Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
1040 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
50 |
| Most common nationality |
Spanish |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
32% Spanish 68% International |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes, we have a specialist English Language Development department. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish, French, German |
| Max. number of students per class |
25 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
As an Apple Distinguished School technology is creatively embedded into the curriculum for all student from the age of 3. Primary children have access to iPads in the classrooms, while every Secondary student is provided with a Macbook. |
| 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) |
Sotogrande International School offers high-quality uninterrupted learning during any circumstance, by transforming our educational environment accordingly. Our innovative hybrid system affords us the agility to deliver both in-class learning and/or live online lessons. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
We are a nondenominational school. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma
|
| Results in these examinations |
Academic results are consistently excellent, with both MYP and Diploma students achieving well above world average scores year after year. 2019 saw fifteen students achieved an impressive 40+ points in the IB Diploma, and two students achieved a near perfect score of 44 |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes, we believe that learning outside school should be meaningful and it should promote students’ abilities to master the skills and concepts learned in the classroom. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Dependent on the school year of the student. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
98% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes, SIS is committed to an ethos of inclusivity and promotes an inclusive approach to education, increasing access to learning, engagement and actively seeking to remove barriers to learning. |
| Learning support offered |
We have developed a Learning Support Programme designed to respond positively to each student’s unique learning profile and provide support to students with diverse learning needs. Learning Support incurs an additional cost. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
As a school, our approach is to support all students to explore their unique gifts and talents. To this end, our GAT programme is in place across the school community, in all classes, through differentiated activities, differentiated instruction and extension tasks. Identification of "gifted students" through our cognitive ability testing, teacher observation and engagement, enables staff to further challenge our able learners in all areas of academic performance, providing a programme to enrich their learning experience and a platform for them to access great heights... |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Students applying for Secondary school are required to sit placement tests in Mathematics and English language, and have an interview.
|
| Waiting list |
Yes, for some year groups. Please enquire for the most up to date information. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
As an International School we understand that many families move to the area at short notice, so we operate a year-round rolling admissions policy where, upon successful application, students can be admitted throughout the school year (providing we have availability) |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:50 |
| School finish time |
15:40 Primary School
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
After School Club runs until 6pm. Full details and cost available on request. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Our cantina offers a variety of healthy meals every day, in addition to working to educate our students about the importance of eating well. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
At SIS we have an enormous array and variety of extra-curricular activities and pride ourselves on creating opportunities for students to follow their passion. From sports to drama, MUN to robotics we aim to provide activities to help children develop their own unique interests, gifts and talents. |
| Sports activities included |
We offer a wide variety of sports in order to give our students the opportunity to discover their passions and learn skills for life. Activities include; swimming, basketball, netball, football, dance, gymnastics, water polo, polo, handball and athletics. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
We compete in many sporting events, both locally and internationally. These include; swimming, athletics, football, netball, basketball and rugby.
|
| Sports facilities at the school |
Our outstanding sporting facilities include; covered swimming pool, football pitch, running track, athletics facilities, basketball pitch and a fully equipped sports hall. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
For over 40 years SIS has provided an educational environment which inspires all of us, students and adults alike. When you step onto our campus, you know you are somewhere special: a spirit of learning, community, fun and energy permeates the air. Our goal is to create extraordinary educational experiences for all our students, providing opportunities for them to explore their gifts and talents. Our curriculum, lessons and environment reflect this. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
SIS students receive an academically rigorous international education, with experiential learning at the heart. Learning through reflection on doing, helps students to more easily absorb and understand information, and we support this through educational excursions, interactive lessons and through the creative use of technology. Students are encouraged to think independently and critically, embracing opportunities to be the best they can be and taking personal responsibility for creating a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world. |