This week, we continue our series of posts on bilingual programmes in different regions of Spain by looking at Extremadura. Bilingual education in Extremadura is governed by legislation published in 2017. As of 2019/20, bilingual schools make up just over half of all secondary schools (117) and about a third of primary schools (152).
How are bilingual schools organised?
Bilingual education can be given in one or two of the following languages: English, French, German, Italian and Portuguese, although the majority of bilingual schools in Extremadura use English.
Bilingual primary and secondary schools have a “Sección Bilingüe”, which comprises one or two groups in each school year. At infant level, all pupils are enrolled in the “Sección Bilingüe”.
At primary and secondary level, participation in the “Sección Bilingüe” is optional. If there are more applicants than places, priority is given to students who have previously received a bilingual education, and a lottery is used if necessary. Selection tests are not allowed.
For subjects that don’t form part of the bilingual programme, groups must contain a mix of students from the “Sección Bilingüe” and other students in the school.
Teachers in “Secciones Bilingües” need to accredit at least a B2 level in the second language.
What is taught in English?
- At least 20% of classes must be English language lessons and non-language subjects (ANLs) taught in English. This proportion should preferably be increased, up to a limit of 50%.
- At secondary level, there should be at least two ANLs. In each ANL, the equivalent of at least one lesson per week should be taught in English.
- Teaching in English should be interspersed with teaching in Spanish, both during individual lessons and over the course of the day, so that students receive some classes in English every day.
The aim is for students to reach a B1 level of English by the end of compulsory secondary education.
Sources
ORDEN de 20 de abril de 2017 por la que se regula el programa de Secciones Bilingües
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