Attention
we hold deep
respect for each child and their individual development
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Our thriving community nurtures academic excellence, artistic expression, and inner balance, with personalised instruction supporting individual growth.
AIS is a place where children and teens can be authentic.
educational
pillars
of
AIS
educational
pillars of
AIS
educational
pillars of
AIS
educational pillars of
AIS
The national curriculum is organised into blocks of years called ‘key stages’ (KS)
The British National Curriculum: We observe the rigorous National Curriculum of England, with English as the medium of instruction, ensuring our students receive a high-quality, internationally recognised education. This foundation equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in further studies and future careers.
AIS embraces the holistic principles of Steiner-Waldorf education, which emphasise the importance of nurturing the whole child – intellectually, creatively, and emotionally. This approach encourages critical thinking, artistic expression, and social responsibility, preparing students to become well-rounded, compassionate individuals.
Our engagement with our community involves regular parent meetings, class events, and school fairs that help foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Our termly festivals showcase student learning and creativity, celebrating the achievements of our students within this supportive community environment. And our family excursions into the local countryside offer opportunities to connect with nature and each other.
Together, we strive to create a nurturing and inspiring school environment where every student can thrive, develop a lifelong love of learning, and contribute positively to the world.
Orientation
Rudolf Steiner
In keeping with the Steiner ethos, we aim to provide an unhurried and creative learning environment, where interest is nurtured by experiential learning. The core subjects of the curriculum, designed to work in harmony with the different phases of the student’s development, include a balance of artistic, practical and intellectual content.
Through mindfulness, we aim to create a calmer, more focused, and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to manage stress, navigate challenges, and cultivate positive relationships with themselves and others. We believe that these skills are essential for academic success, personal well-being, and a fulfilling life.
We integrate mindfulness practices into various aspects of school life, including circle time, subject lessons and assemblies. These practices can range from simple activities like sitting and eating in silence to learning about meditation and relaxation techniques to engaging in thoughtful discussions about relevant topics as a community.
- We foster an international community environment in which cultural, religious and ethnic diversity is valued.
- We cultivate an appreciation of individual gifts and differences.
- We honor and celebrate life and the interconnectedness of all living things.
- We aim to cultivate in our students a sense of wonder and reverence toward the natural world, experiencing the wisdom of nature as a guiding force.
- In celebrating the passage of time through seasonal festivals, we connect children with one another and with the earth, fostering an appreciation for life, the natural environment, and our human cultures.
Creativity is nurtured through an approach that focuses on integration of artistic activity with academic instruction. Our offer at AIS is a rich balance of academics, art, music, drama, handwork and movement, - a holistic curriculum that helps to build individual abilities and self-confidence.
“After all, the function of education is to turn out an integrated individual who is capable of dealing with life.”
J. Krishnamurti
AIS offers Primary Education for key stages 1-2.
Secondary is key stages 3-4.
AIS offers a diverse core, as well as languages and humanities subjects at key stage 5.
We emphasise the open and regular communication between students, parents, and teachers and discourage stressful high-stakes academic testing. By combining a variety of assessment methods, maintaining comprehensive records, and fostering open communication between teachers and parents, we aim to create a learning environment where every student feels seen, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.
At AIS, we believe that a balanced approach to assessment, utilising both formative and summative methods, provides the most comprehensive understanding of student progress and informs our teaching practices. Our assessment policy serves two essential purposes: to support learning and to establish standards.
The former identifies areas that need to be focused on, sets appropriate tasks and characterises the student’s approach, attitude and ability within the context of their development.
The second form of assessment provides data that can be quantified, relates to specific attainments and states what a student can or cannot do according to an objectively set standard. This is the form used by external exam moderation boards for IGCSE and A-levels exams.
The British Council through The National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS): This accreditation ensures that we adhere to the highest standards of British education by delivering a recognised and respected curriculum.
The Ministry of Education of the Generalitat Valenciana: This authorisation confirms our compliance with Spanish educational regulations and standards, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in both national and international contexts.
Primary: Key stages 1-2: school years 1-6
Secondary: Key stages 3-4: school years 7-11
Sixth form: Key stage 5: school years 12 and 13
- Observations of student work and class participation
- Encouraging self-assessment and peer assessment
- Conversations and conferences with students and parents
The curriculum works towards IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) at Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 4, the timetable differs according to the student’s individual option choices. For students studying for the official iGCSE exams, AIS is currently offering the following subjects:
Mandatory subjects are - Maths, English language or English as a second language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (as a Combined Science qualification), and Spanish.
Beyond the five mandatory subjects, students choose three more subjects from different option groups, including the subjects: Art, Business Studies, Computer Science, Drama, Geography, German, ICT (BTEC), Music, and Physical Education. The subject range depends on student choices. In the future more BTEC options will be on offer.
Students will take the British GCSEs at 16, equivalent to the Spanish ‘graduado escolar’ allowing access to post-16 study programmes, both Spanish and international.
The student’s entry to university relies on the A-levels chosen and the results achieved. Specific universities and different countries have a range of criteria. Find out more information on the acceptance of A-levels in different countries here. (Insert her link to the PDF). The basic entry requirement for a Spanish university, for example, is two or more A level passes. Up to 4 AS and A-Levels are validated.
At Key Stages 4 and 5, although these students are following a more rigorous academic curriculum, we do not lose sight of our school ethos, which is to prepare rounded balanced young people, ready for the challenges of adult life.
Ages 6-11
to a better world through
a holistic educational approach
The AIS curriculum is a meaningful whole as opposed to a collection of fragmented subjects. We use formative, ungraded assessments to monitor progression.
Our offer at AIS is a rich balance of academics, art, music, drama, handwork and movement – a curriculum that is lively and current, designed to help form an understanding of the world and our relation to it.
Years 8-11/
Ages 13-18
and emotional wellbeing.
AIS main educational priority is to create an enriching school environment in which adolescents can enjoy their learning years. We prepare our students for the future in all aspects of their lives so that they continue developing self-awareness and confidence alongside the skills needed to access their next steps in education and life choices.
With tutors guiding learners throughout their educational journey, lasting relationships are formed.
Years 12-13/
Ages 17-18
Throughout Key Stages 4 and 5, we strive to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields. Our curriculum emphasises critical thinking, discernment, and creative decision-making. We aim to foster self-awareness, confidence, and a sense of responsibility as students prepare to become active contributors to society.
4-9, 10-12, 13-15
programme
2024
Cami de l'Ermita 12
Alfaz del Pi 03580
Cautivador 18
La Nucia 03530
General Email email: info@altea-international-school.es
Admissions Email email: admissions@altea-international-school.es