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 Noticias |
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Guide of useful steps to be followed by foreigners This guide was written by the National Migrations Office. Click here to download. 
1. Is WS a religious school? Washington School is a non-denominational school. The staff and the students practise different religions and we uphold universal values.
2. How important is English, the second language? How many periods a week are devoted to its teaching? Do students learn a foreign language as well? What level do students attain when they graduate? Do students sit for international exams? Which ones? We believe that learning a second language is an invaluable asset for our students. Not only does it provide them with a communication skill, but it also opens their minds to new cultures. Kindergarten Primary English is taught four times a week for more than three hours. The students study Language and other subjects in English as from 1º form. Secondary 40% of the subjects are taught in English.
3. How often do students practise sports? Which sports are they? In Kindergarten, 2, 3 and 4-year-olds have Physical Educaction class once a week. Whereas 5-year-olds have PE twice a week. In Primary, PE classes are once a week with an additional reinforcement at noon. In Secondary, students have PE and practise sports two afternoons a week. They can choose among Rugby, Volleyball, Football, Athletics, Gym and Hockey. Washington School is divided into three Houses: Earth, Wind and Fire. Students take part in Inter House Competitions: Athletics and Sports. They also participate in tournaments with other schools, local and international. As part of the Inter House activities, as from 2002 students also take part in our Music Inter House.
4. How many students are there in each classroom? Kinder 2: up to 18 children and three teachers. Kinder 3: up to 22 children and two teachers. Kinder 4 and 5: up to 25 children and 2 teachers. In Primary: up to 28 students. In Secondary: up to 32 students. The school may increase the number of students by one in case this is considered necessary.
5. What is the timetable?
Kinder: 8.30 to 11.45 or 13.30 to 16.45 Kinder 5: 8.30 to 11.45 and 13.30 to 16.45 Primary: 8.00 to 12.00 and 13.15 to 16.30 Secondary: 7.45 to 12.45 and 13.30 to 16.30
6. What is the characteristic of the school’s population? Most of the students’ parents are professionals and businesspeople. Some foreign families are relocated in BA through foreign embassies or international companies.
7. To what degree do parents participate in the school? Washington School is an open school that encourages the involvement of the families.
Some parents actively participate in the area of Community Service. We firmly believe that the stronger the bond between the school and the families the better the result.
8. Does the school receive any subsidies? Our school receives no subsidies. The only income is the fees paid by the families.
Bilingualism What does “to be bilingual” mean? It means to have the ability to use, communicate, and alternately express in two languages orally or in written. Is there a symmetry between these two languages? No. They occur with different levels of competence and they are used in diverse circumstances, contexts and with a different purpose. Which advantages do we have by being bilingual? Many. The possibility to: a- Communicate and interact in different cultures; b- Have two or more worlds of experience, considering the fact that each language has its own code of conduct, ways of chatting and exchanging with others; c- Show a wider option of thought with two or more words for each object, idea or concept; d- Think in a more flexible and creative way. To be able to switch from one language to the other offers a larger linguistic conscience and a greater sensitivity towards communication itself. Which are the factors that affect a person in his/her process of becoming bilingual? Children are born with the ability to become bilingual and multilingual. It is important to bear in mind that, in the process of development of these two languages, the experience should be agreeable, positive and joyful. Such languages are acquired with the appropriate motivation, practice and a stimulating environment. If these requirements are met, children will learn different languages in a relatively easy way. Which aspects should be taken into account while assessing the progress in learning? Children move on at a different rhythm while developing bilingualism. This development could be slow. Demands from the family towards the children to translate or express in a second language, as well as the permanent correction of mistakes are factors which interfere and inhibit this progress in acquisition. Is it easy to become “bilingual” during childhood?The child’s interest in the language, together with the importance given to this language by the family are elements of great significance. Yes. Acquisition of a language in the early years is not hard. It is a process which is carried out through games, concrete situations, not paying attention to mistakes or the need to find the exact word. This corresponds to the process of acquisition, not just learning. Is the child going to be equally fluent in both languages? No. A bilingual child is not “two monolingual children in one”. The idea of symmetry of two different languages is the result of a monolingual vision of reality. For a bilingual person, each language has its own purpose, different functions and uses. It is presented in diverse circumstances and places, and with different people. Bilingual people own a unique combination of two languages which are, at the same time, separate and integrated in a single system of thought. These languages are represented as the tops of an iceberg: deep below, they are integrated and provide a mutual feedback.
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Fundación Mercedes Mallo |
Avenida Federico Lacroze 1973/2012, Buenos Aires (1426) - Argentina |
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