World Class Learning in The Hague Primary and Secondary Education

Transcription

1 World Class Learning in The Hague Primary and Secondary Education

2 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague Colophon: Published by: City of The Hague, Telephone (If you are calling from abroad, please call ) Visitors address: Spui 70 Layout: Berg Kleijn Communicatie Print: Drukkerij van Deventer, s-gravenzande Photography: De Beeldredactie, Haarlem Pieter Pennings, photo Indonesian school Translation: Wilkens c.s. Overheidsvertalingen June 2011

3 The world at your feet A truly world class education! That s what The Hague offers the children of the international community who make the city their home for longer or shorter periods of time. Thousands of people from all over the world work, study and live in and around The Hague, adding colour to the city and enhancing its international character. The Hague has a large international community - a fact of which we are very proud. It stimulates us to provide good facilities, which naturally include a wide range of good primary and secondary schools. Nowhere else in the world is there such an extensive group of high-quality international and globally oriented educational institutions as in The Hague. This enables parents and children to choose from a variety of languages and levels of education. Some schools consist solely of fellow countrymen, others accommodate as many as 50 different nationalities while others welcome a number of Dutch pupils as well. We want our temporary residents to feel instantly at home in The Hague too. The Hague International Centre and volunteer organisations like ACCESS can provide expats with personal advice and assistance - whether you are looking for a sports club for the kids or somewhere to learn Dutch. Ingrid van Engelshoven, Deputy Mayor of Education and Public Services I m sure that everyone reading this brochure will agree: here in The Hague, international pupils truly have the world at their feet 3

4 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague Content The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice 5 The Hague and its young citizens of the world 6 Highlights from The Hague Education Agenda Stichting Haagsche Schoolvereeniging The Hague 8 Lighthouse Special Education 10 The International School of The Hague 12 European School 14 The British School in the Netherlands 16 American School of The Hague 18 Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh 20 Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag 22 The Polish School 24 The Indonesian School in the Netherlands 26 Mondriaan International 28 The Hague and Childcare 30 The Hague International Centre 32 ACCESS: supporting the expatriate community 33 Map 34 4

5 The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice - a title that our city bears with justifiable pride. The Hague is home to well over 130 international institutions and organisations with some 14,000 employees working towards world peace. As the seat of the International Court of Justice, it is also the world s second United Nations city after New York. Since time immemorial, The Hague has supported efforts to improve the world. A world without armed conflict, chemical weapons and refugees. A world where countries settle their differences in the courtroom, not on the battlefield. A just and peaceful world. The Peace Palace (established in 1913) serves as an icon of international justice. Its construction was prompted by the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which mediates in disputes between countries. The Peace Palace, Europol and Eurojust, even as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW): they are all an essential part of The Hague, as are the historical parliamentary district, Madurodam and the coastal resort of Scheveningen with its characteristic pier. The international courts and tribunals, like the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), have helped put The Hague on the world map. The city also has a thriving international business sector with no fewer than 300 businesses. Shell, Siemens Nederland and ING Real Estate are among the big multinationals based in The Hague. In its efforts to further promote its image as the International City of Peace and Justice, the city works with local, regional and national partners to create an appealing environment and a sustainable business climate. The national government, which also has its seat in The Hague, is a vital partner in promoting The Hague as the International City of Peace and Justice and host city. Investment in knowledge infrastructure and study facilities is vital to ensuring an increasingly attractive business climate. As the home of so many international organisations and educational institutions, The Hague offers a variety of excellent international primary and secondary schools, which smoothly connect to the city s higher international education institutions. 5

