The approach of our school for teaching Science combines conceptual knowledge of the subject area together with students’ English language skills. The main goal of this curriculum is to create opportunities for the students to understand the natural world that surrounds them and to improve their communication in English at the same time. This is achieved through an apprenticeship program which integrates content and language learning. This methodology follows the well-known CLIL – Content Language Integrated Learning – an approach which the school supports and encourages. Students are able to communicate in English in authentic situations and in a natural way.

All the primary grades attend Science lessons for three hours per week. One of these hours is conducted in English, while the others are taught by the tutor in Spanish to assure conceptual control of the material. This means that students get to know the vocabulary in both languages. Part of the methodology used involves the material being introduced in the students’ first language and then reinforced in English during the Science class.

Classes are meant to be experiential and dynamic, where students participate actively and have a good time. Instructional materials include a digital book which is projected onto the classes’ screen, worksheets prepared by the teacher -including language tips- as well as other audiovisual materials. Having the possibility to touch and experience is also considered to be important in the global comprehension of the subject.

An example of this methodology can be seen in an activity working with plants. Students were able to understand the importance of roots, soil and water for plant growth. They had the chance to observe and touch flowering and non-flowering plants and fruits, and they even got to plant some mint stems which are meant to propagate without roots.