London being so cosmopolitan, has several independent schools around the city founded on the different nationalities ethos. Den Svenska Skolan i London or The Swedish School, situated in a leafy area called Barnes near the river Thames in south-west London, caters for children from 3 years up to 16 with a Pre School and School with the year groups 0-9. The Swedish School was founded in 1907 and follows the Swedish curriculum. Den Norske Skolen i London or The Norwegian School, located on a hill top in Wimbledon, is an English independent school. The village like school follows the Norwegian curriculum and cater for up to 170 children from 6 years to 16 years (Norwegian year groups 1-10) of age. The school also include a nursery for 3-5 year old children.
Photo left The Swedish School London and right, the Norwegian School London
Latest news are a potential set up of a Danish School. A recent survey, answered by parents of 150 Danish children based in London, found an overwhelming interest for the establishment of a school with a Danish Ethos.
The proposed Danish School is modeled on the New Model School concept as a non profit school following the Danish curriculum. A meeting to discuss the set up will take place in June, on the 26th of June 2012 7:30pm at the Danish YMCA, 43 Maresfield Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5TF
All who are interested are warmly welcome. RSVP by e-mailing dendanskeskole@hotmail.co.uk.
Useful Links
The Swedish School
The Norwegian School
New Model School
It’s a full time eduction approved and acknowledged as independent schools, like the American School in London. The students tend to have one or both parents originating from the country and there’s a wish for them not only to learn the language but also the culture. To be approved as a independent school in the UK you need to have a minimum amount of English lessons every week.
Some of the teachers are English, but in what language they speak I really don’t know.
We never considered the Norwegian school as we wanted our children to get a taste of the British system, to indulge in the British language and culture. Maybe because we are based her permanently and also the fact that we are both Norwegian parents so language and culture is naturally provided at home.
I’m curious, are these schools for those who live there temporarily and want to continue schooling as per their home country or is this a weekend type school for those who want their children to learn the language/culture? And do the children speak english or the scandinavian language at these schools?