Schooling in Cyprus

[LADY LALA]

Originally Posted by Puffik

where in Cyprus are you likely to be living?

We moved to Paphos 1 year ago (tommorrow !!!) I have a 4 year old and 8 year old, the eldest started the local greek school in Peyia in April last year, and little girl started the kindergarden connected with the school in September, they stay at kndergarden until they reach 6 and half , so she will be there 2 years.
The youngest is getting on great, learning her ABC, COLOURS, NUMBERS etc in Greek with all the other children- I have to teach her at home in English , but Im not doing too much with her as I dont want to confuse her. She loves the kindergarden and the teachers are lovely and very helpful.
My 8 year old boy, loves school and has settled amazingly well, he is picking up the language well although by no means fluent, He gets so much homework (in greek) I often sit with him for up to 4 hours, translating it and then helping him to complete it, this is a big problem for me, however there are after school clubs that will help with homework, his name is on the waiting list for one now. I try to concentrate on the important things like maths and grammer, and leave the religious studies and history , the teachers dont seem to mind as long as they are trying. I have subscribed to a website that teaches english curriculum subjects aimed at home schoolers and to assist with extra tuition, I try and do this alongside his greek studies, as well as additional greek language learning. They put on FREE greek lessons for the kids after school twice a week , this also helps.
It is hard work on the parents probably more than the kids, but Im happy that they are happy at school , they may need additional help as they get older but that is not a problem.
Hope this helps a little .

[cds usa]

The vast majority of students both from the private and public sectors, successfully pursue and complete degrees from universities in the uk, us and many other European countries!
The fact that Cypriots choose to supplement their children's education, by the way this happens just us much with children of private schools, shows the strong commitment of the parents, not necessarily great shortcomings in the public system!

That being said, just my opinion of course, there are definite advantages to good private schools, just like in the rest of the world.
Our children will be going to a private school

[Jo37]

Hi

Just reading your post. I will be moving to Paphos in August with my husband and two boys. I've been in touch with the International School and it looks very good. Does anybody know whether they have after school clubs and if they have a canteen? I'm also looking for a Beavers and football club for my 4 and 7 year olds - does anybody know if there are any clubs in Paphos. I will also be looking for an office job - any advice about where to start? Thanks Jo

[LADY LALA]

I miss the social aspect of school in the UK, chatting with other mums at the school gates, meeting for coffees, arranging nights out, helping with each others kids, being a taxi service etc etc. Ive been in Peyia since April 2011 and feel we need to set up some kind of support for parents so here goes-
Ive started a Facebook social group for parents in Paphos, to offer help, advice, support and friendship.
Maybe you have some kids items to get rid of, give away or sell, maybe you need childcare, or help with the school run- maybe you would like to offer help to do the school run or offer a few hours a day to look after children.

Maybe you can suggest some good places to go with children. or help with homework.....what ever your contribution it all helps

It can be lonely for parents at the best of times but being in a foreign country makes things even harder.

Feel free to add other friends BUT please only parents with children in PAPHOS area.

[bluebirds]

Hi we are thinking of moving this September to Cyprus and our children will be going to a private school, American Academy Larnaca I want to ask what people thought about the school any experiences,our timing?So many problems with the Euro..
would be leaving my new business (nursery) .....wondering if it is the right thing to do I left Cyprus 18 years ago and i am feeling a little nervous about going back.
Thanks for reading Ellie

[Puffik]

I understand AA in Larnaca generally has a very good reputation, particularly on the academic side: Do not however dismiss Med Junior/High. On the general aspect of returning to Cyprus I do not know what Cyprus was like 18 years ago: I have only been here 12, but Cyprus is not what it was even 5 years ago. I suggest you keep an eye on the internt versions of the loacel papers to see what is happening - it is probbaly still a better place to live than say London. (and I am a Londoner!)

[Aroura]

Originally Posted by Veronica

I think it is far better to put children into the local schools if you intend to live here permanently. It helps them to integrate into the community and also helps parents to become more accpeted than if they seperate their children by putting them in the international schools.
I know people who have children in both systems and the ones who go to the local schools are far happier here.

This is something I plan to do, I also plan to provide a homeschooling top up to their education too, but I think it's a vital necessity for the reasons you said, to help them fit in and make friends. I totally agree with your point here...
Is it quite easy to get a place in one of the local schools? My children will be 5years and almost 7years when we move over, I'm hoping to get to look at some schools when I come in October, but not planning the move till February 2013 (ish, could be a bit earlier or later depending on what happens).
How long are the school days, is it like here where its 6hours in school a day?

Aroura.

[kimonas]

Originally Posted by Aroura

This is something I plan to do, I also plan to provide a homeschooling top up to their education too, but I think it's a vital necessity for the reasons you said, to help them fit in and make friends. I totally agree with your point here...
Is it quite easy to get a place in one of the local schools? My children will be 5years and almost 7years when we move over, I'm hoping to get to look at some schools when I come in October, but not planning the move till February 2013 (ish, could be a bit earlier or later depending on what happens).
How long are the school days, is it like here where its 6hours in school a day?

Aroura.

Hi Aroura,

Posts numbers 16 and 76 on this thread might help regarding some of your questions. Places are now an issue because of the economic downturn as many parents who previously relied on the private schools can no longer afford it and are also seeking state places (there were almost 3000 places extra burden on the system last semester) although this is normally a squeeze at secondary level as the primary state schooling here is considered by many to be of a very good standard, the problems really begin at secondary level - for those issues see the various posts in this thread.

From my experience of dealing with parents who are running businesses, their biggest complaint is the early start and early finish. The school day here starts early and schools are normally out by 2. There are also a large number of holidays which some parents find inconvenient as they may not have the childcare support mechanism (yaya or grandma) to take over when the schools are closed. The summer, easter and winter recesses are longer here than in the UK.

[LADY LALA]

My kids got straight in to local school no problems at all,Your 5 year old will go to kindergarden first they dont start school till 6 years 8 months here, but kindergarden run alongside the schools the day starts at 7-30 and finishes at 1.00, some schools offer an afternoon school (not ours unfortunately ) which run 1-4pm .
There are some after school clubs too, which help with homework.
I do exactly the same as you with regards to home schooling some great sites you might like to try - IXL and Key Stage 1 KS1, & Key Stage 2 KS2 Home Learning Resources - @school or Learn Times Tables with Mr Monkeys Island Multiplication Games - I live in Peyia, Paphos If you need any help or a friend when you get here give me a shout x If your on facebook feel free to add me ( Tilly Ann )

[bluebirds]

Thank you very much to all that replied with your experiences.
I feel more confident about moving to Cyprus.
So far the school there has been great, answering our questions.
I also wanted to ask if anyone is involved in any clubs or teams. I am interested to find out about any football teams, gymnastic teams,any music clubs.
I searched a little and i could only find some in Nicosia, does anyone take part or knows of any in larnaca?
Many thanks
Sorry for late and general reply to all.