Which international school for Norwegian kids?

[sailor898]

We’re relocating from Europe to Singapore later this year, and have 2 kids in the local Norwegian school system (12 + 15 yo). Having gone through a few International School websites (UWC, SAS, OFS), it’s not clear which one(s) offer Norwegian as a second language or additional language etc, or has a slightly higher number of Norwegian students. It’s more abt easing teenage concerns, ie making friends in a foreign country, more than anything else. Any info is much appreciated, thank you.

[NYY1]

Regarding what languages are offered, I think the best thing to do is write to or call a few of the schools. It looks like UWC does not offer Norwegian at either campus (but please confirm).

https://sites.google.com/gapps.uwcsea.e ... nformation

https://sites.google.com/gapps.uwcsea.e ... -programme

I think schools here offer a variety of languages at a (relatively) young age. However, if you are looking at the IB schools, the languages offered may be culled down as you get towards or to Year 11 - Year 12 (relevant for your older child in a couple of years). The IB diploma has two language requirements; Studies in Language and Literature (Category 1) and Language Acquisition (Category 2). Generally, think of these as first language and second language. It looks like IB is trying to make Norwegian available, but the schools need to have both staffing and sufficient demand to offer it. My guess is that some of the kids that took their home language from a young age here end up taking Chinese, French, or Spanish "ab initio" for Category 2 in Year 11-12. This course is pitched at the beginner language level, and while it is good for breadth, some may consider it a waste of time vs. the ability to further enhance one's second language skills (if you are quite proficient and interested in two languages).

I do not know which schools have the most Norwegian kids in them (guess would be UWC and OFS have more of them than SAS). Is there a Norwegian School here? Perhaps ask around your company or others that lived here earlier (should be a fair number of shipping / offshore related people relocating between Norway and Singapore. Based on your name, I assume you are in one of these industries).

Good luck.

[Lisafuller]

Regarding what languages are offered, I think the best thing to do is write to or call a few of the schools. It looks like UWC does not offer Norwegian at either campus (but please confirm).

https://sites.google.com/gapps.uwcsea.e ... nformation

https://sites.google.com/gapps.uwcsea.e ... -programme

I think schools here offer a variety of languages at a (relatively) young age. However, if you are looking at the IB schools, the languages offered may be culled down as you get towards or to Year 11 - Year 12 (relevant for your older child in a couple of years). The IB diploma has two language requirements; Studies in Language and Literature (Category 1) and Language Acquisition (Category 2). Generally, think of these as first language and second language. It looks like IB is trying to make Norwegian available, but the schools need to have both staffing and sufficient demand to offer it. My guess is that some of the kids that took their home language from a young age here end up taking Chinese, French, or Spanish "ab initio" for Category 2 in Year 11-12. This course is pitched at the beginner language level, and while it is good for breadth, some may consider it a waste of time vs. the ability to further enhance one's second language skills (if you are quite proficient and interested in two languages).

I do not know which schools have the most Norwegian kids in them (guess would be UWC and OFS have more of them than SAS). Is there a Norwegian School here? Perhaps ask around your company or others that lived here earlier (should be a fair number of shipping / offshore related people relocating between Norway and Singapore. Based on your name, I assume you are in one of these industries).

Good luck.

No Norwegian school here. Though I'm guessing a good number of them are in GESS.

[Lisafuller]

We’re relocating from Europe to Singapore later this year, and have 2 kids in the local Norwegian school system (12 + 15 yo). Having gone through a few International School websites (UWC, SAS, OFS), it’s not clear which one(s) offer Norwegian as a second language or additional language etc, or has a slightly higher number of Norwegian students. It’s more abt easing teenage concerns, ie making friends in a foreign country, more than anything else. Any info is much appreciated, thank you.

I always recommend SAS. It's excellent. Quite a few of my friends had children who went/go there and they love it. It's extremely pricey, but you get what you pay for.

[PNGMK]

The Swiss school might be an option.

Also IFS (French) and Holland International could be considered.

A Norskskolen is planned. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JiD48uQUqEqa5WWq5

[Lisafuller]

The Swiss school might be an option.

Also IFS (French) and Holland International could be considered.

A Norskskolen is planned. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JiD48uQUqEqa5WWq5

Haven't heard too much about Holland, positive or negative. Though I will say the location is pretty fabulous.

Do you mean the Norwegian Summer school?