http://www.cityoutmonaco.com Monaco community, people, business & lifestyle Mon, 20 May 2013 09:01:52 +0200 Mon, 20 May 2013 09:01:52 +0200 info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) http://www.cityoutmonaco.com http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/images/cityout_logo.jpg en-US info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) How the early life and times of Montaigne can inspire us all
Riviera Tutors’ Toby Parker-Rees looks at the remarkable upbringing of French intellectual Michel Montaigne, and why it can serve as an inspiration to anyone looking to achieve educational excellence.Blame it on the parents Michel de Montaigne’s father was a well-read nobleman who liked to vault tables on his thumbs. He sent his son to live with peasants in the local village for the first three years of his life. This was the first stage of a carefully planned, albeit maverick, upbringing designed to raise a genius.  Young Michel would go on to become one of the greatest writers in history and William Shakespeare’s favourite author.Michel de Montaigne was Shakespeare's favourite authorWho said Latin was dead? When he was three-years-old, Montaigne returned to the family chateau in Bordeaux. For the next few years he was allowed to speak only Latin – and no member of the household could speak to him in French (this had the knock-on effect of creating an unusually literate set of servants, whose classical vocabulary stayed with the surrounding villages for generations). His father brought in a young German tutor to help things along – no one in the chateau spoke Latin well enough to hold a conversation with the curious child.  Learning from the best The tutor lived with the family, as was usual, and worked with young Montaigne throughout the day. Lessons took the form of friendly conversations – games featured heavily, and there was live music in the background. The little lord learnt easily. Knowledge and ideas were elaborate toys.  Reaping the benefits When he grew up Montaigne invented the essay. He took ideas for vigorous rambles, because he was comfortable in their company. He ushered in the intellectual playfulness that let Hamlet have silly parts and puns. He gave every area of humanity an interested prod, considering everything and judging nothing – ‘I have never seen a greater monster or miracle than myself’.  Riviera Tutors’ approach At Riviera Tutors we want our students to learn like Montaigne. Our tutors are generally graduates from Oxford and Cambridge, where the one-on-one tutorial is still the principal teaching method. Oxbridge students have to talk and think at the level of the world-class scholar sitting opposite them, because there’s no one else to talk to. This is experience we want to pass on.  The art of teaching For Montaigne, for the students of Oxford and Cambridge, and for our tutees, there are no distractions – there is no one to impress by showing off. Learning is the only thing to do. We do not patronise, and we do not force the issue. Good conversation demands the generosity of mutual respect. Our students learn to use their knowledge – taking it out to play with instead of letting it moulder in boxes between tests.  100% success rate We are immensely proud of the work we have done so far on the Riviera – we have never failed to help a tutee get into their chosen school, and our clients’ testimonials speak of ‘cherishing’ our ‘special attention and care’. This is all part of good conversation. We would love to hear from you too.Toby Parker-Rees graduated with a First in English Literature from Cambridge. He won the Homerton English Prize (twice) and is a published poet and playwright. He is also a theatre director. To enquire about his availability please visit www.riviera-tutors.comAbout Riviera TutorsTwo secret tips for study successTips on writing the university essayLearn about Residential TuitionCityOut Directory: Riviera Tutors
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/riviera-tutors-case-study-of-child-genius Mon, 20 May 2013 09:01:52 +0200 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/riviera-tutors-case-study-of-child-genius info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) 5 day master-class in advertising and modelling for kids
Boys and girls aged 11 to 18 can have a taste of the world of advertising and fashion modelling with a great, new summer course designed to teach them all about working in the industry. The 5-day course will be delivered in Monaco by Paparazzi Parties in July this year.Kids can learn how to shoot up with Paparazzi Parties Teens are welcome to enrol and learn all about what could be the first step to a career in the industry. Experience will be gained in Art Direction, Model Casting, Set Design, Hair and Make-up, Costume design, Styling, Photography and Post production. For more information, visit www.paparazziparties.com
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/monaco-kids-summer-course Wed, 08 May 2013 17:38:26 +0200 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/monaco-kids-summer-course info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) How to best choose and apply to UK and US universities
For parents and young people confused about how to choose, prepare and apply to US or UK universities, an informative talk to be held in Monaco may help.   Carfax Education Monaco is delivering an evening presentation on Thursday 15 November at 7pm at the CREM, entitled Successfully Navigating the US and UK University Application Process.The sumptious CREM hosts the Carfax Education Monaco event   The talk is geared towards both parents and students and will be given in English (with a Q&A session in both French and English). Some topics covered include:     •    How to choose the best uni for you     •    Visiting universities before you make your final choices - what to look for, what questions to ask     •     Strategic planning - knowing what the deadlines are and what you need to do in what order     •    UCAS applications     •    How to improve your profile before applying     •    Explaining the French/Monegasque grading system in your application     •    SATs - what do they consist of and when to start preparing for them     •    TOEFL - what is it and why even native speakers find it challenging   Grisel Damgaard, Director of Carfax Education Monaco knows well how complex the processes are when it comes to trying to enter a top UK or US university. She said: "We know that as parents it can be pretty stressful to be in charge of managing your child's university selection and admissions process. From start to finish there are so many factors to take into consideration and it can be pretty overwhelming. That's why we suggest to families to start early."   