(edit title) Coping with Bilingual schooling? Could my 11 year old cope? Options

[MhairiTindall]

Hi

I may have the opportunity to work in Stockholm starting in August. The job sounds great but I have two kids who I am concerned about. My daughter is 5 and has just finished her first year of schooling in the UK. She is very bright and can already confidently read and write very well for her age. She is also very comfortable with her number work. I am not too worried about her because at her age she will quickly pick up the language at a bilingual pre-school. However, I am wondering how it will all fit in academically.

But my main worry is my 11 year old son, who is due to leave his primary schooling and start his secondary schooling in August. We will not be able to afford private British education for him. Would he be able to learn sufficient Swedish in time to get his exams and entry qualifications. Also, would he be ahead academically also?

MT2

[byke]

As a parent who has had first hand knowledge of sending their child to a bilingual school in Stockholm and pulling them out, I can not recomend such.

[skogsbo]

as Swedish schooling starts between 1 and 2 years later than the UK, depending on birth dates etc.. then academically he will probably be ahead(apart from in languages). Language wise that depends on the kid, are they up for the move? Do you have friends here already? Will there be a chance to make good friends through work etc.. Plus do you plan to stay here, because you are kind of committing him to the system, potentially until he is 19, if not 23, same for the little one? I not sure how easy it is to leave the Swedish system at say 15 or 17 and slot back into the UK school or college network.
If he doesn't want to move, misses his friends etc.. then he isn't going to make any effort here and it will have major impacts, it is all down to the character of your child.
As for the 6yr old, she'll be native within 12months, probably less. As she will start in pre school which is still a mix of play and preparation for school, so she will spend all day chatting with other kids.
If you do decide to come over, come soon, it will give them more chance to intergrate before August.