Christopher Bromham
Principal of ICS
I would like to extend a warm welcome from International College Spain, a community of over 70 different nationalities.
As the only school in Madrid to offer the three International Baccalaureate programmes in English, we are very proud of our reputation for providing outstanding education. Our students consistently surpass global averages, study at top universities and go on to make a difference in the world.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 30 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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1050
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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72
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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We offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for your child if needed. EAL support is designed to help new students participate in the mainstream curriculum from their very first day at ICS. This means they are taught English through academic lessons which have been adapted to meet their needs.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Spanish, Dutch, Belgian. The school's curriculum recognises the importance of a strong native language as a base for learning. International College Spain supports students in more than 20 mother tongue languages including Hebrew, Arabic, German, Italian and Portuguese, amongst others.
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Max. number of students per class
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22
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Average number of students per class
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22
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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Yes, we do. You can find more information about our Virtual School Experience on our website: https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/madrid/curriculum-1/vse
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External examinations or assessments available
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IB Diploma
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Results in these examinations
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ICS students consistently surpass global averages for the IB Diploma.
he ICS Class of 2020 achieved a 100% Pass Rate from the 81 candidates entered for the full Diploma with an Average Diploma Score of 35 out of 45 points. This compares very favourably with the global average of all IB schools of 29.9 points.
14.8% of these passing Diplomas were on or above the 40 point mark with the highest score being 45 points. This too is well above world averages.
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes
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Approximate hours of homework given
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In the Primary School homework is set from Infants upwards and should never exceed one hour per week. Homework diaries are used to remind students of their assignments and also as a means of communication between parents and teachers.
In the Secondary School homework levels increase as they progress through the school. The following is a guide to the amount of homework expected on average:
G6-G7: 60-90 minutes per night
G8: 10 hours per week
G9-G10: 12-15 hours per week
G11-G12: 18-20 hours per week
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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9 out of 10 students go directly to university, with 1 in 5 going to institutions in the world’s top 50.
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Student access to education psychologist
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We have two ICS Counsellors who provide one-to-one support to both Primary and Secondary Students.
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Entry evaluation for students
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Subject testing and interview
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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Children are tested in English and Mathematics. They may be interviewed by the Head of School and appropriate subjects and levels considered.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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No deadline
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes
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School start time
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8:45 a.m.
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School finish time
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4:10 p.m.
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School bus service available
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Yes
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School provided lunches
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Yes. The school cafeteria offers healthy and balanced meals to support your child's nutritional needs.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes, we have several different menus available including vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and many more.
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Uniform required
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No
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Sports facilities at the school
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3 playgrounds, athletic track, outdoor field
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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International College Spain is an international community school that is committed to giving every child a truly global learning experience. It is the only school in Madrid to offer all three IB programmes in English.
The philosophy of the school is to provide students with a high quality international education which places a strong emphasis on fostering respect for other people’s identity and culture. This is achieved through the provision of a challenging curriculum which develops critical, principled thinking within a positive learning environment and which addresses the students’ academic, social, emotional, physical, technological, aesthetic and moral needs. The school also promotes an active interest in learning, enabling students to acquire the skills, attitudes and qualifications necessary for them to become successful, responsible citizens.
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Teaching approach of the school
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ICS responds to each child’s individual learning needs helping them to develop
essential learning skills while also playing to their own individual strengths.
Through the comprehensive, international programme, your child will:
• learn independence and self-discipline
• study in an atmosphere of mutual respect
• develop a deep appreciation of diverse opinions and cultures
• progress towards the IB Diploma Programme, your child will follow the
most internationally respected, learning-focused curricula in the world
ICS learning styles are:
- active - keeping the mind and body engaged and stimulated;
- fun - using collaborative learning techniques to ensure that learning is enjoyable;
- child-centred - ensuring that your child takes ownership for their own learning;
- rigorous - creating the highest of academic standards.
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Campus
Set in 3 hectares of beautiful gardens, ICS offers perfect surroundings for perfect learning. ICS is conveniently located just 10 minutes north of the city centre of Madrid, with excellent public transport links and a comprehensive list of bus routes.
Primary School students explore their creative talents in a dedicated arts and crafts centre, and benefit from an IT room, music rooms, a space for movement and dance, and three separate playgrounds. Early Years students have dedicated classrooms and a play area.
Secondary School facilities are set up to support students as they master a wide range of subjects. There are rooms for design technology, computer technology, art and design, music and drama. Students can explore the wonders of science in one of five science laboratories, or revise for their Diploma Programme in a dedicated study room.
Learning
ICS responds to each child's individual learning needs. IB courses, culminating in the IB Diploma, offer your child a curricula that helps them develop essential learning skills while also playing to their own individual strengths.
The learning experience at ICS uses a range of learning styles to ensure your child will develop a love of learning for life.
The learning styles are:
- active - keeping the mind and body engaged and stimulated;
- fun - using collaborative learning techniques to ensure that learning is enjoyable;
- child-centred - ensuring that your child takes ownership for their own learning;
- rigorous - creating the highest of academic standards.
Virtual Learning
For the times when the campus has to close, thanks to ICS' safe and secure virtual school platform, ICS is ready and equipped to continue inspiring your child with innovative lessons, unique learning opportunities and high-quality teaching as part of its blended learning approach.
Connecting its students to their classmates, teachers and unique global opportunities, ICS can deliver its curriculum in a highly personalised way both on and off campus.
ICS takes pride in delivering an outstanding education to every student, tailored to their individual learning needs and inspired by the global best practice even in challenging circumstances.
After School
ICS offers a programme of over 50 different extra curricular activities, clubs and sports for you and your child to enjoy. This includes clubs that challenge your child's creativity, leadership skills and team-building skills in fun ways.
