Birralee International School Trondheim
 | |
| Motto | Disce ut vivas (Learn to live) |
|---|---|
| Type | International School Private School |
| Established | Autumn 1973 |
| Founder | Margot L. Tønseth |
| Principal | Elin Hitchman |
Academic staff | 35 |
| Students | 250 |
| Address | Bispegata 9C, 7013 Trondheim , Trondheim , |
| Website | www.birralee.no/ |
Birralee International School
Birralee International School provides an English-speaking education for children aged 4–16 living in Trondheim, central Norway. The Australian founder gave the school the name 'Birralee' meaning a 'safe place for children'. While a private school, the school is non-profit and co-educational.
Alumni from the school has gone on to successful careers within a range of fields, from academia to finance. The schools virtue of promoting self-discipline, inquisitiveness and excellence is reflected in this, and shown through various classes performing best in nation on national tests.
The children come both from Norwegian families living permanently in Trondheim and families from overseas living in Norway between one and five years. The parents of overseas children work in the oil industry, at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in medicine and in a variety of other businesses in the city. Parents of children have included Nobel laureates and distinguished researchers, as well as business leaders in various fields such as oil and motor vehicles.
To help develop children's confidence, Birralee creates a positive learning atmosphere encouraging self-discipline, natural inquisitiveness and independence. Classes are relatively small and the staff is fluent in English and Norwegian.
Birralee aims to provide continuity in the education of children moving from one country to another. Social and cultural activities are organized for the enjoyment of children, parents, and staff.
Middle school
In August 2006, Birralee International School Trondheim expanded to include a middle school, located at Bispegata 9c. The middle school has thus been united with the primary school in the city center.
The middle school is open from 8:30 until 15:00 Monday through Friday, and the students receive 35 lessons of instruction each week. The middle school expands on the Norwegian curriculum (Kunnskapsløftet) to include elements of the British National Curriculum and aims to offer students a creative, individualised and well-rounded education. Students receive instruction in English, Norwegian, Spanish, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Religions, Morals & Ethics, Design, Technology and Art, Computer Science, Music, Gym and Home Economics. The students are also offered to do the IGCSE exams as an extra choice.
Awards
In 1991, the school's founding head Mrs. Tønseth was awarded the Albert Einstein Academy Foundation Alfred Nobel Medal by the Albert Einstein Foundation. In 2008 the Year 9 students scored highest in the country on their national tests, according to norwegian newspaper VG. In 2009 the entire middle school, Years 9-11, scored the highest in the english national tests for their respective peer groups according to VG.