Elian’s British School, an international school accredited as CIS
Choosing a school for your child is a serious business. It’s an investment in your child’s future and, as their parent or carer, you recognise the importance of making sure they have all the options they need to fulfill their individual potential in an increasingly interconnected world.
That’s why an international school like ours — Elian’s British School La Nucía — is an important addition to your list.
We recognise that the widest opportunities come with the ability to speak more than one language (especially if one of those languages is English!), a perspective that is open-minded and international in nature, and academic qualifications that are globally recognised.
Plenty of schools claim to offer these elements, so how do you decide which is the best option for your family? That’s where the importance of accreditation comes in.
International Education in Today’s Context
Of course exam results are important — institutions around the world use these to judge whether or not students are capable of accessing university programmes.
But a truly top tier school also recognises the importance of skills which can’t always be measured by grades.
We know that the most successful students need to develop qualities of a personal and social nature, a breadth of understanding, and an appreciation of the environment to help shape them into well-rounded, resilient and accomplished individuals.
The modern workplace looks for people who are top communicators, critical thinkers and problem solvers.
For parents searching for the best school for their child, it’s difficult to evaluate whether a school offers the best framework for developing these key attributes.
And that’s where accreditation by prestigious organisations can offer crucial guidance, because only those international schools which create the conditions for their students to thrive in a holistic way will be granted accreditation.
What are the accreditation bodies looking for?
International schools which:
- Integrate research-based methodologies
- Promote active learning
- Focus on the student’s overall development
And thus provide a more comprehensive education aligned with current global demands. These are the schools which are likely to be certified by the most rigorous organisations.
Who Offers International Accreditation In Spain?
The Council of International Schools (CIS) is regarded as a global leader, with a particularly rigorous approach to certification. Very few international schools in Spain have been granted membership to the CIS, which is why we are so proud that our school — Elian’s British School, La Nucía — is one of them!
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) only allows schools which have satisfied an exacting list of requirements to offer its world-leading education programmes.
Cambridge International Education insists on a number of specific demands being fulfilled before a school can offer its globally-recognised qualifications.
Likewise, Pearson Qualifications requires schools to satisfy a range of conditions in order to offer its range of long-established international qualifications.
Accreditation by The National Association of British Schools In Spain (NABSS) is essential for any credible institution teaching aspects of the British curriculum.
You can also look for accreditation by bodies such as Instituto Cervantes (Spanish language qualifications) or Goethe Institute (German language qualifications), which will give you a good sense of the range of opportunities available at an international school.
What Does CIS Accreditation Guarantee?
Accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS) is only given to the most outstanding international schools, and it involves a rigorous and ongoing evaluation process across multiple areas of a school’s operation. Schools such as ours have to make a commitment to continuous improvement.
As you can see in the referenced document, the CIS global network includes hundreds of schools and universities across more than 120 countries, and promotes the sharing of knowledge, resources and best educational practices across the board.
Continuous Improvement and Quality Standards
What does the CIS look for in a school? When deciding to award its certification, the CIS requires schools to commit to:
- Assessing its educational impact and keeping standards under review
- Improving internal processes
- Adapting to evolving educational needs
If the CIS certifies an international school such as ours, you are guaranteed that students receive a high-quality, up-to-date education.
Real Benefits for Students
The true value of an international school is reflected in our students’ development.
Strong Academic Foundation
An education based on international standards — as required by the CIS — gives our students the type of headstart which helps them gain access to leading universities across several different countries and educational systems.
One of the reasons why our students are welcomed into some of the world’s top institutions is because we encourage them to develop a deeper understanding of their subjects, moving beyond memorisation and towards critical engagement with the topics they’re learning about.
Personal and Emotional Development
Student wellbeing is key. The CIS makes sure that international schools incorporate initiatives related to mental health, safeguarding and social development.
At Elian’s British School La Nucía, we have long included practices designed to create safe environments and support personal growth — and we’re gratified that the seriousness of our approach in this area is acknowledged by the CIS.
Preparation for a Global Environment
Being a member of the CIS means our students are exposed to diverse cultures and are part of an international network that helps them develop a global outlook.
This is essential preparation which makes sure our students can navigate international contexts more effectively in the future.
The International Network as a Competitive Advantage
A core strength of being an international school with CIS membership is the extra connection it gives us to a global educational community.
Access to International Universities
Being part of the CIS gives our students the best opportunities to engage with university representatives and professionals from around the world, boosting their academic guidance and expanding their opportunities.
This can make all the difference to our students’ choices when it comes to shaping their future.
Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Learning
CIS membership, as well as being part of a prestigious group, such as Dukes Education, creates an international environment that encourages collaboration among students and educators from different cultural backgrounds.
Our students and staff benefit greatly from the enrichment of the learning experience and the diverse perspectives in problem-solving that this brings.
Preparation for the Future Workplace
With the development of new technology, rapid change is underway and the modern labour market demands individuals who are adaptable, globally minded and equipped with a broad skill set.
If you want to know if an international school will focus on developing these aptitudes in your child, then accreditation by bodies such as the CIS is the assurance you need.
What Are The Key Skills for the 21st Century?
At International schools, we concentrate on developing competencies like:
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Teamwork
For long-term professional success, these are the skills your child needs!
How do I choose the best international school for my child?
The school’s website is the first place to start, and here’s an important tip: look for the logos of accrediting bodies.
Is the school a member of the CIS? Which of the world’s top educational organisations (the IBO, Cambridge, Pearson etc.) trust the school to deliver their programmes?
Spend some time cross-referencing with the website listings of the accrediting bodies and consider the values and requirements those organisations are looking for.
You will notice that only certain international schools are accredited by the most prestigious organisations.
Here on the Costa Blanca, we are proud that Elian’s British School La Nucía is among the few international schools accredited by the world’s most prestigious educational organisations.
