Specific Courses
1. Children brought up in a bilingual environment develop stronger powers of memory, logic and mathematical skills, and reaction speeds. This year, the school at RCS (Haven) is offering classes for children between the ages of 1½ and 3. This early development course is taught