Education in values Early Years Education in Coruña British International School

It is true that academic excellence should be the objective of any educational centre, but in this excellence, many are left with marks (or grades). But academic excellence also means having a solid education in values in Early YearstPrimary, Secondary and Sixth Form. An education that helps them to be global citizens and that they carry as a banner in all facets of their lives. This is precisely what we pursue at Coruña British International School from the moment our students enter our school.

We are proud to be able to offer an education in values in Early Years that prepares our students not only academically, but also for life. Personal, social and emotional development is a fundamental part of our teaching, and we achieve this through innovative and meaningful methods, such as our outstanding House System.

House System: values education in Early Years and all stages of life

All fans of the Harry Potter saga know what the House System is all about, as it is one of the series' major identifiers. Four distinct houses, which is precisely what we also have at Coruña British International School as a hallmark of the education in values in Infant Education and in all the academic stages that we follow in our school.

The House System is one of the cornerstones of British education. It is an exceptional tool for instilling the values that guide our school. Every pupil and teacher is part of one of the four Houses (Oxford, Durham, York or Cambridge) from the moment they join our school community until the end of their school life. This structure allows us to foster a strong sense of identity and belonging, helping our students to understand the importance of teamwork and mutual respect, while building relationships with peers of different ages.

The House System is also a perfect vehicle for values education in Early Years Education. From the earliest years, our pupils learn to value personal and collective effort, as they can earn points for their ‘house’ for good behaviour, participation in activities and contributions to the community. These points not only represent individual achievement, but benefit all members of the house, teaching children the importance of thinking beyond their personal interests and promoting a sense of responsibility and service to others.

The system also fosters the development of key skills, such as leadership and the ability to collaborate with others, regardless of age. Infant students benefit from the guidance and support of older pupils, enabling them to integrate and learn from role models who reflect the core values of our school. In addition, this interaction between children of different ages helps them build connections that go beyond the classroom, creating a strong bond between members of the school community.

Another valuable aspect of the House System is its connection to charitable causes through the ‘4 Houses, 4 Causes’ campaign. Each house is associated with a charitable organisation, and our pupils are actively involved in raising awareness of these causes and organising fundraising events. In the case of Infant Education, the children are involved in simple but meaningful activities that teach them the importance of helping those in need and caring for the environment around them. By linking the houses to causes such as sustainability, supporting food banks and fighting disease, our pupils experience first-hand the positive impact they can have on their community.

Values Education in Early Years: this is how we translate it

At Coruña British International School, we firmly believe that an education in values in Infant Education is fundamental in order to form responsible, creative and caring individuals. Values such as independence, which encourages self judgement and responsibility, and imagination, which encourages creativity and the ability to envisage better futures, are taught on a daily basis. Our educational approach also places great emphasis on respect, both for oneself and others, and on composure, helping our students to remain calm and self-confident, even in challenging situations.

The House System contributes significantly to these values being lived in and out of the classroom. As well as learning about respect, children in Infant Education are challenged in a controlled way, facing small risks that help them develop resilience and strengthen their character. By participating in team activities and charity events, students better understand the value of globality, learning to see the world from a wider and more caring perspective.