Secondary
KEY STAGE 3
Secondary education begins in KEY STAGE 3, from Year 7 to Year 9, with students aged approximately between 12 and 14 years.
Our holistic programme at Key Stage 3 offers an inquiry-based framework focusing on well-being, global skills, and core subjects (English, math, science, computing). It provides a flexible, forward-thinking approach that integrates project-based learning to build critical thinking, sustainability awareness, and academic resilience in students aged 11–14.
Key features of Key Stage 3 at ISCAT:
- Holistic Development & Well-being: The curriculum uniquely prioritizes student well-being alongside academic achievement, integrating mental and physical health into the learning process to foster a joyful, supportive environment.
- Future-Ready Skill Acquisition: It emphasizes “Global Skills Projects,” focusing on critical thinking, digital literacy, and collaboration, equipping students with the necessary tools for both personal and career success.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Core subjects such as science utilize inquiry-based methods, allowing students to explore, question, and deeply understand concepts rather than just memorizing facts.
- Seamless Progression to GCSE: The curriculum is designed to prepare students for academic success, ensuring a smooth transition to GCSE specifications.
- Comprehensive Assessment Support: It includes built-in formative and summative assessments, such as online quizzes and progress tracking, allowing teachers to monitor student development effectively.
All students in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 study the following subjects:
Mathematics
Science
Spanish
Performing Arts
Art and Design
History
Wellbeing
Geography
Physical Education
Computing
Global Skills
English Language & Literature
Sustainability
Catalan *
Historia y Geografía de Cataluña y España *
* * Our local authority (the Generalitat of Catalunya) requires all students to attend three hours of Spanish and three hours of Catalan weekly in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, of which History and Geography of Spain and Catalonia is a component. This is essential in order to convalidate Secondary studies locally (ESO) at the end of Year 11.
KEY STAGE 4
In KEY STAGE 4, during Year 10 and Year 11, students prepare for their IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations, taken at the end of Year 11. This is the ‘ESO’ equivalent in Spain and can be convalidated by Spanish and European law.
Here, the core, compulsory subjects are: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Spanish, Catalan, Physical Education, Computing and Wellbeing.
Catalan and Spanish are streamed at native and international levels.
In addition, students may choose up to three elective subjects from the following options:
Physics
Chemistry
English Literature
Art and Design
History
Business
Geography
GCSE Exams – Spanish ESO certificate
GCSE stands for the General Certificate of Secondary Education and offers the standard British secondary education certificate, equivalent to the Spanish ‘ESO’. It is an important exam in helping students to determine the subjects they will take at A levels and ultimately their future career path. Results in each GCSE subject are graded from 1 – 9.
Since bilateral agreements exist between the British Council and the local authority or Generalitat, students can convalidate their GCSE results to obtain the Spanish ESO certificate. This process is handled by our school office. Requirements for convalidation are as follows:
- A pass in 4 GCSE subjects obtaining a score of between 4 and 9 in each one secures convalidation. However, a pass in five GCSE subjects is essential to access third level colleges and universities.
- A pass in Historía y Geografía de España y Cataluña, Spanish and Catalan subjects.
Get to know us
Either through an online or in-person visit, we will be delighted to meet you, answer all your questions and guide you on your own personal journey through the stages of learning at ISCAT.
CURRICULUM
CONTACT US
Manuel Raspall, 8
08530 - La Garriga
Barcelona · Spain
Telephone: +34 938 41 40 77
E-Mail: info@iscat.es