FAQ

Here we have compiled a list of answers to some of the most common questions we get. If you need any more information or have another question, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • What is the official policy on moving from one IES school to another, if one of the schools is closer to home?

    • A: 

      We are unfortunately not allowed to give advanced placement of any kind even among our own schools. If you would like to change school, we request that you register for that specific school.
  • How can parents participate and help in the school?

    • A: 

      The school has an active PTA, Parents and Teachers Association. The principal or assistant principal regularly attends PTA meetings to ensure transparency at all levels.

      Our Open Door Policy for parents leads to mutual understanding and encourages parents to come to school and see how we work. We urge you to let us know in advance that you are coming so that we are sure you receive a visitor’s pass and that you are able to benefit the most from your visit.
  • Is it possible for a student to just try to see if he likes being in the school?

    • A: 

      We don’t believe that just trying out a new school is a good idea. When a decision is made, with it comes the perseverance and motivation to make it work. Experience tells us that all students are able to succeed in our schools and that the desire to do just that is often the most significant factor.

      We provide initial information about our school and our expectations, at information meetings and on the Introductory Day. The Introductory Day ensures that students have a chance to participate in lessons, meet with teachers and administrators and see how we work. Positive feedback is continuous. All our efforts are geared to help students and parents make a conscious choice.

      Just “testing” the concept of our school means uncertainty regarding learning, making friends and becoming involved. Ultimately, selecting a school is a matter of choice and exercising that choice is a right and a responsibility. Parents and students have the option, at any given time, to move to another school.
  • We understand that we will receive regular reports about our child’s progress already from grade 6. How does that work?

    • A: 

      We monitor our students’ progress continuously and give out written assessments to the parents/students. For development talks in the fall and spring, we send an empty report card to the home, about two weeks in advance. Parents and students have time to discuss the report and fill in the blanks together. Parents then sign up for a suitable time at school to meet with the mentor and other members of staff. At the time of the development meeting, the report prepared by the family is compared with the teachers’ report, providing a solid base for discussion. Everyone works to ensure that the meeting has beneficial results for the students.
  • My husband / wife works at a certain company. Can the company pay the school in order to avoid waiting in line?

    • A: 

      No, we are a state regulated school without fees. We recommend that as soon as you have decided to attend one of our schools, to apply as quickly as possible. If you have been abroad for a number of years and are returning home, it’s important that you contact us and let us know of your situation. Early applications result in favourable placements. In exceptional cases, it is possible to grant admission at a later stage. If, during the first weeks of school, we find that there is an unexpected vacancy, and school is already in progress, we may take in an occasional student who is prepared to jump in on very short notice.
  • What about student democracy?

    • A: 

      Many students are active in the Student Council. Members of the student council are elected by the students at the beginning of the new school year. Regular meetings with the principal and assistant principal are a part of this process.
  • Do you test students prior to admission?

    • A: 

      No, no testing is permitted as part of the admission process.
  • My family wants to go on a longer trip. How many extra vacation days can we have?

    • A: 

      Please make sure that you go on vacation only when school is not in session. Do not extend your vacation days. Learning time is much too valuable and it is part of the respect for learning not to use school time for vacation. This is a very important lesson for our students. A strong message from the parents to prioritise education underscores that point.

      A student's mentor may permit three vacation days. After that, a student must ask the Principal for permission for more time off.
  • Do you take in students with special needs?

    • A: 

      Yes, our school is open to everyone. We do expect our prospective parents to let us know if their child has required special assistance previously or needs help in any way. Concerns regarding learning abilities/ disabilities, health, or nutrition should be brought to our immediate attention. School relevant information is a prerequisite to mutual understanding and academic success.
  • How much homework will there be?

    • A: 

      Generally, every subject gives one thirty-minute homework assignment per week. The amount of homework varies and depends on the subject and on the student.
  • What if my child is accepted, we decline the offer and then change our mind. Will my child's spot be held?

