open-mindedness and curiosity through
engagement with the
natural world
The curriculum is treated as a meaningful whole as opposed to a collection of fragmented subjects.
Routines repeated daily, weekly and yearly provide for periods of intense focus and periods of rest, as rhythm and repetition support the development of will power and strengthen imagination.
Strong personal relationships are fostered, as teachers connect deeply with their students, remaining with the same students for many years.
For the younger students of the lower primary years, the lesson subjects are shaped to incorporate an abundance of physical and practical activities, which support this stage of development. As they get older, the curriculum content changes to provide a platform for self-expression and exploration.
We give great importance to a nurturing environment and we are alert to individual needs, neither rushing (and causing stress) nor holding back children.
There are no text books, rather the students create their own Main Lesson book for each subject based on the material presented by the class teacher.
During the rest of the school day, the students follow a timetable of lessons in other subjects which are taught by specialist teachers.
These lessons are on a fixed timetable throughout the year and include: Maths, English, Science, Spanish, Valenciano, German, Music, Art, Crafts, ICT, Gardening and PSHE (Personal and Social Health Education).
The Main Lesson books are carefully crafted and illustrated and are a record of the student’s progress over the year. The Main Lesson work is assessed by an evaluation that includes a peer assessment, a self-assessment and a teacher’s assessment. The Teacher’s assessment covers 4 areas depending on the subject including Content, Effort and Presentation. All Main Lesson blocks are taught by the Class teacher.
Residential trips and excursions are organised in conjunction with the Main Lesson areas of study.
There is a rhythm to the day, week and year and festivals are important. Teaching is pictorial and imaginative, the aim being to stimulate the intellect through activity, rhythm and imagination. Time is spent laying down good habits of classroom life and work, cultivating reverence for nature, respect for others and learning to connect with and care for the children’s environment. Writing is introduced, using pictures, rhymes and stories, and practised with form drawing and movement. Reading begins with the children’s own written work and familiar songs and poems. Listening and speaking skills are also practised, with nature stories and fairy tales from around the world. Number work is begun, again with pictures, rhymes and stories. The four processes are introduced and a start is made on learning times tables. The class begins learning the pentatonic flute, starts working with watercolours, and in handwork they begin by making their own knitting needles.
English Language Proficiency
For students in Key Stage 2 with lower levels of English proficiency, we offer extracurricular classes to help them improve their language skills and fully participate in the curriculum.
Class 6
Each school day begins with the students having Circle Time with their Class Teacher. Circle Time is an activity that aims to ensure that the students start their day feeling grounded, engaged and ready to learn. It involves games, poetry recitation, music, rhythmic exercises, and discussions on important and interesting themes.
Circle Time is then followed by the Main Lesson with their Class Teacher and lasts 1.5 hours. Each Main Lesson topic is studied daily over approximately three weeks, and some subjects (but not specific topics), such as English, occur more than once.
There is break time for 20 minutes at 10:25, followed by subject lessons (e.g. crafts, gardening, Spanish). Classes 1 and 2 have a longer Main Lesson period and later morning break. Their first snack is an integral part of the Main Lesson.
Teachers accompany primary students to the cafeteria at lunchtime where they will eat together. Lunch is from 12:25 to 13:10. Subject lessons continue after lunch with their class teacher until 15:30. At the end of the day, Class 1 children may be picked up earlier at 14:45 if preferred.
There are a range of after-school extracurricular activities which run from 15:45 to 16:45; a small monthly fee is payable for each activity. (link here to extra-curricular activities).
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