The formal presentation will be given by Jeanne Spoeri, Academic Director of Carfax Monaco office and Julia Sutton-Mattocks, Educational Consultant from the Carfax offices in Oxford and London.   Jeanne said: "What we offer at Carfax is expertise, information and logistical help. We sit down with clients and help them set into motion the best strategy and action plan possible. Some clients come to us for university selection services, some for individual SAT and TOEFL preparation classes, and others just need assistance with applications or UCAS personal statements."Getting through the doors of somewhere like Harvard can be hard   Attendees will have the chance to ask the hosts questions on their own specific case and get free, impartial advice on the overseas application process.   Carfax Education Monaco is the only international education consultancy in Monaco and on the French Riviera. The company specialises in one-to-one exam preparation services for TOEFL, SAT, IGCSE, IB and GMAT. They also offer individual language lessons and after-school academic support in various subjects for international school students.   The presentation will take place at CREM in Monaco and will be followed by a cocktail. Entry is free to both Members and Non-members.   Company Profile: Carfax Education Monaco CityOut Directory: Carfax Education MonacoCityOut Directory: Crem Club
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/carfax-event-november-2012 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:51:43 +0100 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/carfax-event-november-2012 info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) ISM chooses a director with breadth, vision and impressive experience of international schools
The Price is Right The International School of Monaco has announced the appointment of a new Director, who will take the reins of the principality's leading independent school in July this year. John Price was educated at Cambridge University. He graduated with an MA in Modern and Mediaeval Languages before embarking on a teaching career at some of Britain's best known private schools including the Edinburgh Academy, Bedales, and Winchester, where he was undermaster, responsible for university admissions and curriculum development. John Price, new Director of the International School of Monaco His first overseas post was in Malaysia, where he helped to set up a new sixth form college in Lembah Beringin, forty miles north of Kuala Lumpur. After a brief return to Winchester, he took up the headmastership of Jerudong International School in Brunei in 2004 and oversaw a major expansion from 950 to 1450 students, while also finding time to write for the Brunei Times as their education correspondent. Most recently, Mr Price (who is fluent in Russian as well as French) has been head of a new British international school in Almaty, Kazakhstan, founded by and modelled on Haileybury, another well-respected British independent school. The International School of Monaco is delighted to have appointed a head with such a notable academic track record. In a letter to parents, the governors express their hope that the new appointment will enable them to achieve new levels of excellence at what is already a great school. Readers and prospective parents wishing to learn more about the British and International School systems 'from the horse's mouth' may like to know that John Price is also the author of a book  'Notes from the Jungle', which details his time in Malaysia while reflecting on current trends in international education.
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/ism-director-john-price Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:08:09 +0200 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/ism-director-john-price info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) Come and see Monaco's foremost international school in action
What: International School of MonacoOpen Days When: Tuesday 15 March  (prospective Early Years and Primary parents)           Thursday 17 March  (prospective Middle and Secondary School parents) Contact: angela.godfrey@ismonaco.com Web: http://www.ismonaco.org The International School of Monaco prepares students from three to eighteen years of age for a challenging bilingual environment that encourages academic excellence and personal growth, leading to the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, in which the school has enjoyed an impressive 99% pass rate during the past eight years. Conveniently located in the heart of Monaco, on the beautiful harbour front of Port Hercule, the school prides itself on its small class sizes and individual attention for each child, all of which will be much in evidence on two separate Open Mornings on 15 and 17 March when the school opens its doors to the public. The Open Days As well as observing lessons in progress (they will be normal school days), visitors will be able to see for themselves the school's impressive facilities, including three distinct Learning Hubs with their extensive library research facilities, state-of-the-art science laboratories and the Performing Arts centre with music practice rooms, an art room and space for movement and drama.  There will be specific presentations on the school’s distinctive bilingual curriculum in the Early Years and Primary Schools and an overview of the I.B. Diploma (International Baccalaureate)  programme. When looking for a school there's an inevitable host of questions waiting to be asked, about lessons, exams, sports and activities, and so on. Teachers will be on hand to answer all of these.  But one key set of questions - what is the atmosphere like? Are the children happy? Is there a buzz of interest and excitement about learning? - is best answered by the visitor's own experience.
