Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Swedish Schools Abroad
Scandinavian meeting place in Moscow A small oasis in a world metropolis, the Swedish school in Moscow has become somewhat of a meeting place for students and parents alike, adding further to their commitment to education and towards an international vibe. By Malin Norman | Photos: Swedish School in Moscow
Moscow is Europe’s largest city and offers both diversity and fantastic culture. “This is such a cool city, not at all what you might think,” says Maria Nord, headmaster at the Swedish school in Moscow. “It really is a world metropolis with anything you might want, be it cultural or culinary experiences, just around the corner.” In this big melting-pot, the Swedish school, close to the Leninskij Prospect in the south-west part of the city, has become a bit of an oasis for Swedes and other Scandinavians. “The school is a meeting place,” admits Nord. “Parents tend to meet up when they drop off or pick up their children. Many stay for a cup of coffee, and, of course, we also organise lots of popular events, such as Lucia and the Christmas party.”
Established in 1978, the school welcomes pupils aged from two up to 16 years of age, with links to Scandinavia. It follows the Swedish curriculum, and the teaching is conducted in small groups. With highly educated staff, there are great opportunities for the students to develop. The focus is on their creativity, independence and confidence, as well as on developing useful skills such as being able to speak in front of an audience. The building also houses the Finnish school, with plenty of opportunities to collaborate. For instance, the students have sports and music classes together. Moreover, the pre-schools often do excursions together. In addition, the Japanese and the Italian schools are located in the same building, further extending the international
opportunities. “At our school, the students get heaps of Russian and international experience, as well as a solid understanding of Swedish culture and traditions,” Nord concludes. “When they leave Moscow, they can rest assured that they will be able to continue their studies according to the Swedish curriculum without having missed out.”
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Competence and dedication in Maputo The Scandinavian school in Maputo, Mozambique, is small with around 40 to 50 students of pre-school and compulsory school age. Here, a safe environment for students, high quality of education, and commitment from the teachers are important values.
school camp in the region. “It’s great to be able to offer classes in a different setting, and these excursions, where the students learn about African flora and fauna, are fantastic for the team spirit.”
By Malin Norman | Photos: Scandinavian School in Maputo
“Our greatest strength as a school is the teachers’ competence and dedication,” says Lovisa Larsson, chairman of the board at the school. “They have high expectations on the pupils but also adapt the classes to their individual needs. Every student should receive an education suitable to their level.” The school follows the Swedish curriculum but is also suitable for Danish and Norwegian students, including native language lessons. In fact, there is a strong emphasis at the school on learning languages. With smaller classes, the teachers can also dedicate more time to each pupil, and the children tend to become more active in class. 94 | Issue 119 | December 2018
In addition to the high level of teaching, the environment is fantastic. According to Larsson, “Maputo is a great place for families, small compared to some other cities in Africa and with a safe school. Many students live here permanently, but we also have some who come temporarily and even for just a few weeks. It’s important that both groups have a good knowledge of the country and feel at home.” In order to facilitate the understanding of life in Mozambique, classes make regular study trips and visits to local museums, churches and workplaces. Students learn about the local food tradition, and once a week, local food is served. Twice per year, they have the opportunity to attend a
Web: www.skandskol.com Facebook: SkandinaviskaSkolan-Maputo