Languages, the natural environment and open teaching based on developing the autonomy and personal skills of its students are the pillars that have contributed to making the German School in Bilbao (Deutsche Schule Bilbao) an educational and pedagogical benchmark in Vizcaya.

Its educational model is based on developing personal autonomy from a very early age, when pupils begin to develop their abilities. The aim is to equip them with cross-curricular skills, such as the ability to speak in public, reason, think and analyse texts critically, avoiding rote learning.

The educational model is based on developing personal autonomy from a very early age, in kindergarten, when pupils begin to develop their abilities. The aim is to equip students with cross-curricular skills that will serve them well in both university and the world of work. These include public speaking, reasoning, thinking and critically analysing texts, avoiding rote learning.

At the German School, they are well aware that knowing and mastering other languages opens doors to other cultures and countries. As an example, students at the German School (one of 140 German schools abroad) complete the German International Baccalaureate, which opens up the possibility of entering universities in the Basque Country, Spain, Germany (world-renowned public universities), Europe and the rest of the world.

One of the school’s objectives is for all its students to obtain C2 level proficiency in German, C1 in English and B2 in Basque and French, equipping them with the language skills necessary to function independently in a globalised world. The method used has placed the school at the forefront of language teaching.

In the Kindergarten, children of different ages are encouraged to share the same classroom. The aim is for the older children to mentor the younger ones in a natural way and help them to develop their skills.

The school is located in a natural setting that combines green spaces and urban convenience, very close to the Basilica of Begoña. In addition, the centre is undergoing a renovation of its facilities, such as the newly inaugurated children’s play area, the new secondary school building that will be completed in June 2021, and the new sports centre, whose construction will begin in August, to offer a state-of-the-art space in the next two years.