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/international-school-monaco-open-day Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:56:05 +0100 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/international-school-monaco-open-day info@cityoutmonaco.com (Anna Zelenkova) Russia's Honorary Consul-General introduces the Cultural Centre and the new Russian School
Recently we've received many questions about the Russian School of Monaco. In this interview with Professor Claude Pallanca - Honorary Consul General of the Russian Federation in Monaco - he explains the details of his creation and a number of associated projects that are planned by the new 'Russian Cultural Centre' which he chairs. CityOut: Professor, thanks for agreeing to this interview. Could you start by telling us a little about the Russian School in Monaco? Professor Pallanca: Certainly. The Honorary Consulate-General of the Russian Federation set up the Russian School in Monaco more than two years ago at the request and with the support of parents. Monaco's Department of Education and Sports kindly arranged for us to hold classes for children aged 6-13 in co-operation with the Charles III College. Since this is not a commercial set-up, we were particularly grateful for this Government support, which meant that parents' fees could go directly to pay the teachers. For the present school year we invited teachers from the Solnychko Russian School - which has been running for five years in Nice and which has already established itself in teaching languages to native Russian children residing outside their homeland. CO: What about the curriculum? CP: In addition to Russian language and literature, we provide history lessons along with elements of geography and music, all of which are taught by instructors from the Nice school. With two hours of instruction per week (classes are held on Wednesdays from 5-7pm) teachers are able to inspire the children in a love of their native language and Russian culture. CO: And I believe there's also provision for children of pre-school age? CP: Yes - as well as the four existing classes at Collège Charles III, we have a class for children aged 3 to 5 years, which takes place in the premises of the Russian Library. The children enjoy music classes and educational games in Russian. We believe it is important at this age that children continue to practise their native language, otherwise they risk losing it and learning will be more difficult. CO: Can you tell us about the Russian Library project? CP: In order to develop the Russian Cultural Centre, we've rented a big room of 100m2 for use as a library, offering books and films for adults and children. Both the Library and the Russian School are non-profit organizations, and can only continue with the help of volunteers from our Association, so let me take this opportunity to thank them for the time and effort they spend on these projects. A library demands a very high level of professionalism, and our volunteers have already completed a training qualification at the National Library of Menton. We continuously strive to improve the basis of our library, and recently we were awarded the title 'Cabinet du Monde Russe' by the Russian World foundation (Russky Mir). This is not only a great joy but also a great responsibility, because in 2011 the foundation is to present us with the best editions of Russian and world literature, as well as a large film library, music library and educational books for our school. We will have everything you need to delight Russian book lovers. CO: What are the other activities of the Association "Russian Cultural Center"? CP: In addition to the school and library, the Russian Cultural Center also organizes various activities for Russian-speaking children and adults who live in the Principality. For example, last year we arranged several free trips for school students. The children visited the exhibition "Moscow, Splendours of the Romanovs" at the Grimaldi Forum, with a tour and special quiz; a treasure hunt was laid on for students visiting Monaco's Naval Museum; and during the Classic Week, they had the opportunity to visit the legendary Russian ship "Sedov", whose sailors told the children their extraordinary adventures. In December we organized for our students and their parents a traditional New Year celebration around a Russian tree. The party was held in the Salle Belle Vue of the Cafe de Paris and all the main characters of Russian fairy tales were there too: Father Frost, the Snow Madien, and the witch Baba Yaga, in the company of many others. Of course, they presented children with Christmas gifts donated by our sponsors: Business FEDCOM Monaco and HSBC Private Bank! CO: What plans do you have for the future? CP: We'd like to offer conferences for adults (following a meeting with a representative from Monaco's Department of Economic Development), further cultural trips (such as a visit to the Palace of Monaco for children), meetings with writers and artists, and other cultural events. Thank you for this fascinating conversation, Mr. Pallanca. Good luck to you in all these projects.  
