Get to know Luxembourg's English school options, both public and private, as we take you inside each school and meet staff and students.
The European School Luxembourg II in Mamer is one of two European schools in Luxembourg, and first opened its doors just over 10 years ago as the first European School in Kirchberg was starting to fill up rapidly.
The education system is based on the European Baccalaureate, a curriculum focused on multilingualism with several core subjects as well as a wide range of subject choices in secondary school. The schools used to be attended mainly by children of parents working for European institutions, but this has opened up to companies sponsoring the school as well as private individuals who just believe the school is the right fit for their child.
"It's a vibrant school. We have a broad selection of high quality options," says Leene Soekov, former Deputy Director of Secondary. The mother tongue is maintained and students then learn a second, third or even fourth language. Some subjects are then even taught in these languages, making them true multilingualists.
Director Maurice van Daal differentiates European schools from international schools by the fact that there are English, German, French, Danish, Italian, Greek language sections (with even more at the other European School in Kirchberg).
Dany Becker, who teaches in primary, is fond of the international collaboration between colleagues. Teachers are 'sent' by EU Member States to teach at the schools, alongside local hirings, making it a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. "You have the opportunity to discover many different ways of learning and thinking".
Students are open minded to other cultures and communities, explains Philippe Richard, Deputy Director of Primary. There is even more interaction leading up to the baccalaureate, which greatly improves their social skills and cultural awareness.
There are plenty of after school activities, and the campus boasts a swimming pool, an indoor climbing wall and various sports fields, says primary student Adrian Kunde. His peer Charlotte Priess is a big fan of learning German as well as playing on the big schoolyard.
Final secondary year student Nicole Kapalova learns five languages, which she is glad the school offers. Simeon Peltier says so many languages are heard in the corridors.
"We have many subjects taught in creative and interesting ways around the school," explains Maria Valente, teacher of History, Human Sciences and English. There are political debating events, and events such as Model European Council, United Nations and European Parliament.
There are plenty of trips around Europe too that go hand-in-hand with the curriculum. Of course the EU remains a subject dear to the school system.
To learn more about education and daily life at European School Luxembourg II, visit their website.
Read our other stories in the 'Meet Luxembourg's English Schools' series: Lënster Lycée International School, École Internationale Gaston Thorn, St George's International School, Michel Lucius & Mondorf International School.
