primary and secondary education
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Interview with Hana Danan
Why did you decide to send your child to The Italian school?
We lived Italy until two months ago. My daughter Leyla grew up in the Italian school system (she is know in the 4th grade) and going to the Italian school was the natural choice since she did not know neither Spanish nor Catalan. We thought that the Italian school would permit her to learn Spanish and Catalan gradually and allow her to integrate smoothly in the Catalan society.
Are you happy with your choice?
Yes, so far so good!
How much research did you do into the education system beforehand?
We visited one Catalan school in the area. It was semi-private. We were very impressed with the facility and the staff seemed very helpful and well-prepared, they explained to us the school program.
How did you find the application process?
It was simple, but we had to wait till the night before the school started to know whether or not Leyla was admitted. She was on the waiting list since the school is small and has limited space.
Do you feel your child is getting the same level of education as he/she would as you would in your native country?
More or less, yes! We prefer that she learns more English but obviously that language is almost entirely replaced by Spanish and Catalan.
How much Catalan and Spanish is your child taught each week?
She has approximately 3 hours of Catalan and 3 hours of Spanish.
Approximately how many Catalan children are in your child´s class?
Almost all of her classmates have mixed parents (Italian and Catalan speaking) and grew up in the area.
How is the day structured?
School starts at 8:50 and ends at 16:30. Lunch break between 13:15-13:45. Two half-hour breaks one in the morning and one after lunch.
What qualifications do the teachers have at the school?
I believe that they are all certified by the Italian Ministry of Education.
What language do you speak to your child at home in?
Italian most of the time and some Arabic.
How well integrated do you think you are in Catalan society?
For me personally, it is still early for me to tell! But I do not think that I would have any problem once I learn Spanish or Catalan, and restart my professional activities. We have a very positive impression about the Catalan society. We always met friendly, open and very helpful and efficient people.