Everyone should keep in mind that adults are not the only ones who have language problems abroad. While you can deal with this inconvenience on a destination holiday, good command of an official language of the country you are moving to in order to study or to find work becomes paramount.
Similar dilemmas are faced by children of expats who end up in a foreign country together with their parents for a longer time or permanently, which requires them to attend a Polish school. Not knowing the language will definitely make it difficult for such a child to learn and communicate in everyday situations.
In order to alleviate this problem, Wrocław – a city which is home to many foreign citizens and which is poised to be a destination for many more of them – has organised so-called preparatory classes, which are currently offered in seven educational institutions.
Conditions for learning in a preparatory class
Preparatory classes accept non-Polish-speaking students aged 6 to 19, starting their education in a Polish school. More importantly, you can enrol your child in a preparatory class at any point during the school year.
Enrolment in the class is done directly at the selected school (see list below). The parent or guardian needs to fill in a form available on the school’s website or at the secretary’s office, attach the child’s documents (passport or an ID card, proof of residence – such as lease agreement, previous school certificates or other documents confirming previous education).
Participation in preparatory classes is free of charge. The classes can be attended for anywhere from 4 weeks to 12 months (in exceptional cases, this period may be extended).
What do preparatory classes look like?
The number of classes in each school depends on the number of applicants. The maximum number of students – in accordance with the law on education – is 15 students in one preparatory class. The law does not specify a minimum number.
The attending children will be taught by the teacher(s) of specific subject(s), supported by one language assistant.
Students attending preparatory classes participate in school life just like any other student, taking part in celebrations, projects, extracurricular activities, cultural events, sports, class trips, common room activities, lunches and so on.
Schools make every effort to focus on integrating foreign students with their Polish peers.
Additionally, all textbooks in preparatory classes are provided free of charge.
Benefits of learning in a preparatory class
Students in preparatory classes attend numerous lessons, during which they learn Polish as a second language, as well as thematic activities. They learn the vocabulary needed to understand other school subjects.
Students attending a preparatory class do not have a gap year, because – apart from the intensive Polish language course – they study the core curriculum, they are also classified and passed to the next class, like other students.
Parents and guardians can count on support, which encompasses meetings, consultations, as well as training on the principles of education in a Polish school. They can also decide whether they want to move their child to a regional school after completing their education in a preparatory class, or continue their education in the institution they have already gotten to know.
List of schools offering preparatory classes
Interest in enrolling a child to preparatory classes is high and many applications have already been requested, which is why we advise you to decide quickly. All details, including the number of vacancies available in each class and information regarding the recruitment for preparatory classes, are available from the secretary offices of the following institutions:
- Elementary School no. 4 Powstańców Śląskich 210-218Phone: 71 798 69 03e-mail: [email protected]: 4-6Application template
- Primate of the Millennium Elementary School no. 74 Kleczkowska 2Phone: 71 798 68 63e-mail: [email protected]: Pre-school, 1-3, 4-6, 7-8Application can be picked up in person from the secretary’s office
- Jan Kasprowicz Elementary School no. 83 Tadeusza Boya-Żeleńskiego 32Phone: 71 798 68 69e-mail: [email protected] 1-3, 4-6Application can be picked up in person from the secretary’s office
- Stanisław Tołpa Elementary School no. 90 Orzechowa 62Phone: 71 798 68 73e-mail: [email protected]: Pre-school, 1-3, 4-6 Application template
- Edward Dembowski Elementary School no. 109 Inżynierska 54Phone: 71 798 68 39e-mail: [email protected]: 4-6, 7-8Application template
- Major Piotr Wysocki General High School no. 15 Wojrowicka 58Phone: 71 7986739e-mail: [email protected]: 7-8, high school gradesApplication can be picked up in person from the secretary’s office
- School and Preschool Complex no. 1 Zemska 16cPhone: 71 798 69 15e-mail: [email protected] number of participants has been reached – for current information, please contact the secretary’s office
