Hello there. I've searched for answers regarding my concern but I haven't really found the information I need. Perhaps all of you can help.
My family and I may be moving to Neuchatel and I am wondering how my children will fit into the local school system. None of us speak any French but our 15 year old has had 1.5 years of German at school. We intend to do everything we can to fully integrate to the Swiss culture. We aren't planning for just a short duration in CH.
From what I have read, my 6 year old should be fine. That age seems to adapt rather quickly and he should fit right in after a year. Aren't there integration classes to help him acclimate to the culture while learning the native language and practicing his studies? Correct me if I am wrong.
Our main concern is with our 15 year old. How easily can a non-French speaking teenager adapt to the local school system? Are the similar integration programs to help her adapt? We are not interested in private schools. We want the public system for many reasons. We want to reduce any seclusion from our neighbors and the Swiss people in general.
Thanks in advance for any help you provide.
Patrick
well, it will not be easy, but if the 15 year old has a bit of a feeling for languages it can be done. Maybe she will have to repeat a year, to learn the language? And I think it is a good idea for her to do an emerging class before starting school, so she just knows basic language.
From experience, I remember that when I was 15 a boy from Norway joined our class without any knowledge of Dutch. Exchange for a year. After that year he was almost fluent.
The head of our school (primary school though) told me that usual kids are given 2 years to perfect the language until they will let the language influence grades... Don;t know if that is the case for secondary schools as well.
Have you been looking for bilingual schools. French/English? They exist in Zurich (Ger/Eng), but maybe also in your area? Bilingual schools are usually better integrated is society than English language private schools.
Thanks maximum. I haven't really been looking for private schools because of both cost and experience.
At 15, they are way past the streaming cut off. Not sure what would be the procedure in Neuchatel, as each canton and indeed even each district has a somewhat different approach. Best to speak with the school directly. My guess would be they would have a 1 year intensive integration class with other new immigrants, non-french speakers, then be streamed into a level. To be honest, based on other people I know, it will likely be a very uphill challenge in which the possibilites to get to VSB and university are likely slim (not sure if that is your goal). I would say not totally impossible, but given that only 10-15% students make this stream after years of being in the school/curriculum an outsider with no french and no experience with swiss curriculum will have it much much more difficult.
We had the same problem. We were told that our 15 year old would have to stay back in lower years with younger children and stay longer to meet the required standards of the international bac. Understandable when their languages are not up to scratch but just too many issues.
In the end it was cheaper and easier for us to keep her at her private school in the UK but as a boarder for 2 years to complete A levels. I realise you are not looking at private education but it really is the only way to avoid those extra years.