Free Italian classes in local primary and secondary schools

[languagelounger]

Just to share something I was told - that the Italian government will fund the teaching of Italian in any UK primary school. [Edited - and secondary schools too]. Apparently they pay the full cost of the teacher so it doesn't cost the UK government anything.

I understand there are three local schools taking advantage of the scheme at the moment but it seems to be down to the heads to take it up and I've spoken to a few local parents who hadn't heard about it.

Italian might not seem the most widely used language but it can be a real advantage in adult life. Even in the current recession there are employers who can't fill vacancies in London that need Italian/English speakers. Primary age kids (especially little girls) love learning a new language in my experience, it can give them a real boost to their confidence and I'm sure they then find it easier to pick up a third language at senior school. Having Italian helps with learning French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Just thought that if there is such a resource on offer, there might be more parents who would like to take advantage.

[womanofdulwich]

if Berlossconi is funding it, it will probably for blonde haired friends of his who are female and look like models.........

[randomv]

Wow! In my day (20 years ago) the Italian Government funded "Italian School" for the UK born children of Italian citizens. Similar to this it ran in state schools but in the evening and was set up wherever there was a large Italian population - I went to the one in Slough where I did my O and A levels in the subject. The last I heard they had scrapped the scheme to save money but they've obviously had a change of heart and are widening the net - fantastic news!

Vicky

[Elfy]

One of my best pals went to Italian School in Slough about 20 years ago! You may know her..We went to St Bernards in Slough.

[randomv]

No way! We took the exams at your school and quite a few of the girls in our class went there - will pm you!

[millie42]

Very interseting. I will mention this to my son's headteacher. He is at St William of York in SE23.

[Cora]

Can you name the schools that are taking part (so other schools can contact them for info) or do you know who a school would contact for information - sounds great...

[languagelounger]

millie42 Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Very interseting. I will mention this to my son's

> headteacher. He is at St William of York in SE23.

Hi Millie

I was told that William of York is one of the schools that already does it! Will check again this Thurs with the person who told me.

[languagelounger]

Cora Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Can you name the schools that are taking part (so

> other schools can contact them for info) or do you

> know who a school would contact for information -

> sounds great...

Hi

I'm told that Francesca Cabrini (which I think is on the Southwark side of Honor Oak?), William of York and Kilmorie are all taking advantage of it. Also, I was wrong about it being just primary schools - seems it can run in secondary schools too. I have PM'd you an email address for the contact.

I wish they would fund Italian for adults, the cost of evening classes is horrendous these days because our govt has withdrawn subsidies and a lot of them seem to be closing.

[jennyfromblock]

Can you advise me whether you know of italian classes for children after school or at weekends which I can send my daughter to who is 11.

Thanks

Jenny