Sun, sand and school? Bilingual education on the Costa Blanca
- Over 5,000 British children registered in Alicante schools (TES)
- Globally there are as many bilingual children as monolingual children
- Renowned private bi-lingual school on Brisas de Alenda Golf development (Taylor Wimpey Espana)
According to government estimates, there are just over 1 million Brits currently residing in Spain. However, contrary to popular belief there are an increasing amount of Britain’s younger generation starting a new life under the Spanish sun. More than 5,000 British children are registered in schools in Alicante alone, with TES research showing they make up 15 per cent of all pupils attending state schools in the region.
For the majority of young families, finding the right school for their children to attend can become one of the most difficult and significant tasks to achieve, no doubt made more daunting after a move overseas.
As an expat himself, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Espana, has personally experienced this parental concern but found comfort in the Spanish schooling system. He comments,
“I am delighted with all that my children have achieved whilst at school here in Spain. Moving your family overseas can be extremely overwhelming, but the ability to be confident in the level of education your children will receive in their new home is integral to the decision making process.
“The importance of languages is taught from a very young age and I believe it is a skill that is highly sought after in the global workplace and will therefore create ample opportunities for them in the future.”
It is estimated that globally there are now as many bilingual children as there are monolingual children. The benefits of speaking multiple languages from a young age are still being debated, however, the majority of research seems conclusive that there are definite advantages to a bilingual education.
Research from York University in Toronto found that young bilingual children show more awareness of how language works and have better social interaction skills, ultimately enhancing their future prospects.
This means therefore that a private, bi-lingual school right on the doorstep a new home overseas could be an idyllic situation.
Taylor Wimpey Espana’s Brisas de Alenda Golf development can offer just that, with the bi-lingual Colegio San Alberto Magno onsite. A pro-European school of formal education, children will be able to participate in every stage of teaching, Early Childhood Education, Elementary, Secondary and High School.
With the belief, ‘Two languages for living, two instruments for learning’, the school emphasises its bilingual status and the positive impact it has, not only on the children’s learning but also on their life outside of education.
Properties start from €155,000+VAT and all the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. The 3-bed properties are split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms, as well as additional outside space, ideal for family living, including a terrace and private garden area.
The terraces are either surrounded by the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains, or the stunning views over the golf course, to which some of the properties have direct access. The beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca are close by and the complex also offers excellent facilities that include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant.
For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.