University Preparation & Applications

Preparing Our Students for Excellence in Higher Education

At International School San Patricio Toledo, we prepare students for success in their studies and beyond by providing exceptional personalised support throughout their schooling.

From the Middle Years Programme onwards, pupils receive bespoke guidance and advice for university admissions from our expert counsellors, increasing their chances of securing a coveted place at a prestigious university in Spain or abroad. Our counsellors also support students with their subject choices before the IB Diploma Programme to make sure they are aligned with their university course aspirations and individual vocations.

Choosing IBDP Subjects through POP

At San Patricio Toledo, we guide our students towards a successful and manageable selection of IB Diploma subjects through our unique Pathways and POPs programme. This personalised guidance is a key factor in our school's consistently outstanding DP results, with excellent annual average scores and students reaching the maximum score (45).

The International Baccalaureate IB inspection team judged the quality of our guidance and provision as one of the best they had seen in their wide experience (visits run on a 5-year cycle to inspect schools globally to ensure quality). We currently have the highest number of Diploma students in our school's history as a result of this effective programme.

Creating a Personalised Options Plan for Your Child’s Success

The Personalised Options Plan (POP) is a specialised guidance programme designed to help students completing the Middle Years Programme choose the ideal subject pathway for their IB Diploma. It is evidence-based but also highly personalised to guide students and families towards the optimal subject selection at the DP level. As most of our IB teachers at MYP are also Diploma teachers and IB Diploma examiners, they understand the curriculum and requirements and, most importantly, they know their students well.

How Does It Work?

The process begins at the age of 14-15 with students starting a Pre-POP. During the MYP3 and MYP4 courses, students undergo cycle tests and mock examinations. These assessments provide them with an overview of their performance, helping to inform their future options plan. Consideration is given to their individual abilities, academic results, and intended university course. In the final stretch of MYP4, following expert guidance from our team and discussions with students and their parents, each learner receives their DP subject pathway.

Summer Work for Top Preparation

MYP4 students complete Summer Work to help them focus on their DP subject choices and future university aspirations within an orientation afternoon in June to provide key information about the next stage in their education. An online option is available for boarding students who cannot attend this event in person. Additionally, in September, there is an online tailored revision and consolidation programme via the OneNote platform to ensure they are fully prepared to succeed at the DP level.

Annual University Fairs with National & International Institutions

To provide further guidance to students, our school organises an annual University Fair on campus. Representatives from different national and international universities attend the event every year to inform students about their unique programmes and application requirements, with each student having the chance to attend an individual meeting with the universities they would like to know more about.

Individualised Support for University Applications

During the IBDP, students benefit from weekly bespoke University Counselling sessions, where they work with our expert counsellors on an individualised plan of university options and interests. They also prepare an Application Plan for their preferred national and international universities, with guidance regarding the specific entry requirements and application materials. In addition, students receive tailored advice in practical sessions on writing the best cover letters and making their student portfolio, among other useful insights.

At this stage, learners begin using Unifrog, an international platform designed specifically for both students and teachers to complete the university application process including tutor references and personal statements. Our dedicated counselling department works with the platform to give our Diploma students access to customised information regarding their future study plans in universities around the globe. Their subject teachers and tutors then support them in preparing their applications with this tool.

A New Life Skills Programme for Success Beyond School

Students attending the first year of the DP benefit from a brand new termly life skills programme to provide an introduction to specific challenges and develop useful and practical abilities for real life. These ateliers include basic car motor mechanics, creating and managing a budget, cooking, interview techniques for university and job applications, and aerobics and fitness, among other options. This programme aims to equip our students with valuable, hands-on skills for their lives beyond school, which they would not typically acquire in a school environment. We also seek to offer an element of fun and well-being to balance with their academic obligations, which are very demanding at the DP stage.

The sessions work in a carousel format each term, with students split into 3 groups. All students try all ateliers.

Discover how our personalised guidance helps your child secure a place at the university of their dreams in Spain or internationally.

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