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12 TO 15 YEARS OLD

SECONDARY CURRICULUM

Our Secondary students at Hamelin-Laie follow the Spanish National Curriculum, enriched by an international framework from the International Curriculum Association (ICA). As an international Secondary school in Barcelona, we offer a trilingual education: our students primarily learn in English, with Spanish and Catalan integrated into the curriculum to ensure meaningful engagement with local culture. We build each child’s personal toolbox with personal and academic skills, sculpting out their individual talents and enriching their social and emotional skills.
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Secondary School Curriculum | Hamelin-Laie International School - LOWER SECONDARY
LOWER SECONDARY: YEARS 8-9 

OUR INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE YEARS CURRICULUM

Our Secondary students progress through a clear and structured learning pathway: from Year 7 to Year 9, they follow the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), a programme that supports the challenging transition from Primary to Secondary school.

The IMYC enables teachers to personalise the curriculum to adolescents’ needs while developing their Knowledge, Skills and Understanding across multiple subject areas. Learning is structured around thematic, cross-curricular units that develop critical thinking, global awareness, and deeper understanding, helping them become globally competent citizens who positively impact society. 

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UPPER SECONDARY: years 10-11

PRE-BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMME

In Year 10 and Year 11, they move on to our Pre‑Baccalaureate Programme, preparing them for the next stage of their education.

Our experienced teachers personalise learning to each student’s academic and personal skills, providing the right balance of support and challenge, and preparing students at age 16 to successfully access either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the Spanish Bachillerato.  

OUR APPROACH TO SECONDARY EDUCATION

A holistic approach to education, uniting academic excellence and personal growth to unlock every student’s full potential.

Secondary School Curriculum | Hamelin-Laie International School - Feature Cards Pattern
Project-based teamwork

Secondary students collaborate on projects that build teamwork, leadership, and values like cooperation, tolerance, and assertiveness, combining ideas to create solutions. All students are encouraged to enquire by forming questions or hypotheses that drive discovery, and in subjects like technology, biology, physics, and chemistry, they work together in labs to explore and solve problems.

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Mathematical thinking

Students go through a variety of hands-on learning experiences in mathematical settings that encourage their understanding of concepts, as well as connections to how these ideas, functions, and calculations happen in the world.

Secondary School Curriculum | Hamelin-Laie International School - Feature Cards Pattern
Active learning

Boosting students’ concentration and intuition, we encourage an active learning approach in class, where all students participate in experiences and thoughtfully engage with the lesson. Students explore different active techniques that help their lessons become more effective and feel more exciting.

Secondary School Curriculum | Hamelin-Laie International School - Feature Cards Pattern
Beyond the class

From music to life-changing international experiences, we offer opportunities that develop key transferable skills while nurturing personal growth. Through collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT, and UNICEF, students benefit from exceptional mentorship and become open-minded global citizens ready to thrive.

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  • SECONDARY SCHOOL

A TYPICAL DAY AT OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL

Whether they’re expressing creativity, getting active on the sports field, or giving back to our community, our students enjoy a great range of learning experiences.
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Taking the lead
Our secondary students love to initiate learning in our community and lead our morning assemblies in English, Spanish, and Catalan. They share their experiences and accomplishments and inform their peers about exciting events to join throughout the week.
Taking the lead
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Music time!
Who doesn't love music? Our students explore music through the ICA and The Juilliard School approach. This programme develops each child’s cognitive abilities, creativity, and emotional expression.
Music time!
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Chilling together
Over a delicious, fresh lunch, our students come together and relax in our dedicated secondary ‘chill-out lounge’. They catch up with friends and get refuelled for a busy afternoon of learning – filled with projects that boost their teamwork and collaboration skills.
Chilling together
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Inventing the future
Stepping into specialised STEAM challenges set by MIT experts, our students apply their creativity and problem-solving skills throughout the school year. They might reflect on conditions for life in outer space or investigate the brain’s chemistry through neuroscience!
Inventing the future
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Inspired minds
Special guests and authors regularly come into school to lead talks and workshops that inspire our students to pursue their passions. Each year, during Open Mind week, parents and community members also speak about their careers and experiences.
Inspired minds
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Create change
Our student-initiated clubs, like HeforShe Club and Immediate Change Club, are making the world a better place, one step at a time. They shape our welcoming, open-minded community and nourish a sense of agency in every student.
Create change you believe in

WHAT THEY SAY

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"I want to thank this wonderful school for the great training base and values that my two children have obtained. Both started with only 11 months of age when the center was located in Alella and lived the move to Montgat with great enthusiasm. Personally, I was somewhat afraid of the change to such spectacular facilities where the number of students was expanded and that was when they demonstrated once again that the human quality was intact.

Today with 18 and 20 years that my children have I can assess with perspective and after the experience the result. Academically to say that both reached with 16 years the proficiency level of English and half of French, they arrived at the selectivity very prepared (their grades exceeded that with which they arrived at the test), but the most important thing for me is and will be the respect, empathy and care that they take forever. One team has been family and school.

