The new École International School in Differdange (EIDD) due to open in September 2016, have welcomed prospective parents to two information evenings in the last week. The school was delighted with the turn out of over 200 people for these events run in French & then English. After a warm welcome by the Differdange community the evening proceeded with a detailed explanation of the history by Gerard Zens who is heading up the project. This began with the plans to build a new Lycee Classique in the commune and grew into the idea of a more innovative idea for a multi–cultural area that reflects the diversity of languages and nationalities in Luxembourg. The model for the new International school was taken from the European School system that is most similar to the Luxembourg state school’s multi-lingual approach. The school will be a state Luxembourgish school with the added accreditation of a European School with links to and extra quality control provided by the network of European schools.

At present the school will be housed in two buildings with a new campus being built for 2019. The decision was made to open before all the buildings were finished because the project did not want to wait 3 years to start opening its doors. This is why the new school will only welcome 2 classes at Primary Level (P1) and 3 classes at Secondary Level (S1) with extra preparatory classes for integrating Secondary aged students without the necessary level to enter S1.

All information regarding the school day, timetable and entry levels are on their website in English and French at www.eidd.lu

The school will offer an English and French section and all children will learn Luxembourgish (spoken) and another language apart from their section and including a choice of German or Portuguese. At Secondary level students learn an additional language. However subjects like Mathematics and Science will be taught in their first choice (section) language. The children will work towards a European Baccalaureate with the intention of preparing them for University.

 

 

How large will the classes be?

Class size will be approximately 20 children for Primary classes and 25 for Secondary classes.

What is the procedure for applying to the school?

Applications open next Friday 4th March and close at the end of March.

• Children need to be fluent in one of the languages although not necessarily in a section language.
• Proximity to school – children living in Differdange or closer communes will get priority.
• Letter of motivation – applicants will need to say why they want to go to the school. This will be important as unfortunately with such a small intake at the beginning some children will have to go onto a waiting list.
• In the future if a child has a sibling at the school they will also receive priority.

Are the teachers native speakers?

The teachers will be hired from both Luxembourgish or European school system. They will be expected to have substantial experience and a high level of French and English. All specialist subjects will be taught by specialist teachers at Secondary level.

How will the lunchtime period work?

The school will provide supervision over the lunchtime period, which will be covered by the Cheque Service in primary school. There will be food provided at a cost or children can bring pack lunches. Food will be catered for off site until the new campus is opened.

Will parents be involved in the school?

It is the intention to have Parents and Children involved in school councils/committees and as student /parent reps for each class. The school would like to welcome parents as part of their community and hope to have some extra-curricular activities provided by parents in the future.