What are the key features of our bilingual primary education programme in Vigo?

The primary school stage is the foundation on which the entire educational process and the child's development is built. It is a crucial period in the life of any individual, where the fundamental foundations for continuous learning and personal growth are laid. On this premise, bilingual primary education offers the opportunity to acquire all these skills in two languages from an early age. This model combines the teaching of academic subjects with instruction in two languages, allowing students to develop language skills while acquiring the key skills of speaking, reading, writing and arithmetic.

Bilingual primary education in Vigo

In order to achieve the correct attainment of these skills, the curriculum must be designed in such a way that both languages are integrated in a balanced way in all areas of learning, avoiding a rigid separation between the native language and the second language. Thus, at O Castro British International School Vigo, bilingual primary education is taught in a comprehensive way, ranging from Key Stage 1 (from 5 to 7 years old) to Key Stage 2 (from 7 to 11 years old). During this stage, the curriculum is structured around the English National Curriculum.

Motivation, a key factor in bilingual primary education

The main objective of the programme in Vigo is for pupils to become fluent in both the native language and the second language, and this involves not only developing the ability to speak and understand, but also to read and write in both languages. In addition, this bilingual primary education environment fosters the development of cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Students learn to ask questions, seek answers and evaluate information objectively. Most importantly, motivation is worked on, as this aspect is key to cultivate a positive and stimulating learning environment. Motivation not only drives interest in knowledge, but also strengthens the learner's confidence and encourages persistence in the face of challenges. When students feel motivated, they are more willing to actively participate in lessons, explore new ideas and develop critical skills. Moreover, teaching that promotes motivation not only focuses on academic content, but also recognises and values students' individual interests, thus creating a meaningful link between learning and their daily lives.

In this process, teachers play a key role. At O Castro British International School we have a teaching team made up of almost one hundred highly qualified professionals with extensive international experience, competent in both languages and trained in teaching methodologies focused on bilingual primary education. Coming from different countries, they bring a cultural and pedagogical richness, which translates into a great benefit for the integral education of our students.

The teachers who teach bilingual primary education also work to promote greater student autonomy, provide an environment where children interact with their classmates and teachers, learning to work as a team, resolve conflicts and develop fundamental social and emotional skills such as empathy and cooperation. They also have tools that allow them to detect possible learning difficulties at an early stage in order to provide individualised support. To this end, both in this educational stage and in the rest, the school has a psycho-pedagogical office to provide support to students, families and teachers.

Learning outside the classroom

On the other hand, in addition to the classes taught in the bilingual primary education programme, a wide range of extracurricular activities are organised, both sporting and artistic. These not only give pupils the opportunity to organise their free time in a constructive way, but also actively contribute to their education, enabling them to develop social and cognitive skills. Moreover, participating in these activities can increase their self-esteem while encouraging them to make connections with peers who share similar interests.

Another benefit of bilingual primary education in Vigo is that it fosters an appreciation and understanding of different cultures. By learning a second language, students also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history, literature and traditions of other communities, which promotes tolerance and respect for cultural diversity. And because primary school should be a place where fundamental values such as honesty, respect, responsibility and tolerance are transmitted, the school fosters a sense of identity and belonging to the community.

Therefore, bilingual primary education not only broadens students' language skills, but also enriches their cognitive development, promotes cultural diversity and improves their academic performance. It is an invaluable investment in children's futures. If you would like to learn more about how bilingual primary education is taught in Vigo, book a personalised visit now.