International House Valladolid
Valladolid
IH Valladolid was founded in 1998 by William Ott as the California School. It became part of the IH World Organisation in 2001, and has been a full member of EAQUALS since 2003.
We aim to enable children and adults to learn languages in a communicative and interactive environment. The focus is individual and family-centred, with small classes and a friendly atmosphere.
In particular, we aim to:
- build on earlier learning to extend knowledge and application of English grammar and vocabulary
- develop confidence and skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and interaction with others (in English)
- develop a sound basis for further English learning
- prepare students for examinations in English as part of their academic and working careers.
There are two campuses: one in the suburb of Parquesol and one at Plaza Mayor in the centre of Valladolid.
The Parquesol campus is the main centre of the school. It provides English and some French classes (maximum 10 students) for approximately 550 children and adolescents from 4 years old. In addition, there are adults' English classes.
The Plaza Mayor campus runs English and Spanish classes for adults, including business/industrial and individual tuition as well as YL.
Breakdown of Students:
60% YLs, 20% adolescents, 20% adults
Number of Teachers:
18 English teachers, 2 Spanish teachers, 2 French teachers
Facilities:
Parquesol campus: 8 well-equipped modern classrooms, video/book/cassette library, student access to internet in the computer area, wifi-supplied teachers' room, well-resourced with continuing materials development.
Plaza Mayor campus: 5 well-equipped classrooms in a restored building, video/book/cassette library, student access to internet, well-resourced teacher's library, access to facilties at Parquesol.
Now handling over 50 groups (8 students each) 2 hours a week, off-site at a state school between the two IH sites.
Future Developments:
We have a strong commitment to teacher and staff development.
Main Activities:
YLs classes
Exam preparation
Expanding adult enrolment
Working Hours:
Minimum of 20 and a maximum of 26 contact hours.
All teachers work 34 duty hours a week, comprising 24 contact teaching hours and 10 preparatory hours, averaged on a monthly basis.
At Parquesol, duty hours are usually 15.30-22.30 Monday to Thursday (classes), 15.30-20.30 Friday (preparation and professional development), 10.00-14.00 every fourth Saturday (classes). However, there may be some variation because of adults' morning classes.
At Plaza Mayor, duty times vary because of industrial contracts and individual tuition. Teachers usually work split shifts, ie some morning and some evening classes. They also work at the Parquesol campus 15.30-20.30 on Friday and 10.00-14.00 every fourth Saturday.