Primary School
Primary School

International Primary School

At El Altillo International Primary School, every learner’s journey starts with curiosity and grows with confidence.

Students are empowered to think critically, collaborate meaningfully and embrace new opportunities as the National Curriculum blends seamlessly with the global perspective of the International Primary Curriculum.

Through engaging, interdisciplinary projects, students develop personal responsibility and a global mindset, enabling them to think critically and act purposefully in an interconnected world.

Our curriculum

At El Altillo International School, students thrive through our Learning.First™ philosophy, blending academic excellence with personal and cultural growth. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) empowers them with essential skills, responsibility and a global mindset - preparing confident learners for an interconnected world.

Spanish Language

Building strong literacy and communication skills through language learning

Students develop strong communication skills in Spanish through grammar, reading and writing. They gain confidence in expressing themselves clearly, which strengthens literacy and supports academic success across subjects.

Spanish Language

English

Enhancing reading, writing and communication skills

Students immerse themselves in an engaging and dynamic English language learning experience. Interactive literacy lessons help them develop strong reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Programmes like Whooo’s Reading and a multilingual approach encourage creativity, comprehension and confidence in communication. By the end of Primary, students reach a B1 level, allowing them to express their ideas effectively in both academic and real-world contexts.

English

French

Advancing French language proficiency and cultural understanding

In French, students consolidate the foundations of the language while developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Through interactive activities and immersion in French culture, they enhance their understanding of the language and gain confidence in using it in real-life situations, preparing them for future multilingual communication.

French

Mathematics (ABN)

Strengthening problem-solving and numeracy skill through ABN

Through the ABN method, students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts by focusing on number-based algorithms. With a hands-on, visual approach, students learn to solve problems more easily, enhancing their problem-solving skills and laying a solid foundation for future mathematical challenges.

Mathematics (ABN)

Social & Natural Science

Exploring the world through hands-on investigation and discovery

Students discover History, Geography and Science through hands-on learning and the International Primary Curriculum. Taught in English, the subject encourages curiosity, critical thinking and a global perspective.

Social & Natural Science

Communication Skills

Expressing ideas with confidence

Students strengthen their communication skills by engaging in writing, debate, oral expression games and reflection. Dynamic activities like theatre, storytelling and public speaking help them express their ideas clearly and confidently, boosting their creativity and self-esteem.

Communication Skills

IT

Integrating technology into learning

Students integrate technology into their learning to enhance creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving. Whether researching, designing projects or exploring coding and robotics, they develop skills that deepen their understanding and engagement. Using technology with purpose helps them become adaptable learners, ready to tackle new challenges both in the classroom and beyond.

IT

Exam Preparation

Achieving language milestones through exam-focused learning

Students are prepared for Trinity and Cambridge English exams during Primary. These internationally-recognised certifications boost their confidence and ensure a strong command of English by the end of the stage.

Exam Preparation

Art

Expressing creativity and technique through artistic exploration

Students express their creativity while learning different artistic techniques and styles. Taught in English, Art lessons foster imagination, fine motor skills and an appreciation for visual culture.

Art

Drama

Boosting confidence and empathy through performance and expression

Students explore emotions, body language and storytelling through Drama, taught in English. They build confidence, empathy and communication skills while learning to perform and work as a team.

Drama

Music

Enhancing musical understanding through instrumental learning

Students learn to play instruments like the harmonica, melodica and ukulele. These experiences enhance musical knowledge, concentration and coordination, while building appreciation for music and rhythm.

Music

Chess

Sharpening memory and strategic thinking through gameplay

Students develop strategic thinking, memory and focus by learning chess as a subject and an optional sport. As a pioneering chess school, El Altillo offers tournament opportunities that build confidence and discipline.

Chess

PE (Physical Education)

Building coordination and teamwork through physical activity

Students develop body awareness, coordination and teamwork through varied physical activities. PE helps them build healthy habits, self-confidence and respect for others through sport and movement.

PE (Physical Education)

Sport

Expanding athletic skills and teamwork through varied sporting experiences

Students from Year 3 take part in optional sports such as Padel, Team Sports and Chess. Rotating activities each term builds physical fitness, teamwork and adaptability in new sporting environments.

Sport

PSHE

Fostering emotional growth and social awareness through reflection

Students explore emotions, relationships and personal growth in Physical, Social, Health and Emotional Education, taught in English. This subject helps them develop empathy, resilience and key life skills to navigate the world around them.

PSHE

Religion

Encouraging values and spiritual understanding through shared beliefs

Students reflect on values and beliefs in this optional subject, preparing for First Communion in Year 4. Religion encourages spiritual development, respect for diversity and a sense of community.

Religion

Coding

Developing logic and creativity through programming practice

Students learn the basics of programming through interactive projects in English. Coding sharpens problem-solving, creativity and logical thinking - key skills for thriving in a digital world.

Coding

Public Speaking

Mastering verbal expression and audience engagement through speaking activities

Students develop confidence and clarity when speaking in front of others through structured activities such as speeches, debates and presentations. They learn to organise ideas, speak with purpose and connect with their audience - skills essential for future academic and personal success.

Public Speaking

A typical day at school in our Primary School

Every day at El Altillo International School is filled with exciting learning experiences and discoveries for your child. While timetables vary across the year groups, here’s an example of what happens in our Primary School. 

Core pillars of learning

At El Altillo International School, students develop independence and gain confidence in their learning journey. Through our Primary core learning pillars, they begin to build a solid academic foundation, foster social and collaborative skills, thrive in a multilingual environment and access global opportunities, setting the stage for future success.

Academic achievement
Academic achievement

Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.

Life competencies
Life competencies

Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.

Multilingualism
Multilingualism

Fast-track English fluency while continuing to grow in Spanish and French.

International opportunities
International opportunities

Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.

Life & career pathways
Life & career pathways

Discover passions and talents from an early age through play, stories and meaningful real-world experiences that build confidence and curiosity.

Chess Eco School Expert teaching staff Sustainable Development Goals

Chess

Chess is a core part of the weekly curriculum for Primary students, where it supports the development of cognitive skills and emotional management. Pupils learn respect, responsibility, courtesy and perseverance while sharpening strategic thinking and concentration. Chess also promotes self-confidence and resilience through friendly competitions and class challenges. This stage encourages students to become thoughtful Communicators and collaborative problem solvers, reinforcing our values of leadership and open-mindedness.

Eco School

As an Eco school, students are encouraged to embrace sustainability and respect for the environment, learning about responsible resource use and eco-conscious topics integrated into the curriculum. Through engaging projects and campaigns, students develop a strong sense of environmental responsibility, adopting lifelong sustainable habits.

Expert teaching staff

Students are inspired and supported by passionate, native-speaking teachers. Committed to helping them achieve their full potential, they thrive in an environment where they are encouraged to grow, ensuring a rich and fulfilling academic experience.

Sustainable Development Goals

Students in Primary connect learning to real-world challenges through engaging, hands-on projects linked to the SDGs. Activities include reducing food waste, sorting recycling, maintaining a school garden and learning about ecosystems and diversity. These experiences help students build a solid understanding of global responsibility, while developing empathy, curiosity and critical thinking — all within a trilingual, dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

When to enrol?

At El Altillo we offer flexible enrolment for our Primary School throughout the academic year. Our Admissions team is here to discuss your needs and help you choose the right start date for your child.

Enquire now

At El Altillo, your child will excel in English, Spanish and French - developing fluency, cultural understanding and lifelong confidence. Apply today and open doors to a global future.

Enquire now

Special Recognitions

El Espanol - Top 20 Most International
Forbes - Best School in Spain
Micole - Best School 2025