Secondary school at ESA
KEY STAGE 3: AGES 11-14 | KEY STAGE 4: AGES 14-16
At The English School of Asturias, our Secondary Education programme spans five academic years, designed for students aged 11 to 16. During these years, students develop a solid academic, social and emotional foundation, supported by a team of dedicated teachers.
Alongside the British curriculum, students from Years 7-11 study lengua, geografia and historia Española, required subjects in the Spanish curriculum, as well as Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).
At the end of Key Stage 4, pupils sit IGCSE exams, the formal qualifications that mark the end of compulsory education in the British system. These exams can also be recognised as equivalent to the Spanish ESO, offering dual recognition and more educational options.
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Subjects in Key Stage 3
From Years 7-9 students study a broad array of subjects, based on the English national curriculum. This allows them to build a wide spectrum of skills and forms a solid foundation for their future studies.
The curriculum is adapted to foster critical thinking, initiative, and collaboration, ensuring that students develop the necessary skills to face the challenges of the future. During this phase, students work on interdisciplinary projects that integrate various areas of knowledge, promoting a holistic and applied understanding of their learning.
Core subjects:
- English language: Improving oral and written expression and comprehension of complex texts in English.
- Mathematics: calculus, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics.
- Science: biology, chemistry and physics, with a practical and experimental approach.
- Sociales: history, geography and social studies, held in Spanish.
- Spanish language and literature: Reading and analysis of literary texts in Spanish.
- French: introduction to learning a foreign language, with a practical approach.
- Arts and drama: fostering creativity through art, design and theatrical performances.
Subjects in Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4, students begin to specialize in subjects that align with their interests and future career aspirations. In addition to continuing their studies in core subjects, students have the opportunity to choose elective subjects that allow them to explore new areas of knowledge and gain a more personalized education.
Throughout Key Stage 4 we emphasize the development of skills for independent study and critical thinking. The students are given more responsibility for their learning, with a strong focus on preparing for IGCSE exams and future educational opportunities. Group projects, research tasks, and the use of technology for learning are key elements in the development of these skills.
What are IGCSEs?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a widely respected qualification that marks the end of compulsory secondary education in the British system. It provides a solid academic foundation and equips students for future study, whether students go on to study for A-levels.
IGCSE Options Blocks (Academic Year 2026 - 2027)
The following subject options are available for students for the 2026 - 2027 academic year:
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Block 1: Chemistry, English Literature, and Business.
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Block 2: Computer Science, Art, and Biology.
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Block 3: History, Geography, and Physics.
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Block 4: Biology, Business, Physics, and French.
Core subjects – studied by all students
- English Language and Literature: Refining academic writing and advanced reading comprehension in English, in preparation for the IGCSE Language and Literature exams
- Mathematics: Consolidating mathematical concepts and developing the skills to apply mathematical knowledge in order to solve increasingly complex problems in order to prepare for final exams (IGCSE).
- Science: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, with a focus on preparing for IGCSE exams. Learning through both theory and practical experiments.
- Spanish Language and Literature, preparing for the IGCSE in Spanish as a first language (or second language in the case of non-native speakers) and studying Lengua Castellana in accordance with the Spanish curriculum
- Spanish Social Studies: geografia e historia
- Physical Education: Encouraging the development of sports skills through a wide range of team and individual sports activities
Optional Subjects
Students choose 3 of the following subjects to study at IGCSE:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Business
- History
- Geography
- English Literature
- Art
- French
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