Lately, I’ve seen a lot of new members on the forums asking about schooling for their children, especially about international school interviews. It seems like a source of great anxiety for many. As it happens, my eldest child went through an elementary school interview at a British international school in Madrid last year. The process was quite interesting, so I thought I’d share our experience to hopefully help others in the same boat.
The Child’s Interview: More Like a Game
It was completely different from the serious ‘exam’ we had imagined. The child’s part of the interview was more like a relaxed playdate. The teacher grouped several children of similar ages and observed them through activities like games, drawing, building with blocks, and storytelling. In my child’s group, the teacher brought out many animal flashcards, asking the children to name the animals in English and mimic their sounds. Afterwards, they worked together to build a ‘house of the future’ with LEGOs. The teacher would guide their discussions to see who had creative ideas, who was willing to share, and who could collaborate with others. The whole session lasted about an hour, and my child came out quite happy, not feeling like it was an interview at all.
The Parent Interview: A Frank Conversation
While the kids were ‘playing,’ we parents were invited to have coffee with the head of school or the admissions director. The atmosphere was very relaxed, less like an interrogation and more like a chat. They were mainly interested in whether our family’s educational philosophy aligned with the school’s. For example, they asked: ‘Why did you choose our school?’ ’What are your expectations for your child’s future?' ‘What language do you primarily speak at home?’ ‘Does your child have any special interests or require any special support?’ I felt the core purpose was to gauge our cultural alignment and whether our family could support the teaching methods of a Spanish international school. That’s why, if you’re considering a [Spanish international school], it’s so important to thoroughly review their official website beforehand, especially their Mission & Vision!
Interview Preparation Checklist
Although the process is relaxed, being completely unprepared is not a good idea. Based on my experience, here are a few areas to focus on:
| Preparation Area | Specific Advice |
|---|
| Language Skills | If you’re applying to a British/American school, basic English listening and speaking skills are a must. This is also relevant when considering a [Spanish elementary boarding school]. Your child doesn’t need to be fluent, but should at least understand simple instructions from the teacher and be able to state their name, age, favorite color, etc. |
| Social Skills | Schools place a high value on a child’s social abilities. You can prepare by taking your child to more group activities, encouraging them to greet other children and share toys. |
| General Independence | This includes basic self-care like using the toilet independently, putting on/taking off simple clothing, and being able to sit quietly for a short story. These life skills are also assessed. |
| Parent Homework | Thoroughly research the school’s official website in advance. Have a clear reason for why you chose this particular school and prepare one or two questions to ask them. This shows you are genuinely interested. |
Elementary school interviews at Spanish international schools focus more on assessing a child’s overall abilities, the family’s educational philosophy, and the general fit, rather than just academic knowledge. Relax, and just present your most authentic and positive selves. I hope all your kids get offers from their dream schools! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below for discussion!
