Transition P5-S1

WHO'S WHO? HELP TEAM Director of EEB4 : Mr. Manuel BORDOY Deputy Head of Secondary : Mrs. Isabelle VERWILGHEN  Secretary : Samantha SIOEN Pedagogical Secretary : Deborah DE METS Coordinators For S1+S2+S3 Fulvia GALLAS For S4+S5 Stephen SEXTON For S6+S7 Marisa GROEN HELP TEAM School psychologist for S1 Mrs. Ana Moreno, ana.moreno@eursc.eu Educational Advisor for S1 Mrs. Daniela Mutes, daniela.mutes@edu.eursc.eu Support coordinator : Mrs. Claire PONCEAU

The Secondary School Organization The secondary school is divided into three cycles: S1+S2+S3; S4+S5; S6+S7. A student cannot change an option within the same cycle, so if you choose Latin in S2 you will keep it in S3. L3 is for two cycles at least (from S1 to S5). Lessons start at 8.15 and ends at max. 15.55 (9 periods of 45 minutes is the maximum per day). The person in charge of creating the timetable will try to avoid period 9 for the pupils of S1, but this is not always possible. Half day on Wednesdays (from 8.15 to 12.35). If in the Music Program, the pupils will have a 9th period.

The school year is divided into two semesters: At mid-semester, parents will receive an intermediary school report (bulletin). A report is also sent at the end of each semester, so 4 reports in total: November – January – March – July. At the end of each semester, the teacher gives a mark from 0 to 10 which takes into account all aspects of a pupil’s work. In S1-S2-S3 pupils do not receive half points. No B-tests (semester exam) in S1-S2-S3. At the end of the school year, the teacher gives a mark for ‘promotion’ into the next class. Promotion into the class above is governed by Article 61 General Rules of the European Schools.

Number of weekly periods : in S1 : 33 + 2 periods for pupils of Irish nationality in the Anglophone section who follow Irish ONL In S2 : 33 (35 for pupils who choose Latin) + 2 periods for Irish pupils in the Anglophone section who follow Irish ONL In S3 : 31 (33 for pupils with Latin or ICT) + 2 periods for Irish pupils in the Anglophone who follow Irish ONL

Each class has a principal class teacher and elected representatives of parents and pupils. There is an Educational Advisor for each level responsible for behaviour, absences, lockers... And, of course, for any questions and any help needed!

During the first cycle most of the subjects are compulsory (all compulsory in S1). Languages 5 periods per week of L1 (4 p as from S3) 5 periods of L2 (4 p in S2-S3) 2 periods of L3 (3 p as from S2) 2 periods of Latin (only in S2+S3 if taken as option) Mathematics and Integrated Sciences in L1 (4 periods per week each) Human sciences (History and Geography) 3 periods in L1 in S1-S2; in L2 as from S3 Arts 2 periods : in mixed groups language wise Music 2 periods : in mixed groups language wise Physical Education 3 periods : in mixed groups language wise and mixed gender wise (girls + boys) Information Technology (ICT) is compulsory in S1 and S2 for 1 period per week. It is an option of 2 periods in S3 for the pupils who haven’t chosen Latin in S2 Choice between Religion or Ethics (2 periods) in L1 in S1-S2; in L2 from S3 Irish as O.N.L. only for students of Irish nationality in the English section for 2 periods per week.

L3 You can choose one of the official languages of the European Union. L3 in S1 is a course for ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS. As from S4 it is possible to add a L4 to the student's curriculum (4 weekly periods). From S6 L5 is also possible as a complementary course (2 weekly periods). Exit level for L3 (end of S7): B1+ (upper intermediate). Size of the groups: minimum 7 pupils; maximum 28. Below 7 pupils a course cannot be created. Possibility to take a L3 in S6-S7 or in even a new L2 (if min. 5 pupils)

The Music Project

Next choice: Latin or ICT in S2-S3 In S2 students can add to their curriculum two periods of Latin Latin has to be continued in S3 (two periods per week) In S3 students with Latin won't be able to study ICT (two periods per week) ICT will be proposed again to all the students as an option in S4 If you need more info for Latin the coordinator of Latin is Mr. Tom BOIY.

A few basic rules Punctuality! Corridors No running around, no bags unattended or blocking the ways Electronic devices No using mobile phones inside the school.

You can hire a locker The pupils will need to get their secondary school sportclothes They will have a school diary (agenda) but also acces to SMS (notes – homework – tests…)

The transition program The S1 pupils visit the P5 classes with Mrs Mutes and talk about their experience : DONE In February and March the P5 pupils will visit the secondary school and experience a typical secondary day (until 12.30) Information about L3 to the parents (today) and to the pupils. The science day : the S1 pupils organise scientific experiences for the P5: 16th of May

And you as parents Encourage your children Discuss their school life with them Follow their results, homework, tests, etc. on SMS Contact the teachers as soon as possible if there is a problem Contact the Educational Advisor for absences, … Let the pupils have a good workspace at home, with enough time for the homework and the learning Let them chose, as much as possible, their L3: a good motivation is a good driving force.

Questions