English introduction for new parents

The Dutch education system might look complex for internationals.
More information you can find at : www.insidr.nl/dutch-education-system    

Welcome!

De Wilakkers,
.............. because all kids be welcomed into an inspiring school of smart, motivated, curious, open-minded, and genuinely nice kids and teachers. Because this is a school that celebrates difference and prizes originality. Because your child can be its most honest, authentic, daring self.

Primary school De Wilakkers is located in the middle of the district of Stratum in Eindhoven. The educational methods and philosophies used in our school are based on good instruction, a safe and warm school environment an "the so called" Mediational Learning. Mediational learning is a teaching philosophy based on the principle that intelligence isn't fixed but rather modifiable and after good instruction most of the children should be capable of doing it theirselves but also explain to one and other. This benefits their capability of problem solving and self-regulation. The teacher on the other hand guides the children with direct feedback. We find it very important that all of the children's talents will flourish. The school welcomes all religions and will give children the possibility of attending their religious celebrations.

In our school, a so-called 'continuous schedule' is implemented where the children eat their lunches in the classroom together with their teacher and then are free to play outside for half an hour under our staff's supervision (weather permitting, of course). The primary school is a part of the SPIL-center, which groups educational institutions (preschool, primary education) with a children's daycare, Korein. This allows us to share spaces with the after-school day-care and provides parents with the convenience of a day-care in their neighbourhood.
 

Education in group 1 & 2.
When your child transitions to our primary school directly from the day-care is, their developmental dossier is shared, which ensures a consistent educational method. Together, we work with an emphasis on your child's individual development. As such, the transition into primary school is eased for your child. In groups 1-2, we work with the method Kleuterplein. Kleuterplein is a complete an integrated method for children between the ages of 3 to 6. All domains for Kindergarten teaching, like maths, Dutch, English, music and the other creative domains are included. The method relies on consecutive learning teaching-trajectories and clear goals. Children and teachers work thematically towards the learning objectives which are decided for our students. Various themes, such as professions, tales and seasons, shape all educational activities for a set time: mathematics, language, physical education etc. All children's social-emotional and motorial development is monitored through the registration program KIJK!

Group 3 to 8
Our learning model From group 3 onwards, children work methodically on the main objectives. For all subjects there is a given method. This method is our guide to ensure that at the end of group 8, your child has covered all basic goals and more. We provide differentiated teaching; the level and experience of your son or daughter is always taken into account, whether they might need additional exercises or an extra challenge. English lessons will become part of are primary curriculum.

Information Technology (IT)
In school IT is a tool we use to enrich our educational process. How can we use IT to make our education more in line with the needs of the children? How can we use IT to learn about current events? How can IT ensure that the curriculum is still being followed? How do we deal with social media? All these questions we try to answer through the use of IT. We stay up-to-date by watching trends and innovations and reflecting about how these can enrich our teaching, while not hesitating to apply new ideas.

Creativity and sportsmanship at school
There is much more to school than just scholarly learning. We ensure that the youngest children, of groups 1 and 2, get lots of exercise by regularly doing physical exercises and often giving them the opportunity to play, be it inside in the kindergarten-gym or outside in the school yard.
Groups 3 through 8 receive regular physical education classes in the gym facility near the school and every school year a Sports' day is organized. Arts and crafts are also included on the schedule, when the children make beautiful things, both individually and collectively. There are also so-called 'creative periods' planned a few times in the year when we do more unusual creative activities, such as a cooking class.

(World) Citizenship & social skills
Our students don't live only in Eindhoven, but in a bigger world! Through themes, the internet and experiences, all kinds of activities are devoted to life in society.

Festivities, performances and musical
Throughout the year there are several festivities like Christmas, Easter, and other more specific school related celebrations. The children attend these festivities with the school. Furthermore, all kids will perform a number of times throughout the year on our own stage which is located in the centre of the school. Parents, grandparents and other relatives and friends are welcome to attend these performances. At the end of their school career at De Wilakkers, the children organize a musical in which they will act and sing. Of course there are much more activities in which acting and singing will have an important role and parents are more than welcome to visit these activities. The team of De Wilakkers finds it very important that children will show more talents than only their cognitive ones.

Communications
A school that likes to stay personal! In different ways, we will keep you informed of the latest news, developments and activities in and around the school. We have a web based portal and our website, where you can see and read what is happening daily in our school. All this is collected in one app.

Would you like to get personally acquainted with our school? You are always welcome for making an appointment for an introductory meeting and a school tour.

We would love to show you our school, so that you can taste the atmosphere for yourself!

Send us an email at wilakkers@skpo.nl or call us at 040-2111844