Inside a Spanish school
Twenty eager faces. A calm and welcoming atmosphere and not a CCTV camera in sight. That was my initial impression of the class of 15 year olds at IES Haygón School in Alicante.
Twenty eager faces. A calm and welcoming atmosphere and not a CCTV camera in sight. That was my initial impression of the class of 15 year olds at IES Haygón School in Alicante.
So you’ve made the decision. You’re moving to Spain and bringing your family with you. Perhaps with two children, you have one at primary school and one at secondary. The estate agent has assured you that education in the area is bountiful and good. What should your next step be?
We’ve all heard the story. The eager five year old comes back from the first day of school having survived the experience and expresses with surprise ‘I have to go back tomorrow as well?’ And the next day… and the next day…
Starting in a Spanish school? It’s not just about turning up on the day. And yet, many parents seem surprised that there is more to it than that.
When should children start school? Until recently I was of the opinion that later is better. I thought that most European countries didn’t begin their formal education until well after we did in England and congratulated them for it. So it came as something of a surprise when I made enquiries about starting dates for my son, Joseph. Although compulsory schooling in Spain starts at age six, I discovered that many families take up the option of starting their children at three.
Were your school days the best days of your life? Do you long to once more experience the aroma of school dinners and battle across the school field in all weathers? OK, it had its ups and downs, but generally and for most people, school was a blissful time of few worries and long holidays. However, for some British pupils in Spanish schools the experience is far from pleasurable.
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