The
announcement that Xabia International College and The Firs Primary
School are to merge is one of the most significant developments in
international education in the Javea area in recent years. Both schools
are well established members of the prestigious National Association of
British Schools in Spain ( NABSS ) and have had full authorisation from
the Valencian Community for several years.
By
joining forces at this time of extreme economic uncertainty the school
will give parents increased security of continuous education from
Nursery to University. The town will now have a financially strong and
stable school fully able to withstand the challenges created by the
global financial crisis.
The
amalgamation of Javea's only two English curriculum schools creates a
vibrant educational community with three attractive sites in the town -
Foundation, Primary and Secondary. Both schools have representation on
the newly established Board of Governors which has both Spanish and
English Directors.
At the
beginning of the new academic year in September the Firs Foundation
will open in the delightful Costa Nova area for children from two to
five years of age. This Bilingual Nursery will be accommodated in the
safe, secure and spacious environment currently being used by The Firs
Primary. Mrs Lynda Larkum, currently Head of The Firs will become the
Director of the Firs Foundation. She is looking forward to leading a
dedicated team of specialist teachers. " I am sure our youngest
children will really benefit from our excellent facilities, enabling us
to prepare the children for the transition into primary education."
Mrs
Hilary Fernandez, Head of XIC Primary in Portitxol, feels that the move
is a very logical one for both schools. " It makes so much sense to
work together for the benefit of the children. We have always had much
in common with The Firs Primary School. We are geographical neighbours
who share the same educational ethos."
Mr
Michael Bayes, Director of the College, feels that this exciting
development will benefit all students of XIC. " By pooling resources
with The Firs we are able to offer more to our pupils. This merger is
very good news for all stakeholders in our school and ensures that
staff, students and parents can look forward with confidence to a
really bright future for the college".