Meet Luxembourg's English Schools: European School Luxembourg I

The European School Luxembourg I in Kirchberg is the oldest European school and this year celebrated its 70th anniversary. Just over a decade ago, a second European school in Luxembourg was built in Mamer.

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.

"In our European schools we have a two-year nursery, a five-year primary and seven-year secondary," says Sandra Ribić, Deputy Director Nursery and Primary. "The huge advantage is that they are connected. We closely work together between nursery and primary."

The European schools differentiate from international schools by the fact that there are English, German, French, Dutch, Swedish, Portuguese and Spanish sections, with even more in Mamer (Danish, Italian, Greek).

"The student really can have their whole school career here at the school. It's a school campus, so this means all cycles are together and on the same premises of the school," says director Martin Wedel.

Caroll Lemarié, Deputy Director of Secondary: "It's an inclusive school. Everything is done to welcome students, whatever (learning) difficulties they may have, which is perfectly normal. We have a team that is truly remarkable."

Jean-Noël Federspiel, who teaches maths in Secondary, says the best part about this school is trying to find the best learning approach for each student, especially for students with specific needs.

Teachers Olenka Brynczka and Aleksandra Sitarek have been teacher at the school for many years, highlighting the intercultural skills that children develop. "An important part is wellbeing, and a part of this is KiVa, an anti bullying programme developed in Finland. Children learn to speak about these issues, their feelings and emotions. It's more of a social education programme," says Aleksandra.

Students are open minded to other cultures and communities. There is even more interaction leading up to the baccalaureate, which greatly improves their social skills and cultural awareness.

Filip Van Look and Aleksi Litten, who are both in 5th year Primary, share their joy he has doing game-related studies in maths.

"Students should be very open-minded because everyone here is so different," says Ella Aikala, in her final year of secondary. Her peer Sofia Grabenwater adds: "I definitely think the internationality of the school is a strong point. Because the school is so big you're always going to find people you get along with."

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 I, 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 & Mondorf International School.