Spanish curriculum at ESA
Preparing for a bilingual future
At The English School of Asturias, pupils follow the English national curriculum with additional elements of the national Spanish curriculum integrated alongside. By incorporating these elements of the Spanish education system we comply with current regulations and facilitate the recognition of qualifications and entry to Spanish universities.
Teachers in the Spanish department have developed a unique project-based learning model inspired by the British educational system in order to create greater consistency between the two sections of the school, and teachers work together across both systems to coordinate learning topics and develop a strong sense of community in both areas.
By the end of Year 11 (equivalent to 4º ESO) students have the option to apply for official recognition of their studies as equivalent to the Spanish compulsory secondary education diploma.
In Years 12 and 13 (equivalent to Bachillerato) students complete a full British A-Level programme while also taking two additional Spanish subjects that can enhance their admission scores for Spanish universities. These subjects follow the Spanish curriculum, are taught during regular school hours, and are assessed through external examinations administered by UNED.
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Spanish curriculum in Early Years
Spanish-language instruction increases progressively as children move through the school. In Early Years (equivalent to Spanish Preschool), students take Spanish Language as part of their studies. This ensures a strong bilingual foundation from a young age. Spanish is introduced orally and naturally, with the following objectives:
- Early familiarisation with the sounds and rhythm of Spanish
- Development of basic vocabulary (colours, numbers, family, routines)
- Understanding simple instructions
Spanish curriculum in Primary School
From Year 2 through Year 7 (corresponding to Spanish Primary Years), students study two subjects from the Spanish curriculum: Spanish language and literature, and social sciences. This dual approach allows them to meet the requirements of both systems.
The goal is to provide children with a broad understanding of the world while maintaining consistency with themes explored in English lessons. The curriculum is carefully coordinated with the English department so that children study similar topics in both languages at the same time. This alignment reinforces bilingual learning while avoiding unnecessary repetition across year groups.
Compulsory subjects in the Spanish system
Spanish language and literature
- Development of reading and writing skills in Spanish
- Reading comprehension and written expression
- Basic grammar and spelling
- Introduction to age-appropriate literary texts
Social sciences (Sociales)
- Topics in Spanish geography and history
- Social and cultural organisation
- Understanding of the local environment, traditions and heritage
Sociales content develops gradually according to age, beginning with topics such as family, school, and community before progressing to broader themes in geography and history, such as the water cycle, the topography of Asturias and the history of Spain.
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Spanish curriculum in Secondary School
In secondary school, the integration of the Spanish system is consolidated and deepened. Spanish language and literature, and geography and history, are taught separately in accordance with national guidelines set by the Ministry of Education of Spain and the Regional Ministry of Education of the Principality of Asturias. Teachers delivering these subjects meet all required qualifications established by the regional authorities.
At the end of Year 11 (4º de ESO), we prepare our pupils for the British external exams, the IGCSEs. These exams, along with core and elective subjects, guarantee access to further studies and can be homologated with the Spanish ESO.
Compulsory subjects:
Spanish Language and Literature
- Advanced grammatical analysis
- Text analysis.
- Formal written composition
- Introduction to Spanish and Latin American literature
Geography and History
- History of Spain – medieval, modern and contemporary
- Physical and human geography
- European and global contexts with an emphasis on Spain
Spanish curriculum in Sixth Form
In Year 12 and Year 13, pupils take A-level exams as the culmination of the British system, and also sit PCE exams (Specific Competence Tests). Our blended educational model allows for academic continuity across both systems, and students graduate as bilingual young people with qualifications from both the British and Spanish systems.
By studying for the PCE alongside A-levels, students enjoy:
- A dual academic pathway with official recognition of studies in Spain
- Access to both international and Spanish universities
What are the PCE exams?
The PCE are exams organised by UNED that enable students to gain entry to Spanish universities if they have been following a different education system, such as the British curriculum followed at ESA. By undertaking these exams, students obtain a mark equivalent to the EBAU.
PCE in Year 12 and Year 13
The school includes subjects that follow the curriculum of the second year of the Spanish sixth form and take part in PCE mock exams in preparation for the tests. Subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences
- Business and Business Model Design
- English
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