    • A: 

      No, if you decline to accept the place offered, your place will go to another student. Your registration will be accepted as of the date of your new application.
  • My child is an outstanding student. Are you able to provide academic challenges and support to those who are excellent students?

    • A: 

      Yes, most definitely. Our experience clearly shows that students progress rapidly in an academically challenging and positive learning environment. Your child will be supported, encouraged and given every opportunity to stretch the limits of learning.
  • Where do students in your school come from? Does everyone speak English from the start?

    • A: 

      Our students come from many different places. Some are native English speakers but most are of Swedish origin and have attended the compulsory Swedish school system.
  • Is there a dress code in your school?

    • A: 

      Yes, but we do not have school uniforms. We expect all students to dress appropriately for school and school functions. A student’s dress, grooming and appearance shall be safe and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process. Prohibited items include long, heavy chains and spiked jewellery. Students should recognize that extremely brief garments such as tube tops, net tops, plunging necklines, see-through garments, etc. are not appropriate. Students may not wear items that are vulgar, obscene or denigrate others: and not promote and or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and / or encourage other illegal or violent activities.

      Teachers and all other personnel should exemplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting. Our teachers are professional educators and advisors to the students and are addressed as Mr and Ms and not by their first name.
  • How well do your students manage the Swedish language and culture when 50% of classes are taught in English?

    • A: 

      We know that we are a school in Sweden where students are able to achieve fluency in both English and Swedish. Therefore equal emphasis is placed on commanding both languages, English and Swedish. The results of the National Tests have consistently placed our students considerably above average in the Core Subjects of English, Math and Swedish. We celebrate Swedish holidays, traditions and cultural events plus English and American traditions such as Thanksgiving, Student Prom in grade 9, Caps and Gowns at graduation and a variety of other festivities that are appreciated by parents and students alike.
  • How can I get in touch with my child’s mentor, subject teacher, principal?

    • A: 

      We recommend email. Our office does not give out private phone numbers. Many teachers have phone hours and inform parents, at the beginning of term, on the best method of getting and staying in touch.
  • Can I apply even from outside Sweden?

    • A: 

      Yes, if you are of the appropriate age, plan to move to Sweden and have the Swedish personal numbers necessary for registration.
  • Do you follow the local municipality’s dates for holidays and vacation periods?

    • A: 

      Yes. We generally adhere to the same schedule. In-service time will be different from school to school and is noted at the beginning of term in the school calendar.
  • Do you teach French, German or Spanish as well?

    • A: 

      We expect all students to study a third language. French, German, and Spanish are our third language choices. We expect all students to take lessons in one of the languages. The only exception is if the child has been screened positively for learning difficulties. Our Special Education Teacher may then recommend that further English or Swedish be studied instead of a third language..
  • Can anyone come and visit the school?

    • A: 

      We welcome and encourage visitors. Kindly make sure that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance. All visitors must report to the main office, sign the visitors register and obtain a visitor’s pass, which must be displayed at all times. This pass must be returned to the main office and the visitor must sign out at the conclusion of the visit.
  • How many students are there in a class?

    • A: 

      There are 30 students per class and each class has 2 mentors in grades 6 to 9. 
  • My child would like to have a friend visit the class for a day. Is this possible?

    • A: 

      We are happy to have visitors and friends. Please make sure that you meet the following requirements:

      - Visitors and students alike are expected to follow the rules of the school
      - Visitors to a class must be of the same age, unless their presence is for academic or research purposes.
      - The school must have received at least 24 hours advance notice.
      - Some visits may require the approval of the principal. It is therefore important to let us know in advance.
      - We do not accept visitors from other schools simply because their present school is not in session that day. Visits, from students outside of our own, should be because the student is considering our school as a school of choice for the near future.
  • Are all your teachers certified?

    • A: 

      All our teachers are well qualified but we also strive to have all of our teachers certified. We participate in Teacher Recruitment Fairs, each spring, in England, Canada and the US. These fairs attract native English teachers from English speaking countries from around the globe. Most of our teachers have certification from their home countries and not necessarily from Sweden.
      Our Swedish teachers are certified in Sweden.
  • Can we visit the school to get an impression before we apply for admission?

