Private, bilingual secondary education in Seville

Academic excellence is central to our educational model. At Highlands School we encourage rigorous learning in language and maths. We want to develop responsible young people by building their intellectual, social and emotional skills, and we offer a range of programmes and activities to give our pupils an all-round education.

We give pupils the resources they need to study effectively. From 1º de ESO (age 12–13) they work on:

• Planning and organising their study
• Concentration and what helps it
• Understanding the material they are studying
• Tools and techniques for processing and retaining what they learn

We are a leading school, and that is why we bring technology into pupils’ academic work gradually, progressively and at the right level. Our pupils learn to use it effectively and efficiently: as a tool to increase their productivity and creativity, to communicate ideas and to learn collaboratively, without losing sight of the social and ethical responsibility that comes with it.

Developing critical thinking is a priority at this stage. We build on the thinking strategies begun in Primary, encouraging pupils to analyse, reflect, compare, discern, explain and make informed decisions in line with their values, so that their thinking becomes effective and visible.

We develop research, reasoning, critical thinking, speaking and collaborative skills, building pupils’ intellectual and communication abilities in both English and Spanish.

Public speaking is taught as a subject, alongside Philosophy colloquia, a debating school and workshops on effective presentations.

Our pupils learn to think, communicate and work in Spanish and English within an international framework endorsed by the University of Cambridge, taught by specialists in bilingual and international education.

Our teaching staff is international, with expertise in global and multilingual education. They teach using the methodologies and tools of the English-speaking world, with excellent results.

From 5º onwards, our pupils have priority access to our OAK International academies in the USA, Ireland and Switzerland, which offer a term, a semester or a full school year.

We introduce French as a third language, with the aim of developing a multilingual mind and strengthening each pupil’s language skills.

Our pupils can study abroad for a term, a school year or a summer camp at:

• OAK Academies (USA, Ireland and Switzerland)
• American high schools partnered with our OAK Academies

Pupils can choose to take the Bachillerato Dual and gain a dual qualification, opening the door to the most prestigious American universities.

We help each pupil recognise their gifts and give them the tools to plan their own future. Activities are gradual and matched to their maturity and stage of schooling, guiding them along their vocational and professional path.

Support from the adults who know them well is key to making good decisions. Form tutors guide each pupil through one-to-one tutorials and guidance days.

We give them the tools and support to choose their own path freely and wisely.

From Primary onwards, form tutors and the guidance department support pupils in their learning and all-round development, using strategies and resources adapted to each of them. The programme prepares pupils for the Spanish university entrance exams (PAU/EBAU) and for the move to higher education.

At school, pupils and their families experience what it means to be beloved children of God.

We shape our pupils’ will and emotions by helping them acquire virtues, which we work on through campaigns and classroom activities adapted to each year group.

We focus on the virtues we consider essential to their development. We focus on two selected virtues each term. The programme includes: order, friendship, respect, generosity, effort, obedience, fortitude, responsibility, gratitude, honesty, joy and humility.

We shape our pupils’ will and their ability to manage emotions so that they grow into mature young people, in keeping with their age.