We are at a school called the International School of the Gothenburg Region (ISGR). I have learned so much already and it is only my 2nd day! I have so many things to talk about but I'm only going to give out a little information at a time as I learn more and more. Plus, I need different topics to keep everyone intrigued. This post will be about the school itself.
On the first day, Sally (University of Gothenburg coordinator) picked us up at the dorm and took us to the school via tram. It is a short ride and walk combined, only about 15 minutes. We took a group photo on our first day at the new school.
The ISGR is a school for students whose parents moved to Gothenburg for business, work, travel, etc. and need a place for their children to go to school. Most of my students are from Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. This is my first time in an international school and an ESL classroom (since I've been SPED my whole time at school). It is interesting to see the differences and similarities in strategies to help students. I also love the diversity and learning about each child's culture and homeland stories.
It is an IB school which stands for international baccalaureate. We do have IB schools in America. I will post another day about the curriculum of IB and keep this post to the physical characteristics and make up of the school.
We are placed in the PYP, primary youth program, for grades K-5. There are about 3 of each grade level classes. The grades are based on their ages, not ability level. I am in a 2nd grade class, therefore, my students are about 7-8 years old mostly. Madilyne is also in a 2nd grade class, Virginia is in a 1st grade class, and Caroline is in 4th grade. The building is split up into wings (A, B, C, D, E). So I am in 2D. Madilyne's class is in a detached building. Most of the PYP school is in 1 building. However, the Pre-K and middle schools are separate buildings.
The average class size of the school is about 25 students. 2nd grade is the most crowded with about 27-28 students. There is 1 teacher per class, with the help of push-in teachers occasionally. Students are required to speak English except for when they are at break. It is the language that unites everyone since they all speak different languages at home.
They also have specials here. Their specials include Swedish, P.E., art, and music. The U.S. is the same in this aspect. So far, I have been to Swedish and P.E. and have enjoyed both, especially P.E.
Lastly, the school is very cozy with brick walls, warm lighting, and student artwork hanging in the halls. The lobby looks like a coffee shop with a rustic bench, hanging lights, and brick walls. It is very homey. The stairs have the phrase, "Embrace diversity, explore the world". This quote describes the school and it's values of taking in all the diversity of the people and using it to explore and expand on your experiences. Everyone has something to share.
They also have multiple play areas outside. There is one with a snow igloo the children have made and a playground area. The younger children play in the smaller non-playground area while the older children play on the playground. Students also bring small sleds to play and ride on the hills at school since there is so much snow. They come to school in their snow suits and take them off inside. Then they put them back on for break outside. There's also warming fridges to dry off any wet clothes while they are in class so that it will be dry for when they put on their snow clothes again.