    • A: 

      We prefer that you attend our Open House evenings and Introductory Days first. Prospective students and their parents are invited and most welcome to these events. Due to our extensive waiting lists, for some of our schools the list extends to over 1000 students, we find it difficult to provide the same kind of service to everyone. We ask for your patience and understanding if we are unable to accommodate your request.
  • Do all your teachers speak Swedish?

    • A: 

      When teachers come from an English speaking country, they do not necessarily speak Swedish immediately upon arrival. It is school policy to provide Swedish teaching to our non- Swedish teachers already during their first year in Sweden.

      Information to the parents is given in both English and Swedish. If parents at development talks have a mentor who does not speak Swedish and the parent prefers to speak Swedish, just contact the school in advance and we will make sure that a Swedish speaker is present at the meeting.
  • Can my child bring his/her friend, who has an in-service day, to visit the school?

    • A: 

      If you have not asked for permission in advance, the answer is NO. We have to know who is in the school and for what reason. If friends are allowed to come and go as they please, and many external students come at the same time because they don’t have anything else to do that day, then teaching is disrupted and we are unable to keep our students safe.
  • Is it necessary for my child to know English when starting your school?

    • A: 

      No. Knowing English well is not a prerequisite for starting in our schools. Most of our students have attended Swedish schools before coming to us and have acquired a basic foundation in English.
  • Do you hand out bus cards to students?

    • A: 

      Yes, bus cards are given out to students who live within the Gothenburg region. We advise students living outside the city to check with their local kommun for travel information.
  • Which subjects are taught in English at IES Gothenburg?

    • A: 

      The following subjects are taught in English. Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physical Education, Art and English.

       
  • Does it cost anything to attend your school?

    • A: 

      No, it does not cost anything to attend our schools. There are no tuition fees. Funding comes from the “skolpeng” or school subsidy, allocated to schools that are approved by “Skolverket” the Swedish National Agency for Education.
  • Do you have a lot of students leaving because of difficulties with the teaching in English?

    • A: 

      No, this does not happen often. It is reassuring for parents and students to know that our school has been in existence since 1993 and has established and developed professional practices throughout this time. Students may take some time to adapt to a new learning environment, and may consider the transition challenging. It is an undeniable fact that the best way to learn a language is through immersion and having the language integrated in the school culture.  All classroom teaching does adopt a bilingual appraoch so students leave the school with a command of both Swedish and English.

      Students’ learning capacity, at an early age, is sometimes underestimated. When students really want to learn, have educators to guide, and parents to support them, the results are forthcoming. We know through experience that a calm, safe and stimulating learning environment is necessary for students to achieve results.

      We often see, after the first term, that students have made tremendous progress. Suddenly students understand “everything” and homework becomes so much easier.
  • How does the admission process work?

    • A: 

      We request that you fill in our application form preferably on line: Student Applications. If you do not have access to a computer, please call the school. Once the application form is received, it will be dated and you will be assigned a place in line. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis with one exception. If you have a brother or sister already in our school, we are allowed to give you an advanced placement on the waiting list.

      A letter or e-mail confirming that we are able to offer you a place is mailed home during the early spring. When we have received your acceptance, we will send you an invitation to attend our Introductory Day to help us get better acquainted.
  • We have heard that there is discipline in your schools. What exactly does this mean?

    • A: 

      We are committed to providing a safe, orderly school environment where students can learn and teachers can teach. Responsible behaviour is essential in achieving this goal. We have a long-standing set of expectations for conduct. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity. This code applies to all students and school personnel.

      Infractions are dealt with swiftly and expeditiously and may result in detention and /or a student care conference. Detention is used in a pro-active way, i.e. students carry out work that helps them learn to rectify unacceptable behaviour. A clear distinction is made between disciplinary aspects and pastoral work. Parental consent and participation are essential for the student to succeed and is the key in everything we do.