6 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague The Hague and its young citizens of the world Any city that aims to attract and retain people must provide exceptional educational opportunities. And The Hague is no different. Education can be a powerful driving force for a city s dynamics and economy. The number of international schools, for example, has repeatedly proven to be a crucial factor for international organisations looking for a place of establishment. The Hague is home to a wide range of educational institutes in a variety of disciplines. A range that matches the demands and talents of the youth in The Hague and attracts young people from all over the Netherlands and beyond, even after they ve completed their studies. The city has a solid foundation of regular primary, secondary and professional education institutes and offers the entire gamut of preparatory secondary vocational education (VMBO) and senior general secondary education (HAVO) as well as atheneum and gymnasium pre-university education. With its many international schools based in and around the city, it also lives up to its reputation as a city of international education. In fact, half the student population of all the international schools in the Netherlands attend one of the international schools in and around The Hague. The region has two schools with an international education programme, and four foreign national schools (British, French, American and German). There are also two schools - a Polish and an Indonesian school - which are affiliated with embassies and a small international school for special needs education. Through the Ministry of Education and Science an application has been submitted to the Board of Governors of the European Schools for permission to start a European School for primary and in the longer term secondary education. From September 2012 on The Hague will become home to an European School. International skills (career-oriented and otherwise), intercultural understanding and good knowledge of English add significant substance to an internationally oriented city. Pupil exchange programmes and international internships are becoming the norm. Less obvious but equally important is the focus on internationalisation at the city s regular primary and secondary schools. The amount of schools that provide teaching in two languages is increasing because they are very popular. The Hague plans to respond to these trends at an early stage. In 2020, every pre- university pupil should be enrolled in a bilingual programme. In short, in The Hague we look outwards and to the future! 6

7 Highlights from The Hague Education Agenda (HEA) The municipality of The Hague has an active education policy in collaboration with the education institutes in The Hague. In Recognising talent in The Hague, The Hague Education Agenda, the objectives for local education policy for the period are defined. In the period , The Hague is focusing on developing talent. Children and young people in the city are being encouraged to achieve their potential. This involves developing the whole personality of children and young people. They must find a place in education where they can perform to the best of their ability. HEA embraces the entire spectrum of education: from 0-12 years, years and 18 years and above. In addition, some themes are so important and generic that they apply to all ages and all educational institutes. These themes are: no very weak schools in The Hague, high priority of language policy, active parental involvement in education and a strong international profile. The Hague is the International City of Peace and Justice. The Hague strives to create strong international schooling which offers parents and students the opportunity to choose the form of education that best fulfils their wishes and needs. The European School is a welcome addition to the current range of international educational opportunities in The Hague. The municipality also wants to promote more interaction between Dutch schools and international schools in The Hague, for example through the project De Haagse Brug (The Hague Bridge). Information is available about The Hague as an international city and international exchanges are organised. Attention needs to be devoted to international education at (prepatory) secondary vocational education ((V)mbo) level and education for international students who require a form of special education. The city s strong international profile also requires strong, internationally oriented education in its schools. Efforts are therefore being made to expand bilingual primary and secondary education and cooperation has been sought with New York City, another UN city like The Hague. In this context, an international Moot Court is being set up for secondary school students in The Hague, where they can learn how to argue a case based on proceedings from the International Criminal Court. The city s international and administrative profile needs more highly qualified people. Young people are therefore being encouraged to continue into forms of higher education which will enable them to enter the (international) employment market. To this end, the city is working with institutions of higher education. 7

8 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague Stichting Haagsche Schoolvereeniging The Hague The Stichting Haagsche Schoolvereeniging (HSV) offers Dutch and international primary education and special primary education. The school was founded in 1901 and moved into a grand building ten years later. As the number of pupils grew, this villa soon became too small and the school moved into other locations. Nowadays they have three different locations from where they give their pupils a warm welcome. The 250 pupils in the international department live in and around The Hague and represent around 50 nationalities. Although the international department is for expat children only, integration is a key priority, with the Dutch and international departments working closely together to promote the integration of Dutch and foreign pupils. For international pupils who regularly move around, individual support is very important, and teachers respond to children s individual needs. For example, a Korean child draws a different kind of house than a Swedish child, and these cultural differences are treated with respect. The children s personal and international backgrounds are central. The small groups of a maximum of 20 children ensure that pupil can really receive individual attention. The children are taught the Dutch language and are introduced to the culture. English is taught only by native speakers. A principle which is increasingly applied in the teaching methods at this school is that of multiple intelligences. It is not about how intelligent you are, but in which way you are intelligent; about basing the teaching on how a child likes to learn and stimulating the less developed intelligences. This is what motivates children. Sport and culture are other important parts of the curriculum. This is related to the educational concept of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The school works closely with the International School of The Hague (ISH) and the Royal Conservatoire, with the aim of providing talented young pupils with the opportunity to transfer. After their primary education, pupils move on to secondary school: usually at the ISH, while for Dutch secondary education, pupils are distributed across the Dutch schools. Space and respect for all personal beliefs are an important foundation for our school. Willy Grijze (General Director) 8

