Middle School in Santiago

Deepening knowledge and shaping character

Middle School (Grades 7 and 8) corresponds to the first two years of Secondary Education in the Spanish system. This stage is a time of academic and personal growth, where students deepen their understanding across subject areas, nurture curiosity and a genuine love of learning, and build a solid foundation for a successful transition to High School.

During these years, study habits and organisational skills are strengthened, fostering autonomy, self-discipline and the ability to make well-reasoned decisions. Students are encouraged to set their own goals and to find intrinsic motivation in their learning.

Across all areas, creativity, critical thinking, bilingual communication (in English and Spanish), teamwork and problem-solving are actively encouraged. All of this takes place within a safe, welcoming and multicultural environment, with close personal support to help every student — including those joining us from abroad — feel at home while growing academically and personally.

Chester College is fully accredited following international standards, which means that the credits students earn here are recognised by other American schools and can be transferred if families relocate. Similarly, our curriculum aligns with the requirements of other educational systems in Europe and beyond, supporting smooth transitions whenever needed.

What makes our Middle School unique

Bilingual Spanish-English programme

We maintain a balanced use of both languages (approximately 50% in Spanish and 50% in English). This natural immersion model enables students to express themselves with increasing fluency in both languages.
Additional support in English or Spanish is provided according to each student’s level and individual needs.
For students who arrive with little or no Spanish, the School provides a gradual immersion pathway that helps them participate confidently in classroom life, with the possibility of taking all core subjects via English initially.

Truly personalised attention

Each student’s academic and personal journey is closely and consistently followed. This individualised approach allows us to guide their learning with intention, provide targeted support whenever it is needed and help each young person develop their unique talents.

Active, hands-on learning

Learning begins with observation, experimentation, participation and reflection. We foster a genuine enjoyment of learning through work, play and practical projects, promoting reasoning, problem-solving and the mindful and responsible use of technology for educational purposes.

Developing communication skills

Speaking and writing skills are continuously developed across a range of subjects and activities, including presentations, effective communication sessions, drama plays and recitals. These experiences help strengthen students’ confidence and their ability to speak clearly and effectively in front of others.

A multicultural environment

Daily interaction with classmates and teachers from different backgrounds broadens students’ horizons, promotes tolerance and nurtures respect and empathy towards other cultures and ways of thinking.

Learning areas in Middle School

English Language Arts

Students develop their English communication skills —both spoken and written— through a practical study of the language, as well as through reading and analysing literary texts. Reading comprehension, writing, conversation and debate are key components of this subject.

Spanish Language and Culture

Students follow the official Spanish curriculum, deepening their command of the language and gradually building literary appreciation in Spanish. Effective oral and written communication is actively promoted, and both narrative and journalistic writing are explored.

Spanish as a foreign language

This subject is offered to students who are developing their level of Spanish and require a structured, intensive and progressive approach to improve their skills in the language.
They may prepare for the corresponding official certificates of the Instituto Cervantes - the international authority for Spanish language accreditation -, across the different progressive levels.

Galician Language and Culture

Students start or continue their learning of Galician, developing an understanding and appreciation of Galicia’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

Math

With a specific program for each grade level, progressing from algebra to calculus, students reinforce their understanding of fundamental concepts and their logical-mathematical reasoning through real-world problems and practical applications.

Natural Sciences

The subjects in this area —Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, depending on the year— allow students to observe, experiment and understand natural phenomena. Scientific curiosity, careful observation and analytical thinking are actively encouraged.

Social Sciences

Spanish History is a core subject in Middle School, as is Geography. Through subjects such as World History and European History, students also gain a global understanding of the historical and social development of humanity.

Art and Creativity

Visual arts foster personal expression and aesthetic sensitivity. Through hands-on projects, students experiment with different techniques and materials, learning to communicate ideas and emotions through art.

Music

Through a variety of activities, students develop auditory sensitivity, a sense of rhythm and a genuine enjoyment of music.

The school prepares theatrical performances at least twice a year, in which all students take part.

Students who wish to do so may take extracurricular violin or piano lessons and sit the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations

German language

Students can continue studying German, building on the learning they began in Primary School.

Physical Education

Physical activity is part of daily school life and an essential component of students’ wellbeing. Lessons develop physical fitness, coordination and teamwork, while promoting values such as perseverance, respect and personal growth.

Religion

Inspired by a Christian understanding of the person and the world, this subject offers a space for ethical, spiritual and cultural reflection. It encourages respect for different beliefs and a spirit of service to others.

Supporting Our Students’ Learning

Progress Reports

Six times a year, students and their families receive grades and reports outlining the progress achieved and the areas for improvement, all aimed at supporting active, effective and intentional learning.

Parent-student-teacher meetings

At least once per term, meetings are held involving the student, their parents and the form tutor. The school promotes strong family–school communication, the development of student autonomy and initiative, and a consistent shared approach.

Learning Newsletters

Each month, students and their families receive a Learning Newsletter summarising the key objectives and content that will be worked on in and outside the classroom during the period indicated.

Next steps

By the end of Middle School, students are well prepared to face the challenges of High School with confidence. This next phase is increasingly specialised and academically demanding, leading them towards university preparation.

At Chester College International School, we guide each student through this transition, helping them explore their interests and make informed decisions about their future academic path.