BILINGUAL PRIMARY SCHOOL IN MADRID
Fontenebro International School is a bilingual primary school with a different educational approach, based on language learning through a comprehensive educational process, which goes beyond the academic aspect.
WELCOME FROM THE PRIMARY COORDINATOR
Dear families,
We are Cristina and Mike, the Coordinators of Primary Education. We really consider ourselves lucky to be a part of this school and its educational programme, which puts learning above everything else.
Our goal is very clear: that every child in Primary has the opportunity to reach their full potential. There are a number of things that can help ensure this happens.
First of all, our children learn through the connections between their previous knowledge and their subjects, as well as the links to our surroundings and the real world. We follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) at the Primary level, and it allows us to offer an education that is interdisciplinary and ensures a more rounded learning experience for children.
We live by the philosophy of “learning by doing” starting in Early Years. This allows us to offer positive learning experiences in which the student is encouraged to touch, research, experiment and create.
We think there is a huge difference between knowledge and skills, and that more time needs to be set aside in class for our children to improve the skills they need to succeed in a constantly changing world.
We want our children to be good communicators, creative and cooperative, able to adapt to changes and to solve problems: we think these skills will be essential in the future.
However, we understand that children who are not happy will not give their best. This is why their wellbeing is our priority.
Welcome to our community and thank you for trusting us.
Cristina Béjar
Methodology of the bilingual education system
In our bilingual primary school we develop a bilingual educational methodology from primary school onwards, focused on linguistic immersion in English and Spanish, promoting a balanced mastery of both languages.
As is the case in other stages, Primary Education is bilingual. English is a classroom language, along with Spanish, and 60% of the classes are taught in English. To provide external recognition of language learning and to track our children’s progress, the English course covers preparation for the Cambridge exams, from Starters to the Preliminary English Test (B1).
We have native Teaching Assistants to boost our children’s oral and communication skills.
French or German is added to the curriculum as a third language from Year 4 of Primary.
International Primary Curriculum
At Fontenebro International School, the International Primary Curriculum is developed between the ages of 6 and 12 through a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. We incorporate global educational standards, covering key areas such as mathematics, science, arts and humanities, enriching learning with continuous language practice. We prepare our students to be critical thinkers and active citizens of the world, while developing high language skills throughout the primary grades.
INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY CURRICULUM
INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY CURRICULUM
A program with a methodology designed to guarantee deep and active learning. From the first year of our primary school, he teaches a double curriculum: international and Spanish. This stimulates curiosity from the connections between subjects, and in the process we impart enriching knowledge.
The 10 things that IPC can teach your child
- he International Primary Curriculum is followed in 1,000 schools in 65 countries around the world. It was launched in 2000 after three years of development by a group of outstanding experts in children’s learning from different countries.
- The goal of IPC is to get children to focus on a combination of academic, personal and international learning. We want our children to enjoy learning, to develop inquisitive minds and the confidence they need to become good citizens of the world. Children develop a sense of their own nationality and culture while maintaining a profound respect for other nationalities and cultures.
- Children learn in a series of work units. Each unit is based on a topic of interest that is relevant to children today, such as: Human Beings, Climate Control and Feeling the Force. Each work unit involves between four and eight hours of work on average, and the children study many of their subjects within a common topic, so that their learning is relevant to them.
Personal objectives
- Linking the subjects means that our children can make plenty of connections as they learn. We now know that the more connections there are in the brain, the better the child’s capacity to learn.
- Developing skills is a very important part of IPC. This also applies to the personal learning goals, which boost our children’s capacities for adaptation, perseverance, consideration, cooperation and respect.
- The IPC is not just about learning topics. Although learning is based on topics, the results of learning are broad enough to ensure that our children are learning exactly what they need to.
- The IPC focuses on a combination of knowledge, skills and comprehension. Nobody can accurately predict what kind of work and life opportunities our Primary children will come across as adults. Many of the jobs they will have do not exist today, especially in the areas of ITC, technology and science. The IPC therefore takes a skills-based approach to teaching children to be adaptable and flexible and have a global outlook. Children are prepared to live and work in a world in constant change.
- The IPC was designed to work with children of all levels with all kinds of learning styles, and to encourage group learning as well as individual learning.
