An interview with Karen Kearns, primary headteacher at Swans International School in Marbella

Founded over 40 years ago in Marbella, Swans is one of the longest established international schools in Southern Spain. The school has always promoted an international outlook, with more than 600 students on the roll, representing some 30 different nationalities. Through its Primary and Secondary sections, Swans provides a comprehensive education for 3 to 18 year olds.

Lucas Fox had a chat with Primary Headteacher Karen Kearns and Secondary Headteacher Catherine Davies about the school’s philosophy, teaching strategies and integration techniques for its overseas students.

JC: When and why was the school created?

KK: Swans Primary school was created in 1971, 42 years ago, to cater for a growing ex-pat community that was developing at that time in and around Marbella.

JC: What is the mission/philosophy of Swans International School?

KK: This is the school’s mission statement:

Swans International Sierra Blanca aims to provide a world class education to all its students. The school embraces a philosophy of continuous improvement which is supported by short term targets and long term goals.

We are also believers in our school motto: ‘nil sin laborum’ (nothing without hard work).

JC: What curriculum does the school follow?

KK: In Primary school we follow the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) that is based on the ‘National Curriculum’ in the UK, In the secondary school our students complete their IGCSEs followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Fluent Spanish speaking students can also access the ESO programme during secondary school to achieve their Spanish qualifications too.

JC: What languages are the classes taught in?

KK: All classes are taught in English apart from those dedicated to the ESO programme. Spanish and French are also taught as foreign Languages.

JC: From which countries do the students come from? What is the ratio between local pupils to foreign pupils?

KK: Our students come from approximately 30 different nationalities; these include Northern Europeans, South Americans, South East Asian and Eastern Europeans. The largest group of students by nationality are Spaniards, who make up approximately 50% of all our students.

JC: What percentage of pupils stay at the school for the full duration of their education?

KK: This is a figure we have never calculated, but it is not unusual for students to be with us for well over 10 years of their education. Just last year several students celebrated their graduation from the IB diploma programme after being with us since the age of three. Obviously the natural environment of international education does mean that we see some families come and go depending on their personal situations.

JC: How does the school select teachers?

KK: We advertise through the Times Educational Supplement (UK) and we have a Jobs section on our website. We sometimes interview face to face or via Skype, depending where the applicant is based.

JC: What is the student/teacher ratio?

KK: We currently employ just under 100 teachers and there are 680 students, so approximately 1:7.

JC: What extra-curricular opportunities are available for students?

KK: The school has a long tradition in Sport and always keenly competes with others along the coast, in sports including: local Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming, Football and Basketball. We also offer our students the chance to sign up for more diverse clubs and activities including: Chinese, Chess, Music lessons, Choir, Dance, Fencing, and of course any theatrical productions that might be prepared by our Drama department.

JC: What strategies are used to teach students that are not fluent in English?

KK: The school has developed a dedicated EAL department and any student that requires additional support is referred to this group of staff. Usually if the school identifies a weakness in English at the point of entry students will be required to attend preparation classes before entering the school to begin term.

JC: For which countries are students prepared for further education at 18?

KK: One of the strengths of the IB diploma programme is that it is recognized world-wide as an excellent preparation for University study. We have staff members with an up-to-date working knowledge of the UK system, (UCAS), the US system and the Spanish university applications process. In addition to this we have previously sent students to Canada, Holland and even as far afield as Australia.

JC: Is there an admissions policy – what is it and why does it exist?

KK: At Swans International School we feel it is important to consider each case individually and therefore formal entry requirements only exist for IB diploma entrance. We ask all students to test for Maths and English ability when they first apply to join the school in order to assess their basic skill and highlight any weaknesses before they begin.

Entrance to the IB Diploma Programme requires 6A*-C at IGCSE including Maths and English, although a national equivalent is sometimes acceptable. It might also be necessary to test in English and Maths if students have not completed IGCSE Maths and English.

JC: What is the applications process and do you have a waiting list?

KK: The application forms are available from our school office or via our website and we recommend a tour for new parents and students of our facilities. There are waiting lists in several of our year groups and it is wise to enquire well in advance of any required entry date to avoid disappointment.

For more information on Swans International School, visit their website www.swansschoolinternational.es