“ MOST OF OUR SCHOOLS ARE MULTILINGUAL SETTINGS AND IT IS A JOY TO WATCH OUR YOUNGEST STUDENTS FLIP FROM ONE LANGUAGE TO ANOTHER SEAMLESSLY.”
OANH CROUCH, GLOBEDUCATE
bases where children start the day. These rooms have ever-changing learning areas for play and exploration, which might include a loft, kitchen or a cardboard tree for fantasy play. In addition, two adjoining rooms open to create a fluid learning environment. “These rooms focus on sensory learning and arts and crafts and there is a quiet rest area with mattresses,” says Owen Murphy. Outdoor areas in Munich include climbing frames, model structures and a mud kitchen while the campus in Haimhausen is surrounded by green space with a forest on its doorstep. At ISL too, the campus setting is incorporated. “By
incorporating our Forest School sessions in Gunnersbury Park, we take learning outdoors, allowing children to explore and connect with nature,” says Catherine Lister. “This not only enhances their physical development but also promotes creativity, problem-solving and resilience.”
THE POWER OF BILINGUAL Research shows bilingual children have improved cognitive flexibility, focus and creativity and better problem-solving skills. The early years are the prime time for the brain to open up to be more flexible and adaptable to learning. “I have witnessed children learn new languages so quickly at this age,” says Oanh Crouch. “Most of our schools are multilingual settings and it is a joy to watch our youngest students flip from one language to another seamlessly.” In Singapore, learning a second language is compulsory from primary school and many early childhood settings encourage bilingualism earlier. In Denmark, students at CIS learn English and Danish and are encouraged to read and speak in their native languages – over 50 are spoken around the campus – which fosters strong communication skills.
CHOOSING A SCHOOL TOP TIPS FROM EARLY YEARS EXPERTS
1. Schools are like shoes, one size does not fit all, says Globeducate’s Oanh Crouch. “Simply ask yourself, ‘will my child be happy in this school?’ If your child feels safe and happy, then they will be open to learning.”
2. Look out for spaces that are deliberately designed for play-based learning, says the Bavarian International School Munich- Schwabing’s principal, Owen Murphy. “Visit during the school day – nothing is better than seeing what a totally normal school day looks like.”
3. Seek settings that provide personalised attention, a supportive community. and a curriculum designed to support both academic and emotional growth. “Ensure any setting offers structured learning opportunities, ample outdoor activities and an enthusiastic, engaged staff that provide a nurturing, enabling environment,” says Esther O’Connor of The British School of Brussels.
4. Look out for red flags. These include high staff turnover, which can disrupt children’s emotional security and learning continuity, and poor communication or a lack of transparency about the curriculum,” says the Copenhagen International School’s Catalina Gardescu. “Environments that are overly rigid or lack opportunities for creative and outdoor play may not support holistic child development.”
5 Find out how the school communicates with its parents and what opportunities there are to get involved. “The most important thing to ask is what and how your child will be learning and how that will be communicated to you,” says Globeducate’s Oanh Crouch.
Below: Students from The American School in England (TASIS)
MORE INFORMATION
Read the full responses from schools online at
relocatemagazine.com
79
GLOBAL EDUCATION EARLY YEARS
Guide to International Education & Schools
For parents, employers & relocation professionals
2024/25
relocateglobal.com
thinkglobalpeople.com
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