CURRICULUM
INTERNATIONAL & SPANISH CURRÍCULUM
At Fontenebro International School we offer an exceptional education based on a combination of the Spanish curriculum and world-renowned international programmes. This integration allows our students to receive a complete and balanced education, developing both academic competencies and global skills essential for today’s world.
From Early Years to Baccalaureate, our programmes are designed to foster critical thinking, creativity and problem solving in a bilingual and multicultural environment.
TEACHING THAT IS TAILORED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EACH CHILD, ENABLING US TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS, ABILITIES AND SELF-ESTEEM
We are very thorough in our tutorial work and in communicating with families. Our student-to-teacher ratio is excellent: there is one teacher to every seven students. Our students work in small groups of 18 on average, with never more than 22 pupils in a class. We offer a personalised support service for the students that need it, ensuring that no one is left behind, as well as for the most able students to give them the challenge they need. This support is offered by a second teacher in the classroom in Primary. In Secondary, this personalised support service is offered in all core subjects (Spanish, mathematics, English).
BILINGUALISM AND A CLEAR INTERNATIONAL VOCATION
We are a Spanish-English bilingual school, and we add a third language in Year 4 of Primary (either French or German). There is 100% immersion in English during Early years for our 1, 2 y 3 years. We are an official Examination Centre for Cambridge (English), Goethe (German) and Delf (French). Preparation for these exams is included in the school day. We have Teacher Assistants, native-speaking staff specialised in improving the English pronunciation and communication skills of our children. We foster multilingual learning, an open-minded and global mentality that enables our children to navigate international and multicultural environments successfully.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Our children become accustomed to using state-of-the-art technology from an early age. We introduced the Google for Education platform, so that technology can be incorporated into all educational activities. Google Classroom is the ideal place to organise homework and projects in all subjects, enabling teamwork among children and teachers both in the classroom and at home. With their programming, electronics and robotics projects, our children take part in the First Lego League each year. This is an international competition that stimulates our children’s interest in science and technology, developing their problem-solving, team-work and communication skills. All our classrooms are equipped with digital whiteboards, and our teachers use the most advanced learning in all subjects.
All our students have Chromebooks, tablets that enable them to work on and prepare all kinds of projects. Lessons on new technologies, BQ robotics, electronics, scratch etc. all form part of our school day.
International Curriculum in Primary and Secondary
At Fontenebro International School we develop international curricula that inspire students to become global citizens. Through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the Middle Years Curriculum (MYC), our students explore global issues and develop fundamental skills that prepare them to face the challenges of the 21st century.
Early Years
Our Early Years stage is designed to provide a solid foundation in early learning, focusing on children’s emotional, social and cognitive development. Through an approach based on play and exploration, we stimulate curiosity and a love of learning from day one.
In addition, we incorporate activities in English to encourage early language immersion, ensuring holistic growth in a safe and stimulating environment.
During this stage, our pupils are able to assimilate a language easily, which is why we insist on the importance of learning English during the infant years.
International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
Our students develop skills such as collaboration, communication and problem solving while exploring interdisciplinary concepts in science, art, technology and more.
IPC also emphasizes personal and community development, preparing students to be responsible and empathetic leaders. During these courses we also place special emphasis on language learning, so that they will be able to express themselves fluently in any circumstance, once they have passed this stage.
Middle Years Curriculum (MYC)
In Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) we adopt the Middle Years Curriculum (MYC) programme, which complements the requirements of the Spanish curriculum with an international focus.
This programme challenges students to deepen their academic knowledge while developing skills such as critical thinking and research.
Through MYC, we encourage reflective learning and connections between subjects, enabling students to understand how to apply their knowledge to real-life contexts.
EMOTIONAL EDUCATION AND EDUCATION IN VALUES
Emotional education is part of our education programme. We provide a full emotional education programme from the age of 3 until the Year 4 of Secondary in collaboration with the Botín Foundation, which promotes our children’s emotional, intellectual and social growth, encourages communication and improves coexistence. We use this programme to help our children get to know and trust themselves, understand others, recognise and express emotions and ideas, develop self-control and self-respect, learn to take responsible decisions, manage their emotions, value and care for their health and improve their social and communication skills.
This allows us to commit to society and the world. Both the school and our students engage in volunteer programmes and charity initiatives (collective tuck shop, a fund-raising marathon, fund-raising markets, etc.) in aid of major humanitarian organisations.
Baccalaureate
We offer both the Spanish Bachillerato and international programmes, ensuring that each student can choose the pathway that best suits their future goals.
Personalised guidance, combined with a rigorous focus on academic and personal development, ensures that our graduates are ready to enter the world’s most prestigious universities.
During these courses we help our students acquire the communication skills they will need in their academic and professional future.
Bilingual Education
At Fontenebro International School bilingual education is one of our fundamental pillars. From the earliest years, our students are immersed in an environment where English and Spanish are naturally integrated into their daily lives. This allows them to acquire advanced linguistic competence in both languages, strengthening their ability to communicate effectively in a globalised world.
Languages in Extracurricular Activities
We recognise that language learning is not limited to the classroom, so we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities where English is the main language. From drama and music to sports and debating clubs, these activities allow students to improve their language skills while enjoying enriching and fun experiences outside of school hours.
Environmental Education. ECO-SCHOOL
As part of our commitment to the environment, at Fontenebro International School we are an Eco-School. This programme integrates environmental education into our curriculum, promoting sustainability and respect for nature.
Our pupils actively participate in ecological projects such as recycling processes, resource conservation and school gardens, developing an environmental awareness that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Differences between the Spanish and International Curriculum
The Spanish and international curricula have key differences that enrich the educational experience at Fontenebro International School.
While the Spanish curriculum focuses on meeting national standards and developing specific competencies, the international curriculum takes a broader and more flexible approach, emphasising project-based learning, interdisciplinarity and global skills.
By combining both approaches, we ensure that our students receive a well-rounded and balanced education that prepares them to excel both locally and internationally.
If you need more information about our educational programmes, please contact our school and discover the advantages of our educational curricula.
TEACHING THAT IS TAILORED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EACH CHILD, ENABLING US TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS, ABILITIES AND SELF-ESTEEM
We are very thorough in our tutorial work and in communicating with families. Our student-to-teacher ratio is excellent: there is one teacher to every seven students. Our students work in small groups of 18 on average, with never more than 22 pupils in a class. We offer a personalised support service for the students that need it, ensuring that no one is left behind, as well as for the most able students to give them the challenge they need. This support is offered by a second teacher in the classroom in Primary. In Secondary, this personalised support service is offered in all core subjects (Spanish, mathematics, English).
HIGH ABILITY PROGRAMME
At Fontenebro International School we are a leading school for highly gifted students in Madrid. Our High Ability Programme is designed to address the specific needs of those students who demonstrate exceptional performance or outstanding talents in different areas. In addition, our specialised teachers are trained in the education of highly gifted students, ensuring an appropriate methodology.
SECURITY
We carry out checks on people entering and leaving the school and the prior authorisation of parents is an essential pre-requisite for allowing your children to leave with any other person.
LIGHTING AND EVIRONMENT
The school has large windows, well-lit spaces for Early Years, classrooms with plenty of light and excellent views of the surroundings. There is LED lighting in all areas of the school.
CONVIVENCIA ENTRE LOS ALUMNOS
We are proud of the low level of conflict in the school and the atmosphere of trust.
We have a Scheme for Respecting Others, Disciplinary Regulations and an Intervention Protocol for cases of bullying. Handbook