Birralee International School Trondheim

Infobox_University
name = Birralee International School Trondheim


motto = Disce ut vivas ("Learn to live")
established = Autumn 1973
founder = Margot L. Tønseth
type = International School
principal = Trude Farstad
faculty = 28
students = 175
address = Bispegata 9c, 7013 Trondheim
city = Trondheim
country = Norway
website= [http://www.birralee.no/ www.birralee.no]

Birralee International School

Birralee International School provides an English-speaking education for children aged 4-16 living in Trondheim, central Norway. The Australian founder gave the school the name 'Birralee' meaning a 'safe place for children' - Birralee provides a stimulating and secure learning environment valuing each child as an individual and helps them to reach their full potential. The school is non-profit and co-educational.

The children come both from Norwegian families living permanently in Trondheim and families from overseas living in Norway between one and five years. The parents of overseas children work in the oil industry, at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in medicine and in a variety of other businesses in the city, and greatly value the opportunity to learn in a second language environment.

To help develop children's confidence, Birralee creates a positive learning atmosphere encouraging self-discipline, natural inquisitiveness and independence. Classes are relatively small and the experienced staff is fluent in English and Norwegian. There is a close community spirit in which religious, cultural and linguistic differences are respected. Birralee believes that providing a happy, child-centered classroom environment and diverse teaching methods will foster children's self-esteem and self-confidence and help them to develop the skills needed to take responsibility for themselves, each other, and our natural environment. Birralee aims to provide continuity in the education of children moving from one country to another.Social and cultural activities are organized for the enjoyment of children, parents, and staff.

The school shares its site with a Norwegian public school and co-operates effectively with them in some activities so that children receive exposure to Norwegian language and traditions through contact with local youth.

Birralee Int. Middle School

As of August 2006 Birralee International School Trondheim is pleased to announce the expansion of its school to include a new Middle School.

Birralee Int. Middle School is open from 8:30 until 15:15 Monday through Friday and the students receive 35 lessons of instruction each week. The Middle School expands on the Norwegian curriculum (Kunnskapsløftet) to include elements of the British National Curriculum and offers students a creative, individualised and well-rounded education. Students receive instruction in English, Norwegian, Spanish, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Religions, Morals & Ethics, Design, Technology and Art, Computer Science, Music, Gym and Home Economics.

The Middle School is located at Falkenborg directly behind the KBS shopping centre. This convenient location is served by a number of bus lines, a short 10 minute ride from Trondheim’s city centre. The building is well-situated in a natural environment, shielded by trees from the hubbub of city life yet with easy access to many wonderful educational experiences. The two-storey building has an open, friendly and welcoming atmosphere with plenty of classroom space together with specialized rooms such as a science room, an art room, a music room, a computer lab, a well-stocked library, a student recreation room and a cafeteria.

Awards

In 1991, the school’s founding head Mrs. Tønseth was awarded the Albert Einstein Academy Foundation Alfred Nobel Medal by the Albert Einstein Foundation.

ee also

*List of international schools

External links

* [http://www.birralee.no School website]
* [http://www.trondheim.no Trondheim City website]
* [http://www.educationconsult.no/birralee.html Margot L. Tønseth]
* [http://www.ecis.org/gateway/awards/student_award2003-4.asp ECIS: European Council of International Schools]