Secondary School
Secondary classes at O Castro British International School
Secondary school is made up of Key Stages 3 & 4, with Key Stage 4 culminating in the IGCSE exams. In addition to teaching core subjects and preparing our students for their exams, our secondary courses are designed to equip students with the critical, analytical and rational thinking skills necessary to enable them to become proactive, confident and successful members of society.
Oral and written communication skills in English, Spanish, French and Galician are developed throughout the secondary stage and creativity and cooperation continue to play an important role. We believe that responsibility and self-discipline are essential tools for the personal and academic development of every student.
The key elements of the secondary curriculum are as follows:
Curriculum and assessment in Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 represents a crucial period in students' education, covering the ages of 11 to 14. During this phase, the curriculum broadens and deepens, encompassing a wide range of subjects to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that will prepare them for later educational stage (Key Stage 4). Assessments in this Key Staeg focus not only on formal exams but also on projects, practical work, and collaborative activities, offering a comprehensive view of each student's performance and development. This holistic approach is essential for identifying areas for improvement and celebrating achievements, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Key Stage 3 students have access to a wide range of subjects that fully prepare them for the next stage of their education at Key Stage 4: Art and Design, Drama, Computing, English, French, History, Geography, Music, P.E. (Physical Education), Mathematics, Science, P.S.H.E. (Personal, Social and Health Education), Lengua Española, Lengua Gallega and Ciencias Sociales (Y 7) / Geografía e Historia (Y 8/9).
Key Stage 4 at O Castro
In Key Stage 4, students specialise by choosing subjects according to their academic and professional interests. At the end of Year 11, they sit the official exams set and assessed by the external Cambridge and Edexcel Examination Boards, who will measure their skills and abilities, which in turn will allow them to gain the Spanish Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education.
Key Stage 4 subjects
Compulsory: Mathematics, English First Language, English Second Language, English Literature, Science (double award), P.E. and P.S.H.E.
Option: French, Portugues, History, Geography, Computer Science, Art & Design, Music and Business.
Spanish Curriculum: Lengua Castellana y Literatura, Lengua Gallega y Literatura and Geografía e Historia.
Developing key skills
Following on from The Journey, O Castro British International School offers from Year 9 onwards the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh International Programme, which gives young people the opportunity to discover themselves and overcome their limitations, inviting them to set their own challenges and overcome them. O Castro British International School thus becomes the only school in Vigo and its area to offer this enriching programme, which is also highly respected and valued in the field of university entrance applications, as well as by companies and institutions and enhances such important soft skills as leadership, problem solving, teamwork, solidarity and resilience, among others.
Support and guidance
All our students receive support and guidance from specialised staff throughout their secondary education, as they select subjects for IGCSE and begin to think about the subjects they would like to take for A-level. We help students to define their interests, with a view to planning further academic study, and evaluate potential professional careers. In addition, our Pastoral Care and Safeguarding teams work closely with secondary school staff to ensure the emotional well-being of our students.
We believe that responsibility and self-discipline are essential tools.