We started the new year of 2023 full of enthusiasm and optimism. There are challenges and tasks ahead of us. At the beginning of the year, we present you the most important of them.
Learning in 2 languages
Most of our lessons are conducted in English. This can at first be quite challenging for some children. Some children joining the school from other countries cannot read or write in either English or Polish. This is a big challenge every year. We are working on ways to assist the children who are not fluent in Polish or in English.
Quality of Learning and Teaching
Developing Language skills in 3 or more languages (including English, Polish and Spanish) in young learners can be challenging. This is not the only challenge – we often find that children have other needs or issues – such as concentration, distraction or difficulties in copying notes from the board. To address the needs of the children, the staff modifies their teaching methods. Most of the staff have received extra course training or are sponsored by the school to do further studies.
The Best Preparation for GIS Primary School is GIS Preschool.
Most children who spent one or more years in GIS Preschool and class 0 can read and write in both English and Polish. This background is a huge advantage for all children. One thing that has become very clear is that the children who are best prepared for learning in GIS Primary School and the children who spend 1 year or more in GIS Preschool.
Playground and infrastructure
Playground
We made a start to the playground on the Western side of the building. We want to make something special, but also safe and practical. We still need to do more work there, including preparing the ground surface and put up more fencing. We plan to make the current playground (on the Northern side of the building) functional for football. This involves putting in another football net (bramka). We also plan to make the area around the playground nicer and cleaner with some Astroturf – this will prevent the area from becoming muddy in the winter.
Infrastructure and Renovations
There are always more improvements and changes to make! We are in the process of making changes to the building – renovating the primary school catering room and the cloakroom.