- Parents are sent a letter at the start of each IPC unit to let them know what their children will be studying. It explains the content of the programme and how the parents can help from home if they want to. This starts from the second term.
- The continuous development of the IPC ensures that children are studying a curriculum that is up to date and highly relevant, based on the latest research in brain function and children’s learning.
Primary subjects in English and Spanish
At Fontenebro International School the English and Spanish curriculum in Primary represents an exceptional opportunity for our students. This practice fosters deep bilingual competence from an early age, improving cognitive skills and mental flexibility. In addition, learning in two languages enriches cultural understanding and prepares students for a globalised future. This bilingual approach not only increases academic and professional opportunities, but also enhances our students’ empathy and intercultural communication.
STAGE SUBJECTS
ENGLISH SUBJECTS
- Social Science
- Social Nature
- Communication Skills
- ICT
- Arts
- Drama
- English
SPANISH SUBJECTS
- Lengua y Literatura
- Matemáticas
- Educación Emocional
- Educación Física
- Música
- Valores/ Religión
OTHER SUBJECTS
- Francés o Alemán (A partir de 4º de Primaria)
Extracurricular Activities
At Fontenebro International School, we enrich the educational experience with extracurricular activities for all our students and their families. We offer everything from music to sports, performing arts and dance. Our schools specialising in swimming, Chinese and lifeguarding complement the academic training of our pupils. In addition, we organise weekend activities such as trekking and mountain biking, ideal for the whole family to enjoy. These activities foster skills, passions and community spirit, opening up new opportunities for students and their families.
Eco School
Fontenebro International School is proud to be recognised as an ECO-SCHOOL with the ADEAC Green Flag in 2017. This award reflects our commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Our ECOESCUELA programme integrates ecological practices into the curriculum and daily life of the school, encouraging our students to take active responsibility for the environment and its conservation.
We want to make our children aware of the importance of caring for the environment and responsible consumer habits from a very young age. In addition, we have a Oerganic garden. This is where our students plant vegetables and learn the importance of the sustainable use of resources and their environmental impact.
Programme of Schools Committed to Sport
At Fontenebro International School our Schools Committed to Sport Programme stands out for its aim to promote physical activity and sport among our students. This programme not only aims to improve physical fitness, but also to instil values such as teamwork, discipline and respect.
We offer a wide variety of sports that allow students to explore their interests and abilities, promoting a healthy lifestyle and holistic wellbeing from the primary grades onwards.
¿Why choose Fontenebro International School in Madrid?
Learn why our families have chosen us for the educational development of their children!
Recognised academic track record in the educational community
Fontenebro International School enjoys a widely recognised academic track record in the educational community, due to our constant pursuit of excellence and pedagogical innovation.
Our global approach and advanced methodology allow students to develop in a stimulating and challenging environment. Through years of outstanding results and an unwavering commitment to educational quality, we have established a legacy of education that prepares students for a bright future.
Highly qualified teaching staff committed to educational excellence.
Highly qualified teaching staff committed to educational excellence.We have a team of highly qualified, native-speaking teachers. Our teaching staff are committed to the holistic development of each student, adapting their teaching methods to individual needs and promoting an inclusive and motivating learning environment.
The continuous training of our teaching staff guarantees a constant updating with the latest trends and pedagogical tools, thus ensuring a quality education.
Official Examination Centre for Cambridge (English), Goethe (German) and Delf (French)
As an Official Examination Centre for Cambridge, Goethe and DELF, Fontenebro International School offers students the opportunity to obtain official certifications in English, German and French. This not only strengthens the international profile of our students, but also provides a significant advantage in the academic and professional world. These certifications are a reflection of our rigorous language preparation and commitment to multilingual competence.
Modern and safe facilities for excellent learning
Our facilities include the following.
- Heated swimming pool
- Indoor sports centre
- Basketball court
- Voleibol court
- Regulation indoor football and handball court
- Judo court with tatami mat
- Climbing wall
- Biology and Geology
- Physics and Chemistry
- Technology and Robotics
- Technical drawing
- Multi-purpose and audiovisual classroom
- Computer and internet rooms
- Plastic arts and music classroom
- Media Lab: Radio, TV and newspaper studio
- Library
- Canteen
Admissions and enrolment process
If you need more information about our admissions process, contact our enrolment department.
