What is the Dual Diploma Programme?
The Dual Diploma Programme is the opportunity we offer our students to obtain, in addition to the Spanish Baccalaureate, the US High School Diploma, thanks to an agreement with Academica Corporation.
There are many values and advantages that the International Dual Diploma Programme provides to students, among which three main objectives stand out:
- Linguistic immersion: 100% in English – curriculum, teachers, communication – in a study and working environment.
- Technological immersion: 100% online – platforms, tools, communication systems, etc.
- Personal immersion: Development of management skills, effort, responsibility, organisation, and student maturity in study and work.
What is Academica Corporation?
Academica Corporation is the leading educational organisation for charter schools in the United States, with more than 100,000 students, 5,000 teachers and around 200 schools across 10 states. It is a leader in virtual education in the USA. In addition to operating its own schools, it also provides public online education services. In the United States, most states require students to take at least one subject online.
In 2001, Academica launched a programme for the recognition of qualifications across different states, which led to the creation of the Dual Diploma Programme. In 2009, the project was introduced in Spain, where today more than 600 schools are part of it.
What does participation in the Dual Diploma Programme involve?
The Dual Diploma Programme is carried out 100% online and functions as an extracurricular activity. Students must complete a total of six subjects between 2nd year of ESO and 1st year of Baccalaureate, which, together with the validation of their studies at school, will allow them to obtain, in addition to the Spanish Baccalaureate qualification, the US High School Diploma.
These specific subjects are:
- English I
- English II
- Life Management Skills
- US History
- Home Economics and US Government
- One elective subject
How many years does it take?
We offer the possibility of completing it in four years (starting in 2nd year of ESO), according to the following structure:
Academic year | Subjects
2nd ESO → English I
3rd ESO → English II & Life Management Skills
4th ESO → US History & Elective
1st Baccalaureate → Home Economics and US Government
How does the student work?
The student works using a computer with an internet connection.
The Dual Diploma requires a moderate level of effort, similar to an extracurricular activity: around 3 to 5 hours per week, depending on the student’s abilities and the number of subjects being taken.
The Programme provides all the necessary platforms:
- Content and activity platforms where students access materials and complete tasks.
- Communication platforms to interact with teachers in the USA and monitor their progress (grades, time spent, pending activities).
Families and the Programme Director at the school also have access to the communication platform.
What support does the student receive?
Dual Diploma students have a full team of professionals supporting them, with the American tutor and the Dual Diploma coordinator at Les Alzines (Gina Bellvehí) being the people they will work and coordinate with most closely.
The American tutor will carry out:
- Individual video conferences, some mandatory and others optional, either at the student’s or teacher’s request.
- Scheduled live sessions. Group activities, both mandatory and optional.
These activities are very important to reinforce knowledge, resolve doubts and improve oral fluency (speaking).
Our Dual Diploma coordinator:
- Will be available to the student, at school or online, to answer all kinds of questions from both students and families.
- Will meet with students on a regular basis.
- Will monitor the student’s work and progress.
Parents receive, at all times, the same notifications as their daughters.
How is it assessed?
- Students are continuously assessed through the tasks assigned in each module and their participation in individual video conferences and live sessions.
- A progress report is sent mid-semester. If progress has not been satisfactory, the reasons are specified and suggestions for improvement are provided.
- A report with grades is sent at the end of each semester.
How is it graded?
- To obtain the US High School Diploma, Academica Corporation will request the student’s academic record up to 2nd year of Baccalaureate. Students must have passed all years and 100% of subjects, and have taken two English subjects in the last four years.
- The student must obtain the 24 credits/subjects required for graduation and a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0, which is equivalent to an average grade of 6 in our education system.
Dual Diploma explanatory video:
HERE
Testimonial video from students, parents and teachers:
HERE
What do I need to do to enrol in the Dual Diploma Programme?
- Complete the attached pre-enrolment/economic conditions form by clicking here (registration open until 30 June).
- Complete the online registration with Academica Corporation: HERE
- Send both documents (registration form and confirmation receipt received after completing the online registration with Academica Corporation) to: [email protected]
For
any questions, queries or clarifications, you can contact
Gina Bellvehí, programme director, via email:
[email protected], and she will contact you individually and, if necessary, by phone or videoconference.
I2 – Trip on the Pinxo Train (Banyoles)
