A Truly International School

Retamar is truly an International School. Internationality is one of Retamar's signs of identity. From the moment they join the school, students learn not only to speak English, but, beyond bilingualism, to function safely in a global environment in which English is not a "plus", but a common tool for learning. work and professional and social relationships. Retamar's internationality is based on three pillars:

1. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
–50% of the Primary School hours are in English. Thanks to the existence of bilingual tutors and co-tutors in English (many of them native speakers), from the earliest years, students "live" most of the day in English. Also, education in values ​​(tutorials, talks, assemblies, parent’s evenings, etc.) is developed indistinctly in both languages, English and Spanish.
–More than 50 subjects, in Primary and ESO, are taught in English.
–Around 80% of 2nd year of Baccalaureate students leave Retamar with the certification of Advanced C1 or Proficiency C2, and 100% of them study English at that level.
–Among others, bilingual tools are common: Phonics, Primary Reading Plans, Debate, Investigation, Cooperative Learning, Literacy, etc.
–Older students can take the International Baccalaureate and, those who wish, obtain the Bilingual Diploma.
–A good number of Retamar students study at some of the best universities in Europe (mainly in the United Kingdom, for example, Cambridge, Imperial College, University College London…) and the United States. Many others do some terms or courses at these universities.

2. INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS
–A third of Retamar's teachers are native speakers or have accredited C1 or C2 levels (English, French or German).
–Work meetings of the teaching staff are held in English. Teachers who teach a language or subject in English interact with students in the language of their subject, which is on the other hand, the vehicular language in the meetings of the areas or departments.
–Many Retamar teachers participate or direct international meetings and take part in international academic competitions.
–The School's Language Department makes various instruments available to other teachers so that they can improve their English and obtain the corresponding C1 and C2 level qualifications.

3. INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES
–In recent years, about 200 students have studied a year outside Retamar, in England, Ireland or the United States.
–Around 1,000 students have spent at least one term abroad, with the exchange plans offered by Retamar or in the schools that their families have chosen.
–Retamar has exchange agreements with schools in the United States, England, Ireland and South Africa.
–Almost 150 families from the College have moved, for professional or family reasons, to other countries. More than 100 of these families have subsequently returned to Retamar and contribute positively to raising the international atmosphere of the School.

Every year, Retamar students participate in various competitions and contests abroad in which they must compete in English. The Literary Contest has incorporated, for several years, its version in English: Retamar Literary Contest. 2º Bachillerato students have the possibility of completing their professional orientation with a trip to London. The first editions of the Retamar Science Fair have already been held. ESO and Baccalaureate students participate in speech and debate contests and other competitions in English. Retamar has a tradition of participating in these competitions: from the beginning it has been part of the English Speaking competitions for Primary or, in Secondary, from the first debates at IE University. In recent years he has been the absolute champion and finalist of the Debate Contest in English of the Community of Madrid.

Solidarity projects also offer another opportunity to interact with people and institutions in English. The digital magazine Retamatch offers content in English and publishes some issues exclusively in English.

For these three reasons, and for so many activities, we can truly say that Retamar is a Truly International School.