A new programme for the reception and integration of immigrant students into the educational system of the Republic of Cyprus has been designed to help schools to deal with this challenging issue.

The plan prepared by the Cyprus Institute of Education and the Department of Secondary Education of the Ministry of Education has already been distributed to schools.

It spells out “a detailed programme for the teaching of Greek as a second language in pre-school and school education, which includes:

(a) Success and relevance indicators for thematic language courses and for Greek language learning.

b) A brief overview of the different approaches to learning.

c) Presentation of diagnostic techniques and alternative/dynamic assessment of the learning process.

In addition, a “Manual for the Admission and Integration of Immigrant Students in Secondary Schools” has been created.

It also includes the translation of basic school forms and advertisements for immigrant students’ families into their mother tongue.

Languages to which the forms have already been translated so far: English, French, Arabic, Russian, Bulgarian and Romanian.

In addition, there will be “Assessment of immigrant students in Greek as a second language and diagnostic assessment in mathematics, physics and biology”.

Also, there will be “continuous and distance learning for teachers who teach immigrant students.

The two school groups will work as follows:

(a) A group of Greek teachers who teach Greek as a second language.

b) A group of teachers of Mathematics and Science, who teach immigrant students.

In the meantime, some schools have already established whole classes with immigrant students so that these children can receive additional support in learning Greek.

Source: Philenews