9 Stichting Haagsche Schoolvereeniging The Hague Nassaulaan JT The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0)

10 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague Lighthouse Special Education A caring environment and individual support are key at Lighthouse Special Education. This special primary school provides a haven for children and those with special needs, such as autism and Down s syndrome. Parents coming to The Hague from anywhere in the world can be assured that their child s special education needs will be met at Lighthouse. The school was established in 1999 and forms part of the Haagsche Schoolvereeniging The Hague. Lighthouse aims to develop the full potential of children with special educational needs. The school has a three-tier structure for children with special needs. There is a group for children aged 5 to 7 and one for 8 to 12 year old. Each class of eight pupils is assigned a teacher and two teaching assistants. For children aged 2½ to 5, Lighthouse Early Intervention offers preschool education to groups of 12 children, with room for 3 to 4 children with a disability. Lessons are given in English, but the children also learn about the Dutch language and culture. Lighthouse fosters cultural development through the use of themes. As part of the theme of outer space, for example, the children are taken on a day trip to the European Space Agency. All lessons focus on the individual s needs. That means, for example, that reading instruction will not start until the individual child is truly ready for it. This focus on individual attention also enables the pupils to integrate (either part-time or fulltime) into the mainstream primary education offered at the nearby International Department of Primary School Stichting Haagsche Schoolvereeniging. Here they can participate in music or gym classes under the supervision of a Lighthouse teaching assistant. But there s more to individual attention than mere supervision. An individual development plan is drawn up for every child and discussed with the parents once a year. The school attaches great importance to parental participation. Lighthouse not only encourages parents to become involved in activities, but also serves as a strong social network for many of them. At Lighthouse, a sense of security and mutual respect are central. So parents know that their child is in good hands. Also when it comes to speech and language therapy, as Lighthouse has its own team of therapists working at the school. Lighthouse is dedicated to assisting children with special needs and to providing a social support network for their parents. Willy Grijze (General Director) 10

11 Lighthouse Special Education Amalia van Solmsstraat TA The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0)

12 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague The International School of The Hague Housed in a beautiful light building in lovely surroundings in the seaside neighbourhood of Kijkduin, the International School of The Hague has a friendly and spacious feel. The school s origins date back to 1983, when the Nederlands Lyceum opened an international department in The Hague. In 1991, the Rijnlands Lyceum in Wassenaar took over the school with its international branch. It was renamed The International School of The Hague (ISH) and a couple of years later a Primary department was added to the Secondary school. The school is part of the Rijnland Lyceum Foundation. With 76 nationalities, mutual respect is an important binding factor: many pupils at this school will go on to fulfil an important role in society, later in their lives. Independence and social responsibility are therefore basic pillars in the educational programme. Through projects aimed at tackling poverty and Model United Nations (an academic simulation of the UN), the children are made aware of their future role. The children s mother tongue is also an important aspect, because the school feels that this is an important part of someone s identity. The 1,200 pupils are taught in English, with a strong emphasis on integration. Regardless of how long they stay, each student is required to learn Dutch. Besides the more serious projects and subjects, such as languages and life sciences, sports and art have an important place in the school. Besides an extensive sports programme, children can also become involved in recreational sports such as swimming and running. The school has a friendly, open atmosphere. An active Parents Association organises activities and publishes newsletters. Parents are also welcome to ask questions at the monthly parents evenings. Homework assistance is provided to pupils in the secondary department, and special support is available for children with social or medical problems. Children can get extra support during their school career. If needed, these pupils can switch to an international secondary vocational programme thanks to the partnership with ROC Mondriaan. Some parents extend their stay in the Netherlands to enable their children to stay at this school. Leen Maes (Chair of the Parents Association) 12