Thousands of thanks for these great years!!!!!! You are missed!"
Parent SOURCE: WORLD SCHOOLS, MAY 2023
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"My child has been at Hamelin since a young age, and now that they have been accepted into a prestigious university, I cannot help but feel both proud and grateful. Growing up in such an international environment has allowed them to make friends from all over the world, and they now speak flawless English, which has undoubtedly given them a great advantage for the future.

Most importantly, they have not only received an outstanding education but have also learned to think independently, stay curious and approach new challenges with confidence. The support and guidance provided by the teachers and school leadership have ensured that they always felt encouraged and supported throughout their journey. Thank you for everything!"
PARENT SOURCE: MICOLE.NET, JUNE 2025
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"My children completed both primary and secondary education at this school, and I can confidently say that it provides a professional and personalised approach for every student. I am extremely happy with the support and care we have received over the years, starting with the administrative team, who are exceptional, as well as the teachers, who are not only highly skilled professionals but also genuinely caring and supportive. I have nothing but words of gratitude.

The school’s values of care and guidance are evident in everyday life. Students are motivated, supported at every stage and encouraged to believe in themselves. Thank you to all the professionals at Hamelin for your dedication and excellent work. A heartfelt thank you to everyone."
Parent SOURCE: MICOLE.NET, JUNE 2023

FAQs

  • What languages are taught in Secondary School?

    Students develop their English, Spanish and Catalan language skills while also having opportunities to study additional languages, including French, German and Chinese. Our multilingual approach helps students become confident communicators in an increasingly international world while supporting academic success across the curriculum.

    Students are also encouraged to work towards internationally recognised language qualifications, including Cambridge English (B1–C2), DELF French, Goethe German and YCT Chinese certifications, with opportunities to begin their certification pathway from Year 7 onwards. For students joining the school from abroad, additional language support is available to help them integrate confidently into school life.

  • How do you support students' wellbeing during Secondary School?

    Student wellbeing is at the heart of our Secondary programme. Through our Social and Emotional Learning and Wellbeing Programme, dedicated Form Tutors, Heads of Year and pastoral support, we help students develop confidence, resilience, organisation skills and a strong sense of belonging. Our Inclusion Department also provides personalised academic, emotional and language support, ensuring every student is known, supported and able to thrive throughout their Secondary journey.

  • What support is available for students with different learning or language needs?

    Our Inclusion Department provides personalised academic, emotional and language support to help every student succeed. This includes learning support, interventions, wellbeing guidance and tailored strategies for individual needs. We also offer English, Spanish and Catalan as Additional Language support for students joining the school without prior knowledge of one or more of our core languages, helping them integrate confidently into school life and learning.

  • How do you prepare students for National Baccalaureate orthe IB Diploma Programme?

    Our Secondary curriculum is designed to progressively develop the knowledge, skills and learning habits students need to succeed in both the National Baccalaureate and IB Diploma Programme. Students build strong subject knowledge, independent learning skills and academic confidence throughout their Secondary years.

  • How do you prepare students for university and future careers?

    From Year 8 onwards, students benefit from a structured Careers Counselling Programme and personalised university guidance. Supported by dedicated university counsellors, students explore career pathways, attend university fairs and workshops, receive advice on subject choices, and are guided through the university application process. Our goal is to help every student identify the pathway that best matches their strengths, interests and aspirations, whether in Spain or internationally.

  • What extracurricular activities are available for Secondary students?

    Secondary students can participate in a wide range of sports, creative arts, leadership opportunities, clubs and enrichment activities. These experiences help students develop new skills, pursue their interests and build confidence beyond the classroom. You can find more information here.

  • What are the Tuition fees?
    Annual tuition fees are as follows: 

    Secondary (Year 8 to Year 11 / 1º a 4º ESO): 14,370 EUR

    This includes:

    • Registration fee or Re-enrolment fee: 960 EUR
    • Tuition (10 monthly payments, September–June): 1,142 EUR per month
    • Lunch (10 monthly payments, September–June): 199 EUR per month

    For full details on what is included, payment schedules and availability, families are invited to contact our Admissions team.
  • Looking for more details about transport, uniforms or daily life at school?

    For information about school life, uniforms, transport, school meals, the school calendar and other key school procedures, please visit our Parents Essentials page. It provides all the important resources and updates families need throughout their child's Primary education at Hamelin-Laie International School.

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CREATE YOUR FUTURE AS A GLOBAL CITIZEN

As a top international high school in Barcelona, we continue to develop our students' love of learning as they grow into mature young adults, but that's just the beginning. Among our international community of over 60 nationalities learning English, Spanish, and Catalan, we’ll inspire your child to have an open-minded worldview and to make their mark in our globalised world, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

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Secondary School Curriculum | Hamelin-Laie International School - 09 - Promo With Collage