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EUROPE ...Education in Europe


“How much importance is placed on those subjects that are not purely academic, such as sport, music, art and theatre? It is vital to remember that, although the academic achievements of a student are important, other qualities will form the confident young adult ready to face the challenges which lie ahead.” Typically, international schools are well set up to receive relocating pupils, and have systems in place to help children settle in quickly and painlessly, but this should never be taken for granted.


Debbie Bowker, managing director of education consultant Bowker Consulting, recommends that families find out how a school measures up when it comes to settling and integrating new students.


“Ask the school if they have had families joining from your country of origin before,” she advises. “Could they put you in touch with another family that has recently made the transition. Is there a special programme in place? Do they have a buddy system? Will you have the opportunity for a quick chat with your child’s new teacher if there are transition issues? How can you get in contact with them, and how quickly can you expect a response?” Soraya Koité Lemboumba, admissions and marketing director of St George’s International School, Switzerland, believes that parents should ask how their child will be welcomed into the school. “At St George’s,” she says, “before a child starts term, they have a scheduled meeting with their personal tutor and head of house, who will show them where things are and talk through how the school works. They will also meet them when they arrive on the first day of term.” David Willows, director of admissions and advancement at the International School of Brussels, believes that schools are a bit like people. “They all have ‘personalities’, generating a particular feeling or atmosphere, which goes way beyond a simple analysis of the curriculum offered, the number and range of sports teams, or success in getting kids into the best colleges.”


He adds, “In the end, the best schools are not out there giving you the ‘hard sell’, even in times of global financial crisis; they are simply wanting to help you choose the best school for your child – even if it isn’t theirs!”


DON’T FORGET THE PARENTS


Sue Dunnachie argues that relocating children are likely to settle and find their feet in their new surroundings faster than their parents, so it is wise to look out for a school with a good support network for the whole family. “Children have a facility to adapt which does not always come so easily to adults,” she says. “As soon as friendships are formed, life becomes easier. It can be more challenging


138 | relocateglobal.com | Keep Informed


for parents, who are dealing with the daily hurdles of life in a foreign language with which they may not be familiar. This is why a welcoming school which offers pastoral care to the whole family is important.”


“Families should be advised to ask if there is an active parent-teacher association (PTA), which will enable parents to become involved in the social activities of the school,” says Debbie Bowker.


Soraya Koité Lemboumba believes that her school’s parents’ liaison group (PLG) is the social hub of the community. “We have a very active group, to welcome new families and to support them,” she says. “St George’s International is a community for the whole family, not just the students, so we work hard on creating positive relationships and exchanging information. “All parents are invited to a reception at school before term starts to meet their child’s tutor and other staff, a coffee morning in the first week of term to connect with other families, and a family day on the first weekend. We welcome families getting involved, asking questions, and encouraging their children to do the same – to be open to new opportunities, and to smile!” “We believe that each family member should have a hand to hold in the first few months, to help them negotiate the new environment,” says Magdelan Gray, advancement director of the American International School of Budapest. “There are many families in our community who understand how the process of transition feels. It is important to ask for help, and to seek company at the very beginning.


“Our programme includes parent ambassadors from different nationalities, peer student buddies, welcome handbooks, transition mini-classes, and support groups. We believe that this ensures happiness and a settled educational environment for all.”


In the end, the choice of school will be a personal one, and parents will need to make it based on the individual needs of their child. “Above all,” says Sue Dunnachie, “try to make a change of school and country a positive experience. It will offer the chance to establish lifelong friendships that are rich and rewarding.”


Schule Schloss Salem


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