13 The International School of The Hague Wijndaelerduin BX The Hague The Netherlands Primary School Tel +31 (0) ish.primary@ishthehague.nl Secondary School Tel +31 (0) ish.secondary@ishthehague.nl By neglecting your mother tongue, you also lose part of your identity. Peter Kotrc (Secondary Principal) 13

14 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague European School The Ministry of Education and the City of The Hague have requested the Board of Governors of the European Schools in Brussels to give the Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation permission to set up a European School in The Hague. This request has been accepted. The European School is expected to start with the first two years of nursery and the first year of primary in September The school will be established exclusively for the children of staff working for the European agencies and organisations in The Hague. The school will offer nursery, primary and secondary education. The language sections will be Dutch, English and Spanish. The European School ensures that parents always know exactly what they and their children can expect: wherever they work in Europe, their children will receive the same level and the same educational curriculum of education. A Europe-wide philosophy also applies to the diploma. The European Baccalaureate is equivalent to the national diplomas, which means that pupils can attend higher education all over Europe. Pupils of the European School of The Hague will be able to choose from a number of subjects in their native tongue, be it Dutch, English or Spanish. The language programmes are always given by native speakers. The location, teaching methods and resources are all top quality too. The school will also offer help for children who need extra support. Since the host country is important, pupils are taught in the Dutch language and are introduced tot Dutch culture. 14

15 The philosophy of European education is that you can only understand a different culture and learn another language if you understand your own culture and master your own language. Besides lessons in their mother tongue, pupils here are taught European values. People in Italy have different customs than people in Spain or Norway. We teach pupils to discover and enjoy that diversity, and to respect it - to regard other cultures not as a threat but rather as something that will enrich their lives. The European School is expected to start with the first two years of nursery and the first year of primary in September Maarten Knoester (Governor of the Rijnland Lyceum Foundation) 15

16 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague The British School in the Netherlands With almost 2,000 children from over 80 nationalities, the British School in the Netherlands (BSN) is one of the largest international schools in Europe. Founded in 1931, and has expanded hugely over the years - now consisting of three Junior Schools (ages 3 to 11) and a Senior School (ages 11 to 18). The BSN prides itself in offering the very highest quality of education - at this school, in its green surroundings, the focus is on inspiring each individual child to embrace education in all its forms and to take advantage of the opportunities life gives. The school guides and supports its students to become independent learners - to challenge and question thoughts and ideas and to develop the skills to be the leaders of the future. Discipline and respect are important values that run through the school. With such an internationally diverse community it is natural that some children join the school with little or no English. The BSN s English as an Additional Language Department specialises in providing individual help, support and tuition, tailored to the age and needs of each child. Languages are an integrated part of the curriculum at the BSN - from age 5, the children receive Dutch lessons and from age 9, French and Spanish. The number of language options increases further as the children enter Senior School. There is also a programme of After School Language Clubs, providing students with the opportunity to progress in their mother tongue, or learn additional languages. Studying at the BSN provides students with a wide range of future options - it is the only international school in the Netherlands to offer a choice between both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma - offering students access to top universities worldwide. The British School in the Netherlands also has an impressive range of extra-curricular activities and residential trips which offer students the opportunity to visit countries all over the world. Closer to home, the range of sports clubs and other activities that the school offers is vast. For parents needing After School Care there is a high quality programme provided for 4-12 year olds which also runs during the school holidays. The BSN offers a broad and stimulating curriculum which is adapted to reflect the international nature of the student population at the BSN. The school recognises the importance of each child s personal and social development and every child is encouraged to fulfil their full potential in whatever area that might be. Children are taught to work to their own level. Tracy Layton-Smith (Marketing Manager) 16

