At Shackleton International School, we follow the British Education System while also complying with the legal requirements set by the Government of Spain. In accordance with current regulations, all authorised foreign schools must teach Spanish Language and Spanish Culture. Furthermore, as our school is located in the Valencian Community, learning Valencian — as a co-official language — is compulsory for all pupils. Shackleton delivers these subjects in line with the guidelines established by the Conselleria d’Educació of the Generalitat Valenciana.
In early childhood education, the focus is on promoting oral language development and establishing the groundwork for future reading and writing skills. Our approach is playful and participatory, encouraging children to actively enjoy the process of language learning. We facilitate immersion through practical, contextualised projects, enabling children to learn Spanish by using it in meaningful ways.
As students progress beyond the foundational stage, the emphasis shifts to achieving fluency in Spanish. Our comprehensive language program includes reading, speaking, grammar, writing, and vocabulary, providing students with the tools they need to become fluent.
From Year 3 onwards, we offer courses in Lengua Castellana (Spanish), Español como Lengua Extranjera ELE (Spanish as a Second Language), Valenciano, Ciencias Sociales (Humanities), and Historia (History)
Lengua Castellana is tailored for native speakers and students with high proficiency in Spanish.
Español como Lengua Extranjera ELE is aimed at students who are new to the language, with the goal of supporting their gradual transition into the Spanish Language programme. This differentiated instruction ensures that each pupil receives teaching tailored to their individual needs and language abilities, promoting inclusion and success in language learning.
Valenciano is introduced from Year 3, where students develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The curriculum also includes cultural elements, such as regional holidays, to provide a rich and immersive learning experience.
In accordance with educational authority requirements, we teach Spanish culture through the subjects of Ciencias Sociales in primary education and Historia in secondary education. This curriculum ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of their cultural heritage.
Our language and cultural education programs are designed to foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment, preparing students to be fluent and culturally aware members of the community.
