FAQs
Children who are seeking entry into Nursery, Reception or Year 1 will work with a member of the Educational Achievement Department (sometimes known as the Special Educational Needs Department). The process includes observation of fine and gross motor ability, visual perception, language and auditory skills.
Students from Year 2 and above seeking admission to the school are required to complete English and Mathematics tests, and an ELS test if English is not their first language. Students from Year 4 and above will also need to complete the CAT4 (Cognitive Ability Test).
The results will be used to track progress made by the students during their time in the school.
You are likely to get in. Certain classes might sometimes have a waiting list, but as mentioned before every year an average of 20% of our families are transferred. Therefore, a significant number of spaces usually become available at the end of the year.
During the first two weeks of August, we usually have many students arriving in Colombia and sitting their entry tests. However, we also have the option of sending the exams to their current school if the applicant complies with certain requirements.
Lunch is included in the Nursery fee.
Yes, the entry exams can be done online
Every year an average of 20% of our families are transferred. 30% of our families are Colombians and 70% are foreigners. Therefore, a significant number of spaces usually become available at the end of the year. However, it is important to clarify that space availability must always
The Admissions Committee at Colegio Gran Bretaña might offer to “Reserve a space” for a preschool student if after assessing the application, the school considers that the entry criteria are met.
In order to apply for a Provisional Place Offer in preschool, the following conditions need to be met:
1. The student has a good command of English.
2. The student has no special needs or learning disabilities.
3. The student does not have any behavioural issues.
4. The Application Form has been completed online, and all the documentation has been submitted.
5. The Family interview has taken place through Skype/Facetime, etc.
If the school decides to offer a “Provisional Place”, a payment of $1,000 dollars is required in order to reserve the space for the child. This money will be credited to the payment of matriculation. However, if for some reason the student is not enrolled in school, the money will not be refunded.
Students with learning difficulties may be admitted if it is believed that the Educational Achievement Department can provide adequate support and that the student can be placed in the mainstream classroom.
Students referred to and serviced in this area will include, but not be limited to: those who enter CGB with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) from another school or institution; those who present speech and language difficulties; those who are suspected to have a learning disability or have already been diagnosed by an external specialist; those who are showing delay in fine or gross motor development. Service models from this department will include both pullout support in resource rooms, in-class aid, co-teaching along with the mainstream classroom teachers, curriculum modification, in-class accommodations, guidance for mainstream teachers, therapies, and the supervision of Learning Assistants (sometimes known as “shadows”), in some cases.
We began researching what would be the best fit for our school. We had begun implementing the International Primary Curriculum in the Primary Section – and this Curriculum had been such a success globally that there was a huge demand from IPC schools across the world for them to extend their curriculum into the Middle Years. At the time, the PYP and DP were both considered to be strong, but the MYP was often thought of as the weaker link in the chain. So after careful study, consideration and consultation, we opted for the IMYC. Why? The methodology is what makes it so wonderful – and we don’t think it is as prescriptive and “clunky” as the planning for the MYP. It allows us to use the methodology while still having the elements of the English National Curriculum that are needed to prepare our students for the International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the space to be creative with our teaching and learning.
In years 10 and 11 students follow the IGCSE courses that result in the examinations being presented in the final term of Year 11. This then works as a great guide and bridge for their IB subject choices. (Ironically, we feel this is better preparation than the MYP).
One of our enduring goals is to offer a rich curricular experience in Spanish language and Colombian cultural studies, thus facilitating an appreciation and affinity for the host country. Spanish as a Second Language classes are scheduled in the regular timetable for non-native Spanish speakers, along with lessons in Colombian Culture. It is important to state that all students must have both Spanish and English in order to graduate with the Colombian High School Diploma in Year 13.
French is taught to all students from Year 7 to Year 9. It is then an option for IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, and also as part of the IB Diploma Program (In Secondary). It is important to state that all students must have both Spanish and English in order to graduate with the Colombian High School Diploma in Year 13, so in this case French would have to be the Group 6 option
Dance, Music and Drama are the choices offered as part of the Performing Arts Programme, which is embedded in the curriculum
CGB offers a unique co-curricular programme. Through creative timetabling, all students take part in our Co-Curricular activities during the school day. Wall climbing, swimming, photography, taekwondo, football, basketball, tennis, rugby and robotics are just a few of the activities on offer. More can be seen about these Here
We offer different Co-curricular activities and swimming is one of them. However, take into account that it is not offered every term.
Yes, we do. We belong to a group of schools called UNCOLI (Unión de Colegios Internationales – Union of International Schools) and we play football, basketball, rugby and volleyball. More information can be found here
The school House System was inaugurated at the Sports/Fun Day in June 2004. Pupils are allocated to Houses from Nursery. They stay in the House as allocated throughout their time at Colegio Gran Bretaña. All family members are put into the same House, i.e. parents, children, siblings, and cousins. If you don’t know what “Houses” are, just think “Harry Potter”!
CGB does not offer religion classes. A class called PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) if offered on a weekly basis throughout Secondary. We have 50 different nationalities and we are very respectful of the different religious beliefs. As an extracurricular activity, we do offer preparation for Catholic students who want to do their First Communion or their Confirmation
All students are expected to be in school by 8:00 a.m. in order to start the registration process at 8:10.
School departure times for all students are as follows:
Monday and Friday – 2:45 p.m. (buses depart at 2:50 p.m.)
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 3:35 p.m. (buses depart at 3:40 p.m.)
- We are very proud members of the Round Square organisation. You can find examples of what the Round Square does by clicking here.
- We are also part of the Latin American Heads Conference. This allows us to send student delegates to approximately two conferences a year.
- We take part in the biannual international INTERCAS projects in the Americas.
- We have sent students to MUNs in the Bogotá area.
We have 2 classes in every grade level with a maximum of 22 students per class.