So you’re in the Netherlands and you’re thinking about sending your child to an international school in the Netherlands? Here are a couple of reasons why we think sending your child to an international school might just be one of the best ideas there is…
Picking a school in which to send your child(ren) to, is never an easy task or something to take lightly. Schools set children up with skills and a mentality, that they will take with them for the rest of their lives. So you understand that choosing the right school for your little one isn’t a task to take lightly. If you’re an expat, this can be even more of a confusing time, since international schools in the Netherlands also come into the equation more prominently. If you’re considering sending your child to an international school in the Netherlands you might just want more than one motive for that choice.
So when the excellent international Amity school in Amstelveen recently opened up we jumped on the chance to team up with them and review 5 key reasons why you might want to send your child to an international school in the Netherlands.
1. A true international learning environment
Children and young people who attend international schools, learn in an environment which is culturally diverse and globally focused. International children, drawn together from all across the world, engage in a wide range of learning experiences underpinned by a curriculum fit for the 21st Century.
This is the perfect opportunity for children to experience diversity, building up an international mindset. Each day, children learn along-side others from different backgrounds. Not only do children learn about the rich tapestry of culture and diversity through classroom experiences as they do in many local schools, but also they have the experience of The World in one place, right on their doorstep! An international learning environment is a perfect place to celebrate diversity.
2. Communication and understanding from the school
Staff in international schools are commonly recruited from around the world. At Amity for example, staff come from the UK, USA, Australia and several European countries. One of the benefits for the children is that the staff from international schools in the Netherlands are used to working with children and families who bring a wide range of differing expectations. Not only do staff understand the customs and traditions of different nations, but many have also experienced them first hand whilst living and working in different parts of the world.
And then there is the added bonus that the staff at international schools certainly know their English and your situation as well! This will be especially evident when it comes to administrative forms of communication. When it comes to your childrens education, you might just be more comfortable in an environment of entire understanding.
3. International education and a curriculum that fits the expat lifestyle
Amity Principal David Porritt, talked with us about the curriculum:
“There is always a worry that if you’re moving round the world, your child might lose out when transferring from one curriculum to another. International schools understand this point. Not only do many have the same curriculum but they are very good at helping parents and children understand the differences and have lots of ways to ensure that children keep on making good progress in their learning.
At Amity, we are an International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP Candidate School, meaning that the curriculum is internationally recognized. And of course, it’s much easier to transfer into another IB school. Learning within this curriculum means that your child will be able to obtain qualifications which can be used just about anywhere in the world”.
International schools understand that you may have a life that involves travel – either relocating to different countries or only being an expat on a year-by-year basis. It’s always good to partner up with a school that understands your situation. International schools will ensure that your child will get the most out of their time at the school, no matter how many years they may attend.
4. International School in the Netherlands: the most multilingual education children can get
One of the biggest benefits of going to an international school in the Netherlands is that your child will enjoy an excellent multilingual education. They will be able to learn and communicate in English, Dutch and their own native language – possibly even more languages. Not only does being multilingual significantly increase your children’s chances of finding that dream job, but encouraging this early on in life means that by the time they go it alone, they will have the confidence and skills to do so and learn new languages fast!
International schools also provide a curriculum that reflects the changing nature of society and include great opportunities for learning technology to be used within the day to day classes. And international schools often have a wide range of extra activities for children to enjoy.
5. If you’re located near Amsterdam you might want to check out the Amity International School
Amity International School in Amsterdam is one of the newest international schools here in the Netherlands. It is located in the beautiful De Braak Park and only around the corner from Amsterdamse Bos. It’s a place where the children can be at one with nature.
It is a wonderful setting for a school, as the range of green spaces mean that learning can easily be transferred from outside of the classroom, in a safe environment.
The spectacular ‘Van Leer’ building, where the school is housed, provides plenty of open spaces for children to learn. The architecture means that the open space has been utilized to provide multi-functioning learning spaces and facilities such as an indoor gymnasium, multimedia areas and a music room and library.
Amity is part of Amity Education Group, which is a not-for-profit organisation. It has already built a positive name for itself by virtue of its locations in cosmopolitan places such as London, New York and Dubai. The school welcomed students earlier in the year and provides education for early years, primary years and middle years (starting in August). As it is an International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP Candidate School, Amity offers a globally recognised curriculum.
You only have to look up the meaning of the word ‘amity’ to get an idea of what kind of school it strives to be. A place of friendship, peace and harmony amongst individuals and the wider environment. The school aims to provide a learning environment, that is not only diverse, but is at the same time natural and local – they also really want to blend in and be part of the Amstelveen community!
David Porrit, Amity school Principal finally stated that: “We’re an international school and have international people from all kinds of regions visiting our school, but we also have a big local heart. So we’re truly part of 2 communities; international and local.”
We’ve worked together with the Amity International School Amsterdam to bring you this article on international schools in the Netherlands.
Here are only a few positives on sending your child to an international school in the Netherlands! We would love to hear your thoughts on why you would send your children to an international school in the Netherlands. Let us know in the comments!
