The non-profit ‘École Nicomaque’ wants to create a new private school that operates according to the basic principles of the Lycée Ermesinde, where an alternative to the point-based grading system is being used. The school, which would bear the same name as the association, also wants to encourage pupils to become more independent through practical projects.
The private institution further plans on accommodating young children, with enough space for up to 80 pupils divided into four classes: ages three to five, six to eight, nine to eleven, and twelve to 16.
Eight teachers are to be hired to be present 40 hours a week, but they would not, as in traditional secondary schools, spend too much time preparing lessons or marking exams. Instead, their role would be to monitor and support the pupils and their work, most of which will be completed independently.
Pupils would be taught in three main subjects: literature, economics, and technology. Three languages, Luxembourgish, German, and French, would also alternate on the daily curriculum while English is to be added from the age of eight.
The school plans on being open all year round, except for the two weeks around Christmas. For the rest of the year, pupils and teachers can simply request time off. The concept for this new public school has already been finalised and a building large enough to accommodate pupils and staff is even available in Medernach.
The only drawback is that the project has so far been refused by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth. We will dive deeper into the reasons for this refusal in the second part of the report.
