State
schools
The information in this section, whilst essentially
specific to schools in the Manilva area, is generally applicable
to most state schools in the Malaga area, and apart from local
differences will give you a guide as to what to expect.
State schools in the Manilva area consist
of infant, primary and secondary schools. In Sabinillas the CP
(Collegio Publico) de San Luis, located in Calle Maria Zambrano,
takes infants (3-5 year-olds) and primary (6 - 11) with the CP
Pablo Picasso, located in Calle Ocaña, Manilva offering
the same. Secondary level education (12 years onward) is available
at the Instituto Las Vinas in Manilva.
Infant and primary school hours are Monday
to Friday 9.00 am to 2.00 pm with a mid-morning break at 11.45
'til 12.15. Secondary school hours are ..............
The school year is divided into three terms
running from mid-September to December; from January to Easter
(Semana Santa); Easter to mid-June. See School
Calendar
The section below is specific to C.P San Luis
in Sabinillas, info on Pablo Picasso and the Institute will be
available soon.
Enrolment
Initial enrolment is available from one week before the commencement
of a new term (mornings only from 10 am. The school head is available
between 9 and 11 am subject to prior appointment made at the school
reception office. Documents required: student's passport, date
and place of birth, current address and contact telephone number.
It is a good idea to have a Certificate of Empadronmiento (See
Registering at Town Hall) as, although
not required, if places are limited preference will be given to
families holding this certificate.
Dress
There is no school uniform at any of the schools in the Manilva
catchment, however parents are asked to use common sense, and
to dress their children in clothes suitable for the school environment
and of course appropriate to the season. Footwear should be sturdy
- many parents send their children in sports shoes suitable for
playtime and sports.
Books and materials
The school does not provide students' course books and materials.
During the first week of the new course (commencing in September)
each student will be given a list of materials and work/reference
books to purchase. (You should allow a budget of approx. 150 euros
per child) Students should endeavour to obtain the items listed
as soon as possible, but in general it as accepted that this could
take a couple of weeks, depending on supply and demand, however,
basic materials such as paper, pens and pencils should be taken
to school from day one. Economic help is available for families
on low incomes and registered on the local empadron (roughly equivalent
to the electoral roll in UK). Please ask at the school reception.
Head Teacher and Parent
meetings
The Head Teacher (Director) is available between 9 and 11 am.
Please arrange a prior appointment through the school reception,
if possible.
Class Teacher/Parent
Meetings
Parents can meet with class teachers every Monday between 4 and
5 pm. There is no appointment system so be prepared to wait your
turn.
Communication Problems
If you have little or no Spanish it would be a good idea to bring
an English/Spanish speaking person with you when you initially
enrol your child in school. And English speaking supply teacher
'Carmen' is currently available on a Monday afternoons to help
with communication problems, while you are learning Spanish, but
should be approached a few days prior to ensure she is available
to interpret between you and your child's teacher.
Foreign Student Communication
Problems
New non-Spanish speaking students will be given regular extra
Spanish tuition during school hours provided 'Carmen' is not standing
in for other staff. Extra-curricula Spanish lessons are available
after school.
Integration
Try and encourage your child to play with Spanish-speaking children
during school breaks and outside of school hours, the parks and
beach are excellent environments. At home invest in a good dictionary
and learn words together. Join the local library and borrow books
from the easiest level. Show your child you are keen to learn
Spanish by enrolling in one of the courses run by the council
- details available at the tourist office - after all, you'll
want to read notes from school and end of term reports, and enjoy
communicating with the staff and teachers at the school. Homework
will sometimes require your involvement. Try and project a positive
attitude in front of your children. Moving to a new area, not
to mention a new country, has its frustrations, and it can sometimes
be tempting to lay the blame with the Spanish. Don't forget life
presents it's problems wherever you live and if you become negative
so will the kids.
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