The importance of learning English at secondary school is not just about improving your grades or passing a subject. Mastering this language from adolescence opens real doors: it connects you to the world, improves your future career and facilitates access to international training.
From our British school in Madrid, we want to explain why making this decision during secondary school can transform your son or daughter’s academic and personal future.
6 benefits of learning English during secondary education
Learning English at an early age boosts many skills that benefit a student’s all-round development. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Academic advantages and access to global educational resources.
English connects you to a virtually limitless universe of knowledge. Your children will have access to scientific publications, educational materials and digital resources that exist exclusively in English.
The world’s leading universities publish their research in English. Platforms such as Khan Academy, Coursera or edX offer specialised courses that hardly find equivalents in Spanish. Mastering this language in ESO provides a notable academic advantage over other students.
2. Better job and salary opportunities in the Spanish market.
The employment scenario has evolved dramatically. Most qualified job offers require a medium-high level of English as a prerequisite.
Companies with better conditions and salaries select candidates with demonstrable fluency in English. This skill determines both initial recruitment and promotion opportunities. Early learning ensures a natural application in future professional environments.
3. Cognitive development and brain enhancement in adolescents
The study of English during secondary education generates positive neurological effects, coinciding with a key stage of brain development. Bilingual youngsters develop:
- Greater neuronal density in brain areas associated with language.
- Superior ability to switch between different tasks.
- Significant improvement in working memory and selective attention.
These cognitive advantages favour general academic performance, establishing long-lasting neuronal connections.
4. Social skills for a globalised world
English acts as a bridge between cultures, facilitating relationships that would otherwise be impossible. Students who are proficient in this language:
- Actively participate in international school exchanges.
- Establish friendships with young people from different countries.
- Develop cultural intelligence and empathy towards other realities.
- Prepare for future multicultural work environments.
In a context where borders are progressively blurring, these intercultural skills are invaluable.
5. Direct access to international cultural content
Anglo-Saxon culture leads much of global entertainment. Mastering English in secondary school allows you to fully enjoy films and series in their original version, capturing every interpretative nuance without relying on subtitles or dubbing. Your children will also appreciate literary works in their original format, avoiding the inevitable losses that texts suffer during the translation process.
When listening to music, they will understand every cultural reference and play on words that enriches the songs. Even video games, with their increasingly sophisticated narratives, take on a whole new dimension when you understand all their dialogues and subtleties. This cultural enrichment creates motivating learning contexts that naturally reinforce language proficiency.
6. International education programmes within reach of students
The international education system opens up opportunities for students who are fluent in English:
- International Baccalaureate, available in several Madrid centres.
- Erasmus+ programmes during university education.
- Prestigious international scholarships.
- Summer courses at foreign universities.
These educational experiences completely transform the educational options available, but all require a solid level of English to be built up gradually during secondary education.
British schools as a premium option for English in secondary schools
If you are looking for maximum immersion to ensure that your children acquire an excellent command of English, British schools in Madrid offer the most effective alternative. These schools apply the full British curriculum, using English as a vehicle for all academic training, not just as an isolated subject.
Students at our British secondary school in Madrid obtain:
- Advanced level certification in English at the end of secondary school.
- Internationally recognised qualifications (IGCSE and A-Levels).
- Educational methodology that promotes critical thinking and autonomy.
- Specific preparation for access to British universities.
As you have seen, the importance of learning English in secondary school covers many facets of your child’s life. It equips them with indispensable tools for their academic success, their job prospects and their development as a global citizen. Prioritising their English language learning during these years is one of the best decisions to accompany them towards a future full of possibilities.
Referencias:
- Euroinnova International Online Education. (s.f.). El inglés en secundaria, una materia realmente necesaria. https:// euroinnova.com/blog/ingles-secundaria
- Innova Schools. (s.f.). ¿Por qué, cómo y cuál es la mejor edad para aprender inglés? https:// innovaschools.edu.mx/blog/por-que-como-y-cual-es-la-mejor-edad-para-aprender-ingles/
- Vargas Soto, A. (s.f.). 10 razones para aprender el idioma inglés. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. https:// uaeh.edu.mx/scige/boletin/prepa2/n8/p2.html