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/russschool Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:25:31 +0200 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/russschool info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) 150 years ago, Nice became part of France. A series of commemorative conferences takes place from now till June
On 15 and 16 April 1860, just 150 years ago, the people of Nice voted on the sensitive question of union with France. Large crowds gathered in front of the building which is now the Lycée Massena to hear the results announced. A century and a half later, the event continues to make waves in the Bay of Angels. A minority of diehards still disputes the results of the referendum which saw the end of the city's long association with Italy. Yet it might not have been so. Until only a few weeks before the crucial vote, the faction in favour of remaining Italian was very powerful. In the end it came down to a number of crucial factors, including the Church - who were much more in favour of unification with France than with fiercely anti-clerical Turin. And the French promise of investment in the economy and quality of life, with roads,railways and other aspects of local infrastructure. Place Massena in 1865, shortly after Nice became officially part of France. Now, the Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen, based in Nice, is commemorating the historic occasion in a series of conferences specially organized between now and June: Programme Friday 23 April at 4pm 150 years of musical composition on the Côte d’Azur André Peyregne, journalist and director of the Conservatoire Pierre Cochereau Monday 26 April at 4pm Matisse in Nice Dominique Dupuis-Labbe, chief curator and lecturer at the Ecole du Louvre Thursday 29 April (all day) 250 years of the British on the Riviera (1760-1960) Symposium run by the Centre for Studies and History of Tourism in Riviera and the Mediterranean 4pm: Two centuries of British presence on the Riviera, Marc Boyer, historian Tuesday 4 May at 4pm Famous citizens of Nice Jean-Marc Giaume, historian and town councillor Thursday 6 May at 4pm The intellectual ferment of Nice in the 19th century Raoul Mille, writer and town councillor Monday 17 May at 4pm Cosmopolitan Nice Ralph Schor, Professor at the Faculty of Arts of Nice - Yvan Gastaut, University Professor - Stephane Mourlane, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary History at UNSA Tuesday 18 May at 4pm The New Realists, the School of Nice Daniele Bloch, Professor at the Ecole du Louvre Wednesday 2 June at 4pm Garibaldi, Hero of Two Worlds Max Gallo, the Académie Française Friday 11 June at 4pm Cavour, architect of Italian unity and the cession of Nice to France His Excellency Luigi Guidobono Cavalchini, Former Italian Ambassador to France Tuesday 15 June at 4pm (€10) The Slavic soul of the Riviera Entertainment with words and music - Vladimir Fédorovski, journalist, writer and diplomat - Mikhail Rudy, piano
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/nice150 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:27:05 +0200 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/nice150 info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) Calendar of forthcoming business talks and forums from March to May
The International University of Monaco is pleased to announce the following programme of special events:Wednesday March 24, 2010, 6.30-7.30pm Technopole - Gildo Pastor Center IUM Special Event: 'Preserving wealth in an era of sovereign risk' Speaker: Lee Robinson Lee Robinson is co-founder of Trafalgar Asset Managers and Portfolio Manager of Trafalgar Catalyst and Trafalgar Special Situations Fund. From 1998 to 2001, he built and managed Tudor Capital’s Global Event Driven business, where he developed a unique risk system which he brought successfully to Trafalgar Asset Managers. Prior to this he worked at Deutsche Bank (1996-1998), Bankers Trust (1992-1996) and Paribas (1991-1992), where he traded equity, interest rate and credit derivatives.  Finance professionals as well as IUM students are welcome to this exceptional event. But due to the limited number of seats, students and IUM faculty members have to confirm their attendance by email to: sdelorenzo@monaco.eduOther IUM eventsThu 15 & Fri 16 April 2010 Monaco Career Days Novotel MonacoThu 6 & Fri 7 May 2010 Next Generation Entrepreneur Forum Grimaldi Forum  
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/iumspring10 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:56:38 +0100 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/iumspring10 info@cityoutmonaco.com (Alex Went) The lucky pupils at this international school benefit from a British curriculum and a wide range of facilities and activities
