New International School in Differdange to

Open in September

The new cole International School in Differdange (EIDD) due to open in September 2016, have welcomed
prospective parents to two information evenings in the last week. The school was delighted with the turn out of over
200 people for these events run in French & then English. After a warm welcome by the Differdange community the
evening proceeded with a detailed explanation of the history by Gerard Zens who is heading up the project. This
began with the plans to build a new Lycee Classique in the commune and grew into the idea of a more innovative
idea for a multicultural area that reflects the diversity of languages and nationalities in Luxembourg. The model for
the new International school was taken from the European School system that is most similar to the Luxembourg
state schools multi-lingual approach. The school will be a state Luxembourgish school with the added accreditation
of a European School with links to and extra quality control provided by the network of European schools.
At present the school will be housed in two buildings with a new campus being built for 2019. The decision was made
to open before all the buildings were finished because the project did not want to wait 3 years to start opening its
doors. This is why the new school will only welcome 2 classes at Primary Level (P1) and 3 classes at Secondary
Level (S1) with extra preparatory classes for integrating Secondary aged students without the necessary level to
enter S1.
All information regarding the school day, timetable and entry levels are on their website in English and French at
www.eidd.lu
The school will offer an English and French section and all children will learn Luxembourgish (spoken) and another
language apart from their section and including a choice of German or Portuguese. At Secondary level students learn
an additional language. However subjects like Mathematics and Science will be taught in their first choice (section)
language. The children will work towards a European Baccalaureate with the intention of preparing them for
University.
Parents were encouraged to ask questions at the end of a very detailed and informative slide show (available on the
website). I am including some of these useful questions here.

How large will the classes be?

Class size will be approximately 20 children for Primary classes and 25 for Secondary classes.
What is the procedure for applying to the school?
Applications open next Friday 4th March and close at the end of March.
Children need to be fluent in one of the languages although not necessarily in a section language.
Proximity to school children living in Differdange or closer communes will get priority.

Letter of motivation applicants will need to say why they want to go to the school. This will be important as
unfortunately with such a small intake at the beginning some children will have to go onto a waiting list.
In the future if a child has a sibling at the school they will also receive priority.
Are the teachers native speakers?
The teachers will be hired from both Luxembourgish or European school system. They will be expected to have
substantial experience and a high level of French and English. All specialist subjects will be taught by specialist
teachers at Secondary level.
How will the lunchtime period work?
The school will provide supervision over the lunchtime period, which will be covered by the Cheque Service in
primary school. There will be food provided at a cost or children can bring pack lunches. Food will be catered for off
site until the new campus is opened.
Will parents be involved in the school?
It is the intention to have Parents and Children involved in school councils/committees and as student /parent reps for
each class. The school would like to welcome parents as part of their community and hope to have some extracurricular activities provided by parents in the future.
For more information contact info@eidd.lu
This article first appeared on www.passage.lu