A guide for students thinking about studying either in the Spanish or British education systems.

In the British system which we follow here in our school, IGCSE students will generally take 9 – 10 subjects, with English, Maths and a Science being mandatory subjects. Students are assessed by an end of Year 11 series of exams IGCSE’s. Some subjects will also be assessed by coursework or practical work. When choosing their IGCSE subjects, students should consider subjects they enjoy and are good at but also consider their future aspirations. It should be noted that IGCSE grades count towards further studies and university application, both here in Spain and the UK. Most UK universities expect a minimum of 5 GCSEs with at least grade 4 and above.

There are several key differences between Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) in Spain and GCSEs in the UK:

1. Age range: In Spain, ESO is typically studied between the ages of 12 and 16, while IGCSEs are studied between the ages of 14 and 16.

2. Curriculum: The ESO curriculum in Spain is more centralised, with a set of core subjects that all students must study. In contrast, the IGCSE curriculum in the UK is more flexible, with students having more choice in the subjects they study, although English, Mathematics and a Science are mandatory subjects PE is also a part of our curriculum.

3. Assessment: ESO is assessed through a set of exams at the end of the programme, while IGCSEs are typically assessed through a combination of coursework and exams in a modular form.

4. Grading system: The grading system for ESO in Spain is numerical, with grades ranging from 0 to 10. IGCSEs in the UK 1 to 9 with 4 being a pass.

5. Focus on languages: In Spain, there is a greater emphasis on learning languages, with students typically studying English and/or French throughout their ESO studies. In the UK, language learning is also important, but not necessarily a requirement for all students.

6. Length of programme: ESO is a 4-year programme, while IGCSEs are typically studied over a period of two or three years.

A Levels versus Bachillerato

A Levels are the equivalent of the Bachillerato in Spain.

In the British system, A-Levels are the most widely recognised qualification for entry to UK university. Most students will take 3 or 4 A-Level subjects over a duration of 2 years. In our school we offer IAL, International A Levels. These offer a good balance between specialisation and choice, allowing students to focus on the subjects that really interest them whilst maintaining breadth of subject choice. Teaching is based upon developing an understanding of the key concept and skills of the subject, with a strong focus on practical real-world application.

At the end of the module, students take a set of exams known as “AS” in year one and “IA2” in year two. The results of these two exams are then combined to generate an overall IAL. These IAL’s are used to determine their eligibility for university education.

The advantages of modular learning to students are in terms of their capacity to offer flexibility, choice, access, and mobility. Flexibility: Modular learning allows students to learn at their own pace and focus on specific modules that are relevant to their interests or career goals. Personalisation: Students can tailor their learning experience by choosing modules that align with their learning style and preferences. Time management: It enables students to balance their studies with other commitments, as they can choose when and how to complete each module. Skill development: Modular learning can help students develop specific skills and competencies, as they can concentrate on individual topics or subjects.

More practice than theory. The Spanish system focuses on theory and memorisation, while the British education system bases its learning on practice, which is fundamental. British schools encourage the development of skills and abilities to apply and use the knowledge acquired. In addition, British students are provided with the tools necessary to learn to make decisions, to tackle problems and to find solutions to them. The main consequence is that the assimilative concept is given greater importance than the retentive concept.

 

In the British system there is a clear commitment to continuous assessment. Although it is true that the Spanish system has been applying continuous assessment, the British system has a head start. British schools aim for continuous performance and not at specific moments such as final exams. The British value effort and perseverance, qualities that are achieved thanks to positive reinforcement and motivation.

 

What is the international baccalaureate equivalent in Spain?

The Spanish Baccalaureate (Spanish: Bachillerato) is the post-16 stage of education in Spain, comparable to the A Levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Highers in Scotland, the French Baccalaureate in France, or the International Baccalaureate.

 

The Spanish Baccalaureate, Bachillerato, is a two-year programme that students typically start at the age of 16, after completing the compulsory secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria or ESO). During the Bachillerato, students can choose from a variety of specialisations, such as Arts, Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences. The curriculum includes core subjects, such as Spanish, mathematics, foreign languages, and philosophy, as well as elective subjects related to the chosen specialisation.

At the end of the programme, students take a set of exams known as the Selectividad which are used to determine their eligibility for university education. The Selectividad covers all the subjects studied during the Bachillerato, and the results are used to calculate a score that is used for university admission.

There are several key differences between the Bachillerato in Spain and A-Levels in the UK:

1. Age range: In Spain, students typically start Bachillerato at the age of 16, while in the UK students start A-levels at the age of 16 or 17.

2. Curriculum: The Bachillerato curriculum in Spain is more centralised, with a set of core subjects that all students must study. In contrast, the IAL curriculum is more flexible, with students having more choice in the subjects they study.

3. Assessment: Bachillerato is assessed through a set of exams at the end of the two-year programme. IAL’s are also typically assessed over a two-year course through a combination of coursework and exams.

4. Grading system: The grading system for Bachillerato in Spain is numerical, with grades ranging from 0 to 10, whereas IAL levels in the UK are graded on a scale from from A* to E (or U, unclassified).

5. Focus on languages: In Spain, there is a greater emphasis on learning languages, with students typically studying English and/or French throughout their Bachillerato studies. In the British system, language learning is also important, but not a requirement for students, we encourage students to take a Spanish IAL as far as possible.

6. University admission: In Spain, the Selectividad exam score is the primary factor used for university admission, while in the UK, universities also consider other factors such as personal statements, references, and interviews.

In summary, there is a definite difference between the British and Spanish assessment and grades achieved. For example, students who obtain the equivalent of an AAA offer in the UK has been achieved by approximately 23% of UK students in recent exams but the equivalent of Bachillerato and PAU of 9-10 is only achieved by 5-10% of Spanish pupils, thus making it much harder for Spanish pupils to enter universities. Both IAL’s and Bachillerato are internationally respected qualifications and will allow your child to flourish academically. Research supports the notion that the Bachillerato is a more challenging program and it's unlike any curriculum you'll ever encounter. The hardest part about the Bachillerato is the workload and the demands that need to be met are beyond any other high school program.