A British-style education on the Côte d’Azur Terminal 1 at Nice Airport isn’t exactly Platform 9¾, but on Friday, as a thick blanket of snow descended on Europe and planes from and to all destinations were either delayed or cancelled, your correspondent’s roving eye happened to pick out, amid the hustle and bustle of the airport departures lounge, a Hogwarts-like school-bag emblazoned with the school crest, and underneath, the words ‘Mougins School’. Never one to lose an opportunity, this seemed as good a time as any to politely ask the family if they minded being interviewed on their experience at this independent school which offers a British-style education on the Côte d’Azur. The word that sprang immediately to the lips of all the children was ‘motivation’. This is clearly the key to what they consider one of the most advantageous and beneficial schoolings to be had on the French Riviera. The teachers are always positive, said one of the boys – always prompting you to do better. And the children – who spoke excellent English without a trace of embarrassment – not only enjoy the atmosphere, but are also used to good teaching and learning. Of the school’s extra-curricular activities there were equally favourable comments: a house-based system such as that familiar to generations of English public school boys – both real and fictional (think Tom Brown or Harry Potter) - generates competitive spirit within a co-operative framework. There was a great deal of pride for the older brother in the family as he spoke of his house winning this term’s sporting event. The kids were also very polite and well-mannered – and – a real thumbs-up – spoke with great enthusiasm about school food! With a good variety, and plenty of salads, the school obviously caters well for the physical as well as mental requirements of its charges. And what of the parental experience? Sending children away to school, especially as with this family, all the way from Germany, can prove costly in emotional as well as financial terms. But mum was in no doubt: if it made the the children happy, she was all for it. And the children were evidently content and enthusiastic about their experience - even taking into account that it was the first day of the holiday! Children who talk proudly and in an uninhibited way about their schooldays are fortunate indeed. Intelligent, articulate and mature in their approach, these lucky kids may be far from home, but they’re clearly having a great time. A visit to the informative school website suggests this is a school with a future: state-of-the-art facilities, plenty of activities and trips, and an exciting partnership with a local English-language theatre company. Further details on Mougins can be found by clicking here  
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/mouginsinterview Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:03:18 +0100 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/mouginsinterview info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) French school in border town to lose rent-free status
For fifty years, the French school in Ventimiglia has been teaching the language of Racine to generations of Italians, enabling them to take up work along the frontier, in Monaco and surrounding towns. But now the school, which has occupied the same premises since its inception, is to be charged a rent by the local commune. The town council has authorized the association of publicly-owned buildings to annul the current agreement and to impose a rent which could cost the French school up to 75,000 euros a year. Ventimiglia council justifies its decision on the grounds that the reception areas for children no longer meet hygiene and security regulations for schools. Additionally, the council wants to re-house on one site four current municipal offices, including the tax office which already shares its premises with the school. Understandably this has led to protests from parents. These, at least, are the official reasons. But on closer inspection it looks as though the school is the victim of an ancient quarrel over finances between the Mayor of Ventimiglia Gaetano Scullino and his Menton counterpart Jean-Claude Guibal, concerning the fee that the Italians pay to the French town for sewage treatment. 'The French school is hosted free of charge by our commune, yet we have to pay Menton several tens of thousands of euros for the treatment of waste-water from homes near the French border,' says Sculino. They do not resent the presence of the French school: for the mayor it's simply to do with good management of the commune's real estate.
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/ventimigliaschool Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:18:25 +0100 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/ventimigliaschool info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) New curfew laws targeted at under-13s have come into force
Since 4 December, unaccompanied minors under 13 years old in Nice have been required to observe a curfew. The new rule, which was brought into force last Thursday by the chief of police of the Alpes-Maritimes departement stipulates that children found wandering around on their own will be conducted home. The hours of curfew are from 11pm to 5am on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and will also apply in out-of-school hours, during the holidays, and during the period of the Nice Carnival. The idea was mooted in November by Brice Hortefeux, the French minister of the interior, who put forward the idea of a targeted curfew applying only to those who had already been in trouble with the police.  But the mayor of Nice, Christian Etrosi (who is also French Industry Minister), had this to say: "We are all parents and grandparents - and the idea of knowing that our 10- or 11-year-old, alone or accompanied by other youths, could be walking the streets after 11pm is unthinkable. We cannot afford to wait until his behaviour leads him into delinquency, either as a perpetrator or as a victim.' In cases where a minor returned to his house reoffends, the law provides for his inclusion in a special file, after authorization by the CNIL (National Commision for Liberty and Information), and as a last recourse, the removal of certain allowances allocated to the family. These measures will apply to all under-13s, not only delinquents (for whom the case may well end up in court).
