The Ministry of Education responded to a comment made by Alain Massen, the president of the National Representation of Parents, in an interview with RTL on Tuesday, arguing that International and European Schools lead to ghettoisation” within the community by not including mandatory Luxembourgish in their curriculum.
The demand for international schools were high, says Folscheid, showing that the European and international schools continue to be necessary in the Grand Duchy.
However the ministry does agree with the parents’ representation that more language alternatives must be offered in the national school programmes. Massen suggested having the option to take courses in French, German, Luxembourgish and English at national schools.
A pilot project aiming to improve French literacy amongst final year students was launched this year, but it would take time for these changes to be implemented across the system, says Folscheid.
In addition to the language question, the wellbeing of students remains a top priority, the advisor underlines.
According to a recent survey carried out by the Centre for Psycho-Social and Educational Support (CePAS), schools receive an average of six daily requests for assistance from pupils. Violence and bullying are the third leading cause for these meetings.
The student union CNEL has already demanded training for teachers, and a corresponding trajectory was launched two years ago, training teachers to recognise signs students are not doing well psychologically. The psychologist at the school could then refer students to a psychotherapist.
Often, however, young people do not dare to go to the relevant services. Folscheid could imagine working together with the CNEL to uncover why that is. This could be, he names as an example, because the office is on the same floor as that of the teachers or director.
A basis of trust is required, says Folscheid. Students should feel comfortable to visit the psychologist at their school and their cases should be handed with full confidentiality and privacy.
