Primary School
Building a strong foundation for a multidisciplinary curriculum that opens doors to the world
In our primary years, we cultivate not only academic excellence but also essential values, social skills, and self-reliance, paving the way for a successful secondary education. In our primary years we foster a collaborative environment where students develop strong values, positive relationships, and effective learning habits that are fundamental to achieving our objective.
Our teaching approach embraces a variety of learning styles and strategies, including collaborative projects, scientific inquiry, and independent study. We utilize diverse classroom groupings, ranging from whole-class instruction to small group work and flexible learning arrangements. Furthermore, we integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Learning and Knowledge Technologies (LKT) to enhance the learning experience.
Above all, we are committed to developing students with strong values, adaptability, and a critical mindset that empowers them to explore beyond conventional learning.
- Form Room
- A nurturing, inclusive, and globally-focused learning environment.
- Multilingual project
- Project-based learning
- Attention to the needs of individual students


Our method
Our school is a vibrant international community, with students from over 68 nationalities and a diverse teaching staff representing countries such as England, the United States, Australia, France, Germany, and China.
Our curriculum incorporates the Cambridge International Primary Programme, offering a distinctive and enriching approach to primary education.
Our immersive English language programme continues throughout the Primary years, providing a consistent and engaging learning experience. In Year 3, we introduce French as the first foreign language, further expanding our students’ linguistic horizons.
Our dedicated team of teachers and learning support specialists provides comprehensive guidance and monitoring throughout a student’s journey. We believe that fostering independence is key to student happiness and success. We work closely with our Educational Psychology Department to provide individualised support and ensure that every student progresses at their own pace.
Our teachers and learning support specialists collaborate to provide individualised support for every student, respecting their developmental stage and learning pace. We offer personalised learning plans, including extension programmes for gifted and talented students (AACC) and support programmes for those with specific learning needs such as dyslexia and ADHD.


Cambridge International Primary Programme


At the European International School of Barcelona, we are committed to delivering a world-class primary curriculum that fosters a deep understanding of English, Mathematics, and Science. Our students benefit from the rigorous and well-structured Cambridge International Primary Programme, developed by one of the world’s leading examination boards. This programme provides an excellent framework for learning and lays a solid foundation for our students’ future academic success, helping them develop into well-rounded global citizens.
In their final year of Primary, students undertake the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint, culminating in the prestigious Certificate of Achievement in Primary Education awarded by the University of Cambridge International Examinations.
Our international curriculum empowers students to move beyond rote learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in today’s world.

English as a first and second language
Our English curriculum develops students’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Created in partnership with Cambridge English Language Assessment and aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it provides a globally recognised benchmark for tracking students’ progress and supporting their language development.

Mathematics
Our mathematics curriculum framework explores five key areas: number and data, geometry, measurement, calculus, and problem-solving. Through these areas, we emphasise the core principles, patterns, systems, functions, and relationships that underpin mathematics. This approach allows learners to apply their mathematical knowledge and develop a holistic and interconnected understanding of the subject.

Science
Our science curriculum encompasses four key areas: scientific inquiry, biology, chemistry, and physics. Students develop essential skills in scientific inquiry, including evaluating evidence, planning and conducting investigations, analysing data, and communicating findings. The curriculum also incorporates environmental awareness and the history of science, providing a well-rounded understanding of the subject.
Curriculum and activities

Our Language Adaptation Centre (International Homeroom) provides tailored support for newly arrived students, ensuring a smooth transition into our curriculum and a welcoming environment where they can thrive. Our school counselors work closely with the International Homeroom to facilitate a successful academic and social integration.

We conduct diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments. Students are active participants in their learning journey, and we help them identify their strengths and areas for growth to reach their full potential. Direct and systematic observation is a key technique in our assessment process. Summative assessments are conducted both internally and externally, nationally and internationally:
- National Assessments: Basic skills assessments.
- International Assessments: Trinity Oral exams, Cambridge Primary Checkpoint (Year 6), and DELF exams.

Our daily homeroom session provides a valuable opportunity for students to start the day with a sense of purpose and belonging. They meet with their tutor to discuss the day ahead, reinforce positive values, and engage with current events, creating a strong foundation for a productive and enjoyable learning experience.

Our values-based curriculum fosters tolerance and respect for different beliefs. Embedded across all subjects, this is explored specifically in Values Workshops (Values Agenda), Ethics classes, and Religion classes. Students can also prepare for the First Communion and the Confirmation through our Pastoral Department, if they wish.

Our House Points system is an integral part of our school culture. This system encourages and rewards positive attitudes, fosters a sense of community, and promotes healthy competition and collaboration among students. It helps to energise activities, bring students together, and create a strong sense of belonging that our alumni often fondly recall.

Our dining hall is another learning environment where students learn about nutrition and food, as well as social skills and integration. Proper dining etiquette and table manners are taught through our Manners programme. Our school meals are prepared exclusively by our on-site catering team. Menus are created by our team of nutritionists and chefs and supervised by our nurse to ensure healthy and balanced meals for all students. We also provide suggestions for nutritious breakfasts and weekly dinners to support families in promoting healthy eating habits. We cater to 14 different dietary requirements daily, including allergies and special diets. Each meal can be personalised to meet individual needs. Our menus prioritise seasonal and locally sourced produce, with careful consideration given to the frequency and variety of ingredients.

Our Language Adaptation Centre (International Homeroom) provides tailored support for newly arrived students, ensuring a smooth transition into our curriculum and a welcoming environment where they can thrive. Our school counselors work closely with the International Homeroom to facilitate a successful academic and social integration.

We conduct diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments. Students are active participants in their learning journey, and we help them identify their strengths and areas for growth to reach their full potential. Direct and systematic observation is a key technique in our assessment process. Summative assessments are conducted both internally and externally, nationally and internationally:
- National Assessments: Basic skills assessments.
- International Assessments: Trinity Oral exams, Cambridge Primary Checkpoint (Year 6), and DELF exams.

Our daily homeroom session provides a valuable opportunity for students to start the day with a sense of purpose and belonging. They meet with their tutor to discuss the day ahead, reinforce positive values, and engage with current events, creating a strong foundation for a productive and enjoyable learning experience.

Our values-based curriculum fosters tolerance and respect for different beliefs. This is embedded across all subjects and explored specifically in Values Workshops (Values Agenda) and Ethics or Religion classes. Students can also prepare for First Communion and Confirmation through our Pastoral Department.


Enrichment programmes
Complementary or extra-academic activities












- Two cultural outings per term.
- Overnight stays: outdoor camps, ski week, trip to London in Primary Year 6.
- Events to promote content learning (Science Week, Cultural Week, Sant Jordi, Literary Workshops, Primary Festival…).
- Events to promote education in values (Assemblies, Christmas campaigns, Solidarity projects, Reading Buddies).
- Events to promote internationalisation (Maths Quest).
- Talks by specialists (Healthy eating, Internet safety, Sex education, Peer mediation…).

