Vicente Aleixandre Spanish School

The Vicente Aleixandre Spanish School was established in the year 1981 to cater for the special needs of the children of the Spanish migrants. This was made possible due to the constant efforts and lobbying of the Community members that recognised there was a great demand for the teaching of the Spanish language and culture and that it would make a valuable contribution to the Australian society. The number of teachers sent to Australia by the Spanish Government reached thirty three and included specialists at both primary and secondary levels. The Spanish teachers are fully funded by the Spanish Government and the period of appointment of the teachers is from three to six years.

Due to the nature of the classes, priority is given to the descendants of the Spanish Community. Spanish language and culture is taught in these classes in the native mother tongue, “Castellano”. The Spanish teachers also teach integrated classes at Forrest Primary School, Telopea Park School and Narrabundah College, which form a cluster in the inner region of Canberra. This gives Australian students the opportunity to continue their Spanish studies throughout their scholastic years.

Along with Canberra, the Spanish Government also funds after hours classes in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Wollongong. The Spanish Governement is the only foreign government that supports a program of this nature.

The Spanish Education Department has an office at the Embassy of Spain in Canberra (Ph.: 6273 4291) and also has a Resource Centre in Manuka (Ph.: 6239 7153) which has a very extensive library.