Re: Gcse's
 

I second that comment, too. My sons are 13 and 14 and attend an International School which provides IGCSE education. They knew Spanish from their UK school but were by no means fluent. Now, after four months, I can see they are more confident in speaking Spanish and are enjoying their education.

I know families who did put their British children (ages ranged from 11 to 14) in the Spanish state system and it proved to be a very unhappy time - bullying is a problem in some schools and they couldn't cope with the language) so they enrolled them in the International School.

I'm speaking from experience so please do not take this viewpoint negatively - if you can't afford to place your daughters in a British/International school then it would be better for them to finish their education in the UK.

Re: Gcse's
 

......and the International schools aren't as expensive as you might expect. We used to pay around 5000E each per year.

My girls are now in State school, and have been for two years after a year in International school, and are very happy. They are much younger though, the older one is not yet 11.

Re: Gcse's
 

Hi there,

at what age would you suggest to old, to start in a spanish state school, my boys are 4, 6 and 10(almost 11) and all due to start in a spanish school in March 07. My eldest has been having two private lessons of spanish a week, for the past 6 months and will continue to do so until we move out. Little ones following 'MUZZY', all seem to be doing well. Any views and experiences appreciated

Thanks :)

Re: Gcse's
 

Hi,
I have heard that it's ok to learn spanish before you go out, but in different parts of Spain they say it in some case's a lot different to what you are taught.

Not sure if this is correct, but we had friends who went to night school and when they got out there it was totally different. :)

Re: Gcse's
 

hi there yes in different parts of spain the language is slightly different its the same in england we all speak english but i live in leicester and a lot of people cut endings of words and use slang words its like going to glasgow i cannot understand wot they are saying but i would say learn spanish as much as possible my husband bought some cds when he is driving around he puts it on he is doing really well last time we went to are house in almeria he spoke spanish all day the locals love him for doing it and they have a go back in english i dont have many hours in the day to practice felt like a fool standing there and not been able to have a go so i would say learn the basics and keep practicing when in spain you really do pick it up really quickly

Re: Gcse's
 

They should all be fine, though your attitude to learning & speaking the language yourself will have some effect.

Re: Gcse's
 

Sorry, forgot to mention husband and I are also learning, and try to speak as much spanish as we can at home with the children. The kids love it as they all try and out do each other so work harder, we do have good fun. Everyday one of them always asks " how do you say this (different words and phrases) in spanish". Just wanted feedback about how older children get on really (for my eldest is 10)

Thanks :)

Re: Gcse's
 

They should have no problems then. I've just started teaching a 9 year old child who has has all his education in spanish school, but is failing Spanish. The teacher says it is because he doesn't have the vocabulary of spanish kids his age. I can't help him with that....and I doubt that any one person can, though I can help him understand the grammar, & that way he should start passing his tests.

The only way his vocab will increase is if he is 'immersed' in the language & not just at school.........but the parents speak little or no spanish, they rent english DVDs, watch english TV, read english books & newspapers......and in the summer when their urbanisation is full of spanish kids on holiday..........they go to England!

my kids have a spanish vocab equal to spanish kids their age (according to their teachers)..........after just 2 years in spanish school & 3 in Spain! The difference.......spanish tele, books, DVDs.........and we stay here in the summer and they speak more spanish than english........I think their spanish actually improves in the summer, unlike for most english kids