17 The British School in the Netherlands Junior School Diamanthorst Diamanthorst GH The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0) Junior School Vlaskamp Vlaskamp AA The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0) Junior School Leidschenveen Vrouw Avenweg WZ The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0)

18 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague American School of The Hague American School of The Hague is situated in peaceful and green surroundings. It radiates a positive atmosphere and fosters an environment where students can succeed academically while exploring their interests in arts, athletics and extracurricular activities. The school nurtures and inspires character, commitment, creativity, and learning in each child, which helps every student to reach their full potential. The school was founded at the beginning of the 1950s by expatriate parents working at the Peace Palace and the Canadian and American embassies. Since then, the School has grown to serve 1,100 students, approximately 30% North American, 10% Dutch, with the remaining 60% representing 68 nationalities. A learner-centered philosophy is at the core of the Schools curriculum. This approach guarantees a balance between factual knowledge and deep understanding. The school is comprised of 3 divisions, Elementary School (ages 3-9), Middle School (10-13) and High School (14-18) and offers an American style curriculum, modified for the needs of an international student population. In the High School, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for University studies in North America, Europe or the students own home countries around the world. A well-established International Baccalaureate or Advance Placement diploma program, or a combination of the two, is available to students. Students are fully active in their own education and are able to further their talents in arts, music, theatre, athletics and extracurricular programs such as Model United Nations (the largest model student congress outside of the United States, sponsored by ASH for almost 40 years). This inspires each student to develop confidence, discover where their strengths lie, and realize their full potential. This reflects the Schools commitment to nurturing balanced students that have the knowledge, skills, and an insatiable curiosity to understand the world around them and grow to be contributing citizens in a global society. The school encourages close communication between students, parents and teachers, and considers parents as partners in their children s education. Parents volunteer in classrooms, are active in the Parent Teacher Organization, hold positions on the School s Board of Trustees, and are on education advisory committees to lend their voices to students education. This partnership between students, teachers and parents facilitates united educational goals and creates a strong sense of community. By listening to the individual needs of each child and stimulating opportunities for learning, the school is able to bring out the best in every child. 18

19 American School of The Hague Rijksstraatweg BX Wassenaar The Netherlands Tel +31 (0) The mission of the school speaks for itself: American School of The Hague nurtures and inspires character, commitment, creativity, and learning. These are not just platitudes; they represent the filter through which all of us connected with the school. Dr. Rick Spradling (Director) 19

20 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh The building that houses Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh has a friendly, open and welcoming atmosphere. This is also reflected in its education, which does not promote any particular faith or belief. As in all French schools, the curriculum is dedicated to the pursuit of universal knowledge. This makes the school appealing to pupils from many different backgrounds - from France and beyond. Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh is part of a group of 400 French schools located around the world. Each of these schools provides education in accordance with the French Ministry of Education guidelines, thereby allowing children who move to another country after a couple of years to continue their education without disruption. The school in The Hague was founded by a group of French parents in 1947 and has been known as Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh since Lessons are given to children aged between 2.5 and 18; from reception class to secondary school. The youngest children at this school are not taught by pre-school teachers but by primary school teachers. From an early age, the focus is therefore on learning and intellectual development besides playing. From the first year of primary school, children can learn English or Dutch. At secondary school, the spoken language is French, while English is the main foreign language. The school is a lively institution in which non-academic subjects such as drama, painting and sport also have an important place. Independence and the child s personal development are key to the school s educational approach. Teachers use questions and formulas to stimulate the children and help them develop their own insights. Children with learning problems or special needs receive professional support. A speech therapist is permanently on hand and children who have problems with the French language receive special attention. Gifted children are allowed to skip one or even two classes. Parents are actively involved in school life. Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh also partners with other international schools and the Alliance Française in organising a range of activities. After leaving school, the majority of pupils go on to universities and colleges in France. We help our pupils fulfil their potential. Thérèse Delaubier (Principal) 20