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/curfew Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:07:00 +0100 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/curfew info@cityoutmonaco.com (Cityout Monaco) The best education on the Riviera
Click here for all CityOut's school listings Ask any parent why they moved abroad and choosing a school is unlikely to top the list. Yet the fact is that international schools have traditionally produced some of the best-educated children in the world. You may feel that choosing to educate your children abroad is a risk. It is, but no more so than having your child educated in their home country. And there are distinct advantages too. For example, CurriculumMost European international schools offer a wide-ranging primary to secondary curriculum, covering languages, sciences and humanities. Assessment is carried out according to well-respected international systems including the IGCSE (International General Certificate in Secondary Education) for 15 to 16-year-olds, and the IB (International Baccalaureat) for 17 to 18-year-olds. SocietyYour child will mix with a much wider range of interesting people at an international school, interacting daily with other pupils and teachers from a variety of cultures, countries and backgrounds. This in itself is an education, producing young people who are particularly confident and tolerant of others. There is one international school in Monaco itself.  If you're prepared to travel a little further afield, there are others in Nice and along the Riviera (More info to come, including interview with Steven Holroyd, headmaster of a major international school) PLUS Edit the following (from expatfinder.com) When you move overseas, decision-making processes can be complicated and overwhelming, and schooling is certainly one area where parents face difficult choices. Here are four schooling options for an expatriate family. International Schools International schools do not follow the host country’s curriculum, but provide either an international curriculum (such as the International Baccalaureate) or the national curriculum of another country. These schools follow a curriculum that is closer to your child’s education system back home. Most commonly international schools are based on an American or British curriculum, but some schools follow alternative national curriculums, dependent on location and the size and demands of the local expatriate population. A number of factors may determine whether placing your child in an international school is viable or most appropriate:Length of time you are staying abroadFinances; international schools can be costlyChild’s age; older children find integration into a local school harder than young children doContinuity of curriculumLevel of education; if your child is starting tertiary education on repatriation, consider if the international curriculum covers the necessary subjects to gain entry to university in your home countryLanguage and culture issues  Local Schools As an expatriate, you may also have the choice to place your child in a local state (or private) school. This is particularly relevant for smaller (primary) schoolchildren who can more easily learn the local language. Young children adapt far more easily to new surroundings than older ones, and if the overseas stay is a lengthy one then local schooling can facilitate their social integration. However, if neither parent speaks the local language, then helping your child with homework and being involved in the school is difficult. A tuition centre or a tutor can support you and give your child assistance with troublesome subjects. In addition, depending on the availability of teaching of your native language, your child may require extra tuition in their mother tongue too.   Boarding Schools Some expatriate parents choose to place their children in a boarding school if there are no feasible schooling options in the overseas location. Boarding schools offer continuity and consistency to children of parents that frequently relocate. However, for children who are not used to living away from home the adjustment can be a difficult one. For other children the idea of boarding school may be an exciting prospect. Choosing a boarding school with teaching styles and house parenting methods that fit with your child will enhance their acceptance and experience. With use of the internet and email, school websites and (mobile) telephones, parents can now connect daily with their children and keep abreast of events in their lives, reducing the sense of distance between parents and children. Home Schooling If the standard of local education is low, or if the curriculum of the international school is very different to that in your base country, then homeschooling is a viable alternative. For a family that moves frequently, homeschooling provides children with consistency in their education and facilitates reintegration back into their schooling system on repatriation. There are benefits to home education, as well as challenges, but the right to homeschool your child is location dependent. Some countries do not recognise homeschooling as legitimate, whilst others make provisions for it in its constitution. You will need to check the legal situation and requirements in your destination country. In order to home school your children, you do not need to be a qualified teacher, but you will need to apply to, and register with, a national body and meet minimum education standards. You may need to attend an interview with a representative from the home schooling body to discuss the reasons for homeschooling. Once approved, you may opt to follow a national curriculum, or tailor a learning program to fit to your child’s talents and interests, or combine elements of both methods. Whichever method or subject matter you choose; there are organisations that support homeschooling parents. Support comes in the shape of various services and tools: providing learning materials; marking your child’s homework; offering tutoring services; a phone line for questions and advice; community fora to exchange ideas and experiences with other homeschooling parents and children.   Click here for all CityOut's school listings
Read more...]]> http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/schoolnames Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:47:57 +0200 http://www.cityoutmonaco.com/monaco-community/articles/schoolnames