"Whole family" approach

Educational policy and curricular matters are a cantonal responsibility whist the city is responsible for school buildings. Schooling is seen as central to the creation of a harmonious city. A major reorganisation of primary schools is underway with the aim of better integrating them into their localities. A ‘whole family’ approach is being adopted whereby teachers are required to build closer links with families to understand the external factors that might influence a child’s ability to learn. In the case of foreigners this means attempting to welcome them in their mother tongue. There is a one year transitional class for new arrivals with little or no French language, to fast-track into the mainstream and prevent them becoming alienated.