21 Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh Scheveningseweg AA The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0) S ouvrir et se construire pour réussir. the pupils/school motto 21

22 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag The Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag (DiSDH) is the oldest of all the 135 international German schools around the world. Centrally located in the cosmopolitan Statenkwartier district, in the so called International Zone, the school is known for its friendly atmosphere. The Deutsche Internationale Schule offers a curriculum based on the German educational system mainly to children of families temporarily resident in the Netherlands. The children leave school with a diploma, which gives them access to universities and colleges worldwide. With no more than 330 pupils, the school is small enough to give all the children the attention they need. Most classes have fewer than 20 pupils, enabling teachers to focus more on the children and help them achieve good results. German families appreciate the fact that their children are taught according to the system in their homeland. This makes it easier for them to return, without their children being at a disadvantage. Unlike many other education systems, the Deutsche Schule offers a very wide curriculum, right up until the final year. Children are not required to specialise early on. However, additional classes are given in a number of main subjects, such as modern languages and maths, as these can be decisive for later careers. When necessary, teachers provide children with additional support or tuition. Most of the teachers have German nationality, enabling them to give proper attention to the German language. Foreign languages are taught by native speakers. The school has a strong sense of community. Children know each other s situations and learn to adapt fast. New pupils are readily accepted by their classmates. Because their backgrounds are fairly similar, there are very few problem children at the school. Culture is very important at the school, an example of which is a high-level literature competition in which children from all over the Netherlands can win prizes for their German to Dutch translations. Pupils can also take part in maths and technology competitions. There is regular cooperation with other international schools in city, such as The International School of The Hague for theatre and performance arts and the Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh for music. As the school does not have a big playing field, it uses the facilities of The British School. It s not an ultra-posh school, but it s a happy school. Astrid Neff (governor and parent) 22

23 Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag Van Bleiswijkstraat LB The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0) We don t regard the parents as our customers but rather the children, and we do everything we can to let them shine in a friendly atmosphere. Hans Meyer (director) 23

24 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague The Polish School While the Polish School in The Hague may not have its own building yet, it certainly has its own vision. As an extension of the Polish curriculum, children can attend classes here for a couple of hours a week. This not only enables them to later continue their education in Poland but also ensures that they don t lose touch with Polish history, culture and identity. The school is open to children between the ages of 7 and 19. The Polish School was founded 12 years ago for children of Polish diplomats, but today it serves a wider group. The number of pupils has consequently grown from 30 to 200. The children have Polish nationality and the language of instruction at the school is Polish. Besides attending a Dutch or international school, the children spend five or six hours a week spread over three days at the Polish School. Lessons are given in the classrooms of the Hofstad Lyceum on Colijnplein in The Hague. Their two leaving diplomas give them access to further education worldwide, enabling them to continue their studies in Poland or elsewhere. The school provides primary education (until the age of 12) in maths, reading and writing. At the Middle school (12 to 15) and the Lyceum (15 to 18), children are taught subjects like maths, (Polish) history and geography. The children are also made aware of their Polish identity and their role as EU citizens. Dutch culture is also studied. The pupils have Polish nationality (full or half) and can choose to take their leaving exams at a Dutch or international school and occasionally at the parent school in Warsaw. The latter option is ideal for children who are only resident outside Poland for a short period. The level of education is high. The maths taught to children in Polish primary education, for example, is equivalent to the maths taught at the start of Dutch secondary education. Attention is also devoted to Polish literature, and the children read several Polish books each year. Despite the extra hours and the additional homework, the children enjoy coming to the school. In turn, the teachers are dedicated to preparing the Polish children with a minimum of resources for the successful continuation of their studies in the Netherlands or elsewhere. I feel it is very important to know your own culture and history. Sylwia (pupil, aged 17; three years in the Netherlands) 24

