Parent's Review of King Richard III College in Mallorca

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Review Your Child's International School

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

King Richard III College

In what town or city is this school located?

Mallorca

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

British International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

age 3-18

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Most come in car, some with bus, bike or walk.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Facilities OK in some areas like ICT, ART, and place is nice but fees are high for what you get. There is football pitch to play Basketball and football but children go to sports centre on a bus once a week. This is the same at the other schools too. Bildings are nice but there is no air-conditioning or water fountain which is very difficult in summer.

The library is good and orgnanised but there are many old books.

In Secondary, there are some day trips during the year eg. Ibiza or Valencia, the theatre, waterpark.

Extra currcicular activities were better in primary with every teacher running a club for a term. The Music and Drama teacher organises the shows and performances and the ski trip. There is a science club, a latin club and piano and guitar lessons you can ask for after school but there is a waiting list. In secondary, only about 4 teachers give clubs.

Don't worry because there are lots of sports, dance, riding, tennis, sailing opportunities out of school on the island.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

My child started in the primary school and the secretary gave lots of useful information. There was entrance test and a interview with the person in control of primary school.

My child likes the school (child in high school now). Teachers are good and very helpful. You can always see teacher if you have worry or question.

You have to chose Spanish system if you want your child to try for Spanish university and those teachers are very helpful too. Friends of older students say you get information on Universities in year 13 and in year 9 you get help to decide on IGCSE courses.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

The parents are very welcoming and supportive but we are not allowed to have formal PTA! This is very strange. The Director does not like the parents to meet to talk about school together or with teachers or to have voice because he is very defensive and doesn't want to hear ideas or criticism to make the school even better!

Everyone knows this, but we carry on anyway and have informal meetings to discuss the school and there are very many social events for parents. I feel sorry for the teachers who work so hard for us but can't say their ideas. Last year we were allowed to run the Christmas fair which was very successful and some parents are trying to organise charity events but the Director don't want school to join in. Maybe it will get better in the future.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

The school is made good by its teachers. They try hard to help the children do their best. Come and see the school and make sure you see everything. Try to talk to some parents, students and teachers.

Prepare your questions and try to meet the Director. Don't let him put you off though - it is a good school!

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