International Baccalaureate®

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Programme learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success.

They imply a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them.

Each of the IB®’s programmes is committed to the development of students according to the IB learner profile.

The profile aims to develop learners who are:

  • Inquirers
  • Knowledgeable
  • Thinkers
  • Communicators
  • Principled
  • Open-minded
  • Caring
  • Risk-takers
  • Balanced
  • Reflective

Students at International Baccalaureate® (IB) World Schools are given a unique education as the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) states in their website. The students will:

  • be encouraged to think independently and drive their own learning
  • take part in programmes of education that can lead them to some of the highest-ranking universities around the world
  • become more culturally aware, through the development of a second language
  • be able to engage with people in an increasingly globalised, rapidly changing world.

IB® students often perform better

IB® World School students develop strong academic, social and emotional characteristics. They are also likely to perform well academically – often better than students on other programmes.

Students on the IB® Diploma Programme (DP) are likely to enroll at top universities, and students on the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) outperform other students in a number of areas.

Ages 3 to 12.

  • Grade 1 and grade 2: 100 % in English with one Spanish module per day.
  • From grade 3 to grade 6: 80% English and 20% Spanish (1 day in English – 1 day in Spanish).
  • From years 3 to 4 Primary students are taught French and German simultaneously. As of year 5, students must choose between French or German (2 h / week).
  • Incorporation of chess as a curricular subject as of year 1 Primary Education during the first term.
  • Incorporation of “Alas para la mente” (computer programming 101) as a curricular subject as of year 1 Primary Education during the first term.
  • “Heroes del patio “, a coexistence programme where the students (with help from the Counselling Department) are in charge of detecting and resolving small conflicts in the playground.
  • Emotional intelligence, present in the day to day helping students to grow emotionally.
  • In grade 5 Primary, students complete the educational stage with an Exhibition: an inquiry project that takes place in groups according to their own interests.

In the IB® Primary Years Programme the children are prepared for lifelong independent learning and we encourage students to be active, caring, respectful and participative.

In grade 5 Primary students start the IB® Midle Years Programme.

DOWNLOAD THE PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME BROCHURE (PYP)

IB® teaching and learning is based on interaction between inquiry, action and reflection.

IB® pedagogy is expressed in every aspect of the Middle Years Programme teaching and learning experience with a focus on:

  • Concept-based learning
  • Inquiry
  • Language and identity
  • Diversity in learning and inclusion
  • Rigorous academic curriculum with meaningful assessment
  • Community Service

DOWNLOAD THE MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME BROCHURE

From 16 to 18 years of age.

  • Objective: to facilitate integration into the world of work and/or entry into higher education.
  • The Diploma Programme is taught in English or Spanish .
  • Option: the Diploma Programme in English or the Spanish (LOMCE) Baccalaureate with subjects from the Diploma Programme taught in English.
  • Dual Diploma, an official International Baccalaureate® qualification programme that allows students to obtain two simultaneous qualifications, the Spanish Bachillerato and / or the Diploma Programme and the American High School Diploma.
  • For students taking the LOMCE Bachillerato, the school offers three syllabuses: Science, Humanities and Social Sciences and Arts.

Students may opt between:

  • LOMCE Bachillerato. Enriched with subjects taught in English.
  • Diploma Programme. Entirely in English or Spanish, it promotes critical thinking, solidarity, intercultural understanding and respect. International educators participate in the assessment of this programme. It adheres to the highest and most demanding academic standards that allows access to foreign and Spanish universities.
  • University career’s guidance for Spain and abroad:
    • Baccalaureate students receive international academic guidance. We work on their strengths and professional interests to discover what they want to do in the future through career’s guidance sessions. Following this, their options are studied at an international and national level and they are helped to prepare the application (collection of documentation, preparation for exams, and other requirements specific to the programmes to which they apply).
    • Participation in fairs of foreign universities is also offered, such as the UK Universities Fair organised by the British Council.

DOWNLOAD THE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME BROCHURE

2023 IB Diploma Programme School Statistics

  • Number of students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 86
  • Number of candidate students who passed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 76
  • Average mark obtained by students who passed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 30,5 out of 45
  • World average mark obtained by students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 30,24 out of 45
  • Maximum mark obtained in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at SEK-El Castillo: 40 out of 45