25 Szkolny Punkt Konsultacyjny Colijnplein HA The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0) kierownik@spk-haga.nl A class consists of a maximum of 14 pupils, which enables us to give optimal individual attention. Grazyna Gramza (Principal) 25

26 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague The Indonesian School in the Netherlands Sekolah Indonesia di Nederland The Embassy School of the Republic of Indonesia, or simply the Indonesian School in the Netherlands, is beautifully situated on the outskirts of Wassenaar. The school opened its doors in 1965 to provide primary school education to the children of Indonesian diplomats and military officers and to Indonesian children born and raised in the Netherlands. The Indonesian School in the Netherlands offers lessons with an international character, without compromising on the Indonesian language, standards and values, and ensures harmonious interaction amongst pupils and between pupils and teachers. The school has around 150 pupils who come from Indonesia, Thailand and the Netherlands and are aged between 6 and 12. Most of their lessons are taught in Indonesian, with some instruction in Dutch and English too. As the school forms part of the Indonesian embassy, the pupils typically follow the national curriculum of Indonesia. This includes Dutch and international lessons, such as foreign languages, science and maths. Pupils can also play football, basketball or tennis and take music lessons, including gamelan, the traditional Indonesian music. The Indonesian School in the Netherlands also offers various courses for the general public, such as Indonesian as a foreign language and traditional Indonesian dance classes. 26

27 Indonesian Embassy School in the Netherlands Rijksstraatweg CB Wassenaar The Netherlands Tel +31 (0)

28 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague Mondriaan International The first thing you notice when entering the building is the feverish activity: everyone is rushing to meet some deadline or other. The Mondriaan International Business School is an international MBO level (upper secondary vocational education) institute that transforms pupils into entrepreneurs. Together with the Mondriaan s International Hotel & Management and International Tourism & Leisure Management programmes, the Mondriaan International Business School provides the perfect stepping stone towards an international career in business, hospitality, tourism or leisure. Pupils from the age of 16 follow these international MBO level programmes. A third of them are Dutch, another third have foreign parents and a third come from abroad themselves. Subjects such as Marketing, Communication and Business are alternated with English, Spanish and Dutch. The main emphasis at the Mondriaan International Business School, however, is on practical experience. The pupils are given opportunities to participate in a variety of projects, such as organising an event, where business is mixed with pleasure. Unique to this school is the fact that it sends its pupils out into the business world instead of bringing the business world to the pupils. The pupils complete various traineeships at companies located across the world. The first, general academic year consists of 30 weeks in school and 10 weeks as a trainee. In the second year, pupils spend 10 weeks on theory, 10 weeks in traineeship and then 20 weeks on setting up their own business. The pupils carry out this Young Entrepeneurship project in groups of eight. These groups operate like a real business and launch their own product on the market. By developing an idea, conducting market research, writing a business plan and completing the actual sale, pupils get a taste of the real business world. In the third year, pupils wrap up their company to focus their energy on the upcoming exams and the final, 20-week traineeship in the Netherlands or abroad. After three intensive years of theory and practical training, many pupils choose to continue their studies in The Hague or elsewhere, while others start working for a company or set up their own business. 28

29 Mondriaan International Business School Helenastraat HA The Hague The Netherlands Tel +31 (0) Main Office ROC Mondriaan Leeghwaterplein DB The Hague Tel +31 (0) Jarijn Nijkamp, Mentor/lecturer of subjects such as Marketing and Young Enterprise Pupils of the subject Visibility are given the task of finding the best location for opening a new branch. They set out to find a client and produce a comprehensive analysis of the current situation. Next, they look at the target market, the competition and the setup costs, which they then compile in a report. The results are presented to the client and a marketing lecturer. So this is not a representation of reality; it IS reality! Roshanak Mortezapour (19), International Business student Many different cultures come together in The Hague, and this study programme is no different. All the lessons and projects are in English and you also learn Spanish, a language that is widely spoken worldwide. Together with the many practical business subjects, it prepares you for setting up your own company anywhere in the world. 29

