To make the most of learning languages in their natural setting, SEK founded the SEK-DUBLIN School in Ireland in 1981 for pupils aged from 11 to 13, and in 1990 it opened the SEK-LES ALPES School in France for pupils aged between 14 and 16. Both schools are recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education as educational centres abroad.
The Spanish school in Ireland with the longest tradition is SEK-Dublin. Located in Bray, it is close to the sea and only a few kilometres from the Irish capital. The School covers an area of 250,000 square metres and consists of a main classic Georgian-style building and an annexe housing classrooms equipped with up-to-date technology, library, dining hall and kitchen. The School also has facilities for tennis, basketball and football and is surrounded by parkland.
Pupils are accommodated with Irish families, with whom we have maintained a close collaborative relationship over many years. The personal guidance and tutoring received from our teachers guarantees each pupil's full adjustment.
The main objective is to learn English, but the Spanish curriculum is followed and some of its subjects are taught in English. The programme also includes preparation for the Trinity College, Pitman and Cambridge examinations, extra-curricular activities, excursions and trips.
The SEK-Les Alpes School was founded to meet the need to learn a second foreign language. Based in a privileged spot in the FRENCH ALPS, 70 km from Switzerland (Geneva) and 40 km from Italy, it is an ideal location to integrate the acquisition of real knowledge of European culture into the curriculum.
The School is set in alpine surroundings and consists of two main buildings housing classrooms, library, laboratories, gymnasium, study and sitting rooms, halls of residence for boys and girls, dining hall and kitchen. There are also open-air sports facilities.
SEK-Les Alpes offers an educational programme containing the following aims:
- Intensive study of the French language and European culture with preparation for the FEDE and Alliance Française diplomas.
- Adherence to the official academic programmes set for Spanish secondary education (ESO - Educación Secundaria Obligatoria). SEK-Les Alpes is the only Spanish private school in France to be validated by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport QUITAR (official state bulletin - BOE 16 April 1993).
- Special emphasis on cultivating intellectual work habits and study techniques.
- Continuation of English language learning.
The educational programme also includes sports - especially skiing, open-air activities, excursions and cultural trips to Paris and Italy. All this is coordinated by a team of French and Spanish teachers who keep a watchful eye on the precise content of the programme.
Both SEK-Dublin and SEK-Les Alpes organise Summer Schools for pupils between the ages of 10 and 18.
