A 100% British school will open in the Principality
The founders of the private school called “The British School of Monaco”, which opens at the end of October, we explain the particularities of the establishment.
80 students are preparing to join the brand new school in Monaco located at 8 avenue de Fontvielle. It will open its doors at the end of the work, either at the end of October or “at the latest at the beginning of November”, hope founders Olena Sullivan-Prykhodko and Luke Sullivan. Established in the Principality for ten years, the couple is very excited and confident for the launch.
“We have worked with over 1,000 families in Monaco”, says Luke. Indeed, by providing for the Modelex company specializing in tutoring, the private education expert identified the expectations of parents in terms of education. “From now on, in the Principality, parents have a choice. There are the all-French schools, the International School of Monaco (ISM) where English and French are mixed, and in a few weeks the British School of Monaco which will offer 100% English teaching.”Luke explains impatient to welcome the first students.
We have worked with over 1,000 families in Monaco
In figures, the demand is very real. Of the 500 applications, only 80 students were selected. “This year, we are opening from Year 1 (large section) to Year 5 (CM1), but the maximum capacity of the school is 96 students”next year Year 6 (CM2) will open, and the school will run at full speed with little ones from 5 to 10/11 years old, mostly Monegasque residents, of different nationalities. “You can have a student whose father is German and whose mother is Italian or a Russian father and a French mother… This creates a lot of opportunities but also complexity”thinks the Bristol University graduate.
Parents are therefore not afraid of novelty, on the contrary, they are even very involved. “They ask us every day what they can do to help the project”, is surprised Luke. There is devotion, excitement, and a lot of challenge for the teachers too. Coming straight from the United Kingdom, they must apply the British school curriculum.
The style of pedagogy is distinguished in particular in the communication and the relationship they have with the students. “We invested a lot of time and money in recruiting teachers because we were looking for very competent and passionate people”recognizes Luke.
The support and recognition of the Prince’s Government and the Monegasque Department of National Education, Youth and Sports have also been essential in the realization of the project started two years ago. “We worked hand in hand”affirm the founders who specify that the program, available on the site of the establishment, has been fully validated by the authorities.
Formerly Citizens of Tomorrow
It’s no secret that English is considered by many – and especially by employers – to be an important language to master. But the subjects strictly speaking like English or mathematics are not everything. Teachers have the difficult task of training the citizens of tomorrow. To do this, they must integrate the school’s values into each of their lessons: integrity and responsibility towards oneself, respect and kindness towards others, and courage and curiosity for the world.
The founders also make it a point of honor to ensure the well-being and mental health of each student by relying on the American “Mind up” program. “You can’t give the best in class if you’re not psychologically and physically comfortable. Everything is connected ». Thus, one class per week is dedicated to well-being, food and leisure, so that “Students get used to talking about their feelings without being judged. »
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Registrations still possible
For those scheduled, registrations are still open. The selection is made after a meeting with the parents, the sending of the registration file and an appointment with the child who takes a level test. ” The level of English is not decisive for us. We look at the child’s abilities as a whole », explains the former Vice-President of the Junior Economic Chamber of Monaco. Count all the same 35,000 euros for tuition fees, which will be added to the application fees and registration fees.
Find all the information about the school website.