30 International Primary and Secondary Education in The Hague The Hague and Childcare In the Netherlands, there are three forms of childcare: day nurseries, after-school care and childminders. There are also pre-school nurseries. The Hague has several English-speaking day nurseries, pre-school nurseries and after-school clubs. Information about these organisations and childcare in The Hague can be found on: Nurseries Children can go to a day nursery from the age of 6 weeks until they go to primary school. Arrangements are made with the day nursery regarding the number of days a week the child attends. Day nurseries are also open during school holidays. Many day nurseries take into account parents working hours and open early and close late. Children can eat and sleep at the nursery and are looked after by professional nursery nurses. Most nurseries have waiting lists. After-school care After-school care (BSO) is intended for primary school children (from 4 to 12 years) and looks after children before and after school, on Wednesday afternoons and in the holidays. Afterschool clubs usually work together with one or more primary schools. In some organisations, staff members collect the children from their primary school. Sometimes children travel by minibus or taxi to the club. Childminders Childminders look after children aged between 0 and 12 years after school. Childminders may look after a maximum of 4 children in their own homes. They are registered with a childminding agency (gastouderbureau) which puts parents in touch with childminders. Pre-school nursery At pre-school nursery, children aged between 2.5 to 4 years learn and play together. Children can attend pre-school on one or two fixed mornings or afternoons a week. A session usually lasts 2.5 hours. Many pre-schools only accept children once they are toilet trained. 30

31 Lunch supervision In most schools, children go home at lunch time. However, if they are not able to do so, children can stay at school during the lunch break. This is called staying over ( overblijven ). During this period, children can have lunch, rest or play at school, supervised by teachers or volunteers/parents. Registration and payment can be made at the school. Allowance Parents may receive an allowance for the costs of childcare, after-school care or childminding. On the Inland Revenue website parents can see whether they are entitled to an allowance. Parents may only receive the allowance for day nurseries and childminders registered with the national childcare register ( which contains all the approved childcare organisations. The municipality monitors the quality of the childcare as well as the expertise of the leaders and the safety and hygiene of the childcare organisation. 31

32 The Hague International Centre The Hague Internationale Centre is one of the first points of contact for (new) residents in The Hague. It has been created especially for expatriates who come to work and live in The Hague. The Hague International Centre is a centre for employees from international organisations and knowledge migrants. The centre acts as a one-stop shop offering services from the municipality, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service and the ACCESS foundation. These services are based in one building: The Hague City Hall. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. City Hall (Atrium), Spui 70, The Hague PO Box 12600, 2500 DJ, The Hague Tel +31 (0) internationalcentre@denhaag.nl 32

33 ACCESS: supporting the expatriate community Established in 1986, ACCESS is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting the international expatriate community in the Netherlands. ACCESS has grown to become a leading source of free, personalised English-language information for the expatriate community in the Netherlands. The office in The Hague is staffed by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who have firsthand experience of the expatriate relocation process. ACCESS receives over 20,000 enquiries a year and is widely recognised as the primary source of free information in English in the Netherlands. ACCESS is actively supported by local authorities and government ministries and provides regular feedback on the experiences and expectations of the international and expatriate communities moving to or living in the Netherlands. Whether someone is a well-travelled expatriate, a first-timer on an international assignment, or whether the stay in the Netherlands is short or long term, ACCESS is there to help. The international team of experienced volunteers can provide practical information, advice and support on all aspects of moving to or living in the Netherlands. ACCESS provides information and advice through its helpdesk, publications, website and personal consultation services. ACCESS is governed by an Executive Board made up of representatives from the business community and local organisations and is recognised and supported by the mayor of The Hague and various leading ambassadors and representatives from the commercial sector. ACCESS is committed to supporting the international community and making their experience in the Netherlands as positive and welcoming as possible. Address for visitors: The International Centre, City Hall (Atrium), Spui 70, The Hague Postal address: Zeestraat 100, 2518 AD, The Hague Tel +31 (0) info@access-nl.org 33

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