The Aims of St. Anne’s School

Our aim is to form the complete individual for the professional and social world of today and the future. Students are encouraged to assume responsibility, to take the initiative as leaders, to establish clear values, to participate in a wide variety of activities, to be conscious of the world around them and to practise tolerance and sharing in a family atmosphere.

Education in St. Anne’s

St. Anne’s School was established in 1969 and has been a Mixed Centre offering a bilingual education on the lines of the British System of Education. As is required in International Schools, full attention is given to the Spanish Language, Literature, Social Studies, traditions and culture, which are the essential heritage of the students. Working in both languages gives them flexibility and a capacity to adapt to any other system of education or training. With their second foreign language, added in Secondary school, our students will have the opportunity to go on to higher education or to work in Europe or in any English or Spanish speaking communities.
In accordance with the formation of the majority of students, the religious denomination of the school is Roman Catholic: the National Curriculum requires that schools attend to religious and moral education at all levels. The Parents’ Association attends assiduously to preparation for the pupils First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the local parish.
Students of all denominations are welcome and have little difficulty incorporating into this area, given the ethical manner in which the subject is taught.
Discipline is considered essential in the students’ life but the discipline imposed is one which involves the student becoming a responsible member of the community, in a friendly atmosphere governed by reason to ensure the progress, well-being and understanding required and to reinforce the notion of self-discipline.
A Head Boy, Head Girl and Prefects represent the students. The Prefects encourage their companions to participate fully in school life and to assume their share of responsibility as they grow and mature. Through their representatives, the students make valuable contributions at staff meetings in each school term.
Each student is a world in itself and is considered individually. Our final aim has always been to give the greatest possible attention to his / her moral, academic, social, cultural and creative development in an atmosphere of discipline, mutual respect and friendship to form the person in the most complete manner possible. These students are our future.
Students come to school and at once enter into a dynamic, planned programme of learning experiences guided by a team of trained British teachers assisted by Spanish nurses, who carefully select the material and equipment to prepare the pupils to cope socially, emotionally and academically with the process of learning. The atmosphere is a happy one where students are trained to demand of themselves, to be self-sufficient and to be receptive to the learning programme. The School is co-educational and officially recognised from 3 years of age.

Primary Education

This section of the school is officially recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a Mixed Centre. The programme of studies is similar to that offered in British Schools, with the addition of Spanish Language and Social Studies, as required by the Ministry of Education. The stipulations of both the National Curriculum and the LOGSE are implemented, English Studies taught by specialist British Primary teachers occupying about 75% of the timetable. Students are taught to be independent and are given a solid foundation in both Spanish and English Language, Mathematics and Science. Emphasis is laid on reading and the use of the school library.
From the start students are trained to be self-sufficient, to understand the need for discipline, order and method in studies and to develop correct habits, attitudes and behaviour.The atmosphere is pleasant and the work demanding. The needs of the pupils are identified and where special attention is required a team of teachers provides the necessary support. This system works on an individual basis and through close contact with parents, tutors, teachers and student.

Secondary Education

This section is subject to regular inspection by both Spanish and British Education Ministries. The Spanish requirements for Spanish Language, Literature, Sociales and Conocimiento del Medio are fully implemented. The rest of the curriculum is taught in English by fully qualified British teachers and our students are prepared for London University G.C.E. examinations and University of Cambridge I.G.C.S.E. The school is an officially recognised centre for both examination boards and has always enjoyed extremely satisfactory results.
Our experience in the past has shown that the bilingual method followed at St. Anne’s provides our students with the best of both the Spanish and British systems. The addition of French as a third language permits our students to opt for studying in Spain, Europe, the U.S.A. or in any Higher Education System that admits students who have either Spanish or British qualifications.

Examinations

At St Anne’s School we offer a wide range of external examinations to our pupils.

Extra Curricular Activities

In addition to the academic studies, St. Anne’s has always offered a wide range of activities, which complete the students’ day. These activities include German, extra French, Judo and Fencing (with professional tuition from the Spanish Olympic trainers), Dance, Ballet, Tennis, Paddle, Football, Chess, Music, Theatre Studies and Computer Studies.
During the course of the year at St. Anne’s the students are involved in additional extra curricular activities such as musical and theatrical productions, visiting museums and Centres of educational value, receiving careers education and taking part in excursions of a social and cultural nature.
There is also a programme of activities for adults.

Our exchange system with Gordonstoun School

St. Anne’s School has an established exchange system with one of the United Kingdom’s finest educational establishments. Gordonstoun School stands in a picturesque woodland area within walking distance of sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches on the beautiful coast of the Moray Firth in Scotland. Our students have enjoyed regular visits to Gordonstoun where they integrate into the school life with ease and practise their English, making new friends and enjoying the wonderful facilities the school offers.