the English National Curriculum are qualified British teachers or, in the case of French, native speakers. Those teaching Spanish language, Spanish validation, Bachillerato and Valencian language are qualified native Spanish teachers.

7.    Does British School of Alicante accept students with little or no English?
We take children with no English between the ages of 3 and 4 years. There are a limited number of places for non-English speaking Primary pupils between the ages of 6 and 9 of proven academic ability. From the age of 10 onwards new pupils must have a high level of English to enter the school.

8.    What language do the children speak in the playground?
On the whole most of our students speak Spanish in the playground. Because of this, we find that new children joining the school with little or no knowledge of the language pick it up very quickly.

9.    Will my child learn Spanish at British School of Alicante?
All students at British School of Alicante study Spanish. Spanish pupils are required to take a minimum number of Spanish classes per week, the frequency and number depending on their age. Non-Spanish speakers receive specific Spanish as a foreign language classes in addition to the Spanish Curriculum.

10.  What other languages are available?
French and German to GCSE and GCE A Level; Chinese and German (as Optional activities)

11.  Is religion part of the curriculum?
As a multicultural school we introduce our students to different religions and cultures and teach them moral values based on the western Christian tradition but which tend to be common to all religions. At Christmas we celebrate Christian activities such as Christmas plays and Carol singing.

12.  What sports are available?
The British School of Alicante is able to offer a wide range of sporting activities including football (7 and 5-a-side pitches), basketball, tennis, volleyball, hockey, gymnastics, badminton, athletics, and swimming. There are also optional classes which take place after school (4.35 – 5.35 pm) and include amongst others tennis, ballet, judo etc.

13.  How much homework is set?

This depends on the age of the pupil.  In Primary we recognise that the school day is a long one and we want our children to rest or enjoy their after-school activities and clubs. As such we do not set any formal homework, however your class teacher can provide you with web based links and activities for your child to complete should you want additional work to complete at home.  Across the school in Early Years, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two children are expected to read regularly at home as this underpins the curriculum. As well as reading themselves, children also greatly benefit from being read to. Spelling words will be regularly sent home however there will be no formal testing.  On occasion children may be set project homework posted on Class Dojo which links to the topics being studied. 

In the Secondary School Homework will only be set when it is useful to consolidate or extend learning. The expectations at Key Stage 3 is to read 30 minutes in English and 30 Minutes in Spanish, review the lessons of the day, making notes of the key vocabulary. Some extension work is available on Google Classroom for those who want to extend their learning. 

The expectation at Key Stage 4 is that students will receive more regular homework which will often involve revising the content they have learnt in class, completion of practice exam questions, and working on coursework components of their iGCSE courses.

At Key Stage 5, students should realise that they need to dedicate a great deal of time outside of lessons to their learning, through reading ahead, undertaking independent research, completing activities set by their teacher, completing practice exam questions, and working on coursework components of their A Level courses. In addition, at both key stages, further improving their spoken and written English is imperative given that this is the language in which they will complete their final examinations.  

14.  What examinations do students take at the school?
I/GCSE, GCE A Levels (CIE/EDEXCEL and AQA)

15.  Where do students go after finishing their studies at British School of Alicante?
The majority of students go onto Universities in Spain and the UK. Some also attend Universities in other European countries and America.

16.  Is it possible to study at British School of Alicante for one term only?
The minimum time we can normally accept students is for one whole academic year. Note also however that the I/GCSE courses in Years 10 & 11 and the A Level courses in Years 12 and 13 are integral 2 years programmes.

17.  How well do new international students adapt to the school?
Students at British School of Alicante are used to welcoming newcomers and are always very friendly and helpful. Year Group Leaders make sure that “buddies” are always on hand to show newcomers the ropes at first. We always encourage new pupils to make new friends and join in with the rest.

18.  How do I go about applying for a place for my child?
The first step in the admissions process is to send in an application form with full details of the pupil in question. The procedures for admission vary slightly according to the age of the candidate.  We require de application form and copies of most recent school reports. Once these reports are received we invite all applicants to take our entrance exams (English, Maths and NVR) and a formal interview. Children applying for Nursery and Reception only need the application form. Please contact our Admissions officer at the following email, kca.admissions@kingscollegeschools.org or contact the school office on +34 965 106 351