Secondary School
Secondary School

Secondary School

Students at El Altillo International School navigate their Secondary School years through a dynamic blend of the Spanish National Curriculum and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). 
By engaging with both national and international frameworks, they develop interdisciplinary thinking, strengthen core skills and build the confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Academic and personal success

Students at El Altillo achieve exceptional results, that reflect not only their knowledge and skills but also strong human values.

55%

students scored 11 points or above 
Selectividad

13.9

Highest score 
Selectividad

40%

students scored over 12 points
Selectividad

Our curriculum

Students in our International Secondary Curriculum learn in English, French and Spanish, developing critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills. Through cooperative and project-based learning, they grow academically and ethically, gaining a global mindset for future challenges.

Spanish Language and Literature

Analysing texts and enhancing expression

Students strengthen their linguistic and critical thinking skills by analysing texts and expressing ideas clearly. This foundation enhances communication, cultural understanding and academic performance across all areas.

Spanish Language and Literature

English

Mastering communication in global contexts

Students refine their spoken and written English, mastering grammar, vocabulary and style. This fluency empowers them to communicate effectively in academic and global contexts.

English

Mathematics

Applying logic to solve real-world problems

In the Mathematics subject, students develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, applying them to real-world scenarios. With a strong emphasis on analytical thinking, our programme prepares students to confidently tackle complex challenges.

Mathematics

Coding

Designing solutions through computational thinking

Students learn to design applications, solve problems and think computationally. These skills foster creativity, innovation and adaptability in a digital, AI-driven world.

Coding

Biology and Geology

Exploring nature and understanding our planet

Students explore the natural world and environmental challenges, building scientific reasoning and awareness essential for informed global citizenship.

Biology and Geology

History and Geography

Connecting past events with present realities

In Geography and History, students explore the world’s most significant events and cultures, making connections between the past and the present. They build a broad understanding of global perspectives and apply critical thinking to interpret the world around them.

History and Geography

Sports

Building strength, teamwork and resilience

Students build teamwork, discipline and perseverance through individual and team sports such as football, basketball, padel and more, promoting a balanced and active lifestyle.

Sports

Economics

Understanding systems and making smart decisions

Students explore how societies function economically, developing analytical thinking and decision-making skills vital for understanding the global economy.

Economics

Music

Engaging with sound, emotion and culture

Students engage with musical elements, instruments and classical works, discovering music’s emotional power and its cultural and cinematic impact.

Music

Computer Science

Innovating through programming and technology

Students acquire cutting-edge tech skills through hands-on learning in programming and digital systems, preparing them for future innovation and problem-solving.

Computer Science

Physics and Chemistry

Investigating matter and mastering scientific principles

Students investigate the physical world and scientific phenomena, gaining insights into the principles behind modern technology and natural processes.

Physics and Chemistry

French

Communicating across cultures with confidence

Students develop strong oral and written French communication skills while appreciating the rich cultural heritage of the Francophone world.

French

Religious Education

Reflecting on beliefs and respecting diversity

Students explore diverse beliefs and their cultural impact, learning to reflect, respect and engage in meaningful interfaith dialogue.

Religious Education

Physical, Social and Health Education

Promoting well-being and ethical development

Students cultivate healthy habits, ethical values and emotional intelligence, building the foundation for lifelong well-being and responsible citizenship.

Physical, Social and Health Education

Personal Project

Researching independently and presenting insights

Students design and complete a personal research project, strengthening self-management, inquiry and communication skills across disciplines.

Personal Project

Public Speaking

Communicating clearly and confidently on stage

Students build confidence and clarity in speech by mastering presentation techniques, enhancing their public presence and persuasive communication.

Public Speaking

Physical Education

Improving fitness and fostering collaboration

In Physical Education and Sports, students adopt healthy habits, build teamwork and resilience and develop their physical and emotional well-being. These formative experiences help them grow stronger, both in body and mind.

Physical Education

Art

Expressing creativity through visual language

In Art, students express their emotions, ideas and identities through diverse artistic media. They sharpen their visual literacy, deepen their cultural understanding and explore the power of creativity.

Art

A typical day at school in our Secondary 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 Secondary School.

Core pillars of learning

At El Altillo International School, Secondary students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey. Through our Secondary core learning pillars, they build a strong foundation in academic excellence, life competencies, multilingual proficiency and experience global opportunities, preparing them 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

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

International opportunities
International opportunities

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

Life & career pathways
Life & career pathways

Benefit from personalised guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path.

Middle Years Programme Chess Eco School Sustainable Development Goals

Middle Years Programme

Our trilingual Middle Years Programme nurtures personal growth and critical thinking through proven teaching methods. Students take an active role in their learning, developing key skills and global awareness through enquiry, action and reflection.  

As an IB World school, El Altillo International School embraces this recognised programme to foster adaptable, engaged and internationally minded learners.

Chess

In Secondary, chess advances as a strategic tool for fostering critical thinking and decision-making under pressure. Students engage in more complex gameplay, developing leadership skills by managing their own progress and learning from competition experiences. Active communication - explaining tactics and listening to others - is essential, helping students become effective communicators. The chess programme also reinforces teamwork, respect and fair play, cultivating caring individuals prepared for the demands of adolescence and academic rigour.

Eco School

Caring for the environment is a shared responsibility. Through the Eco School programme, students develop a deep awareness of sustainability, taking an active role in recycling, conserving energy and protecting nature. These lifelong habits empower them to make a positive impact beyond the classroom.

Sustainable Development Goals

Students in Secondary take an active role in shaping a more sustainable world through deeper engagement with the SDGs. They participate in social campaigns, design eco-initiatives and collaborate with local organisations to address real needs. Projects such as food drives or zero-waste events build leadership, reflection and impact. SDGs are integrated into subject content, guiding students to make meaningful connections between what they learn and how they can act.

When to enrol?

Your El Altillo International School journey can start any day - our Admissions team is here to guide you whenever you're ready to begin.

Enquire now

Achieve outstanding results with El Altillo's Secondary curriculum. Apply today.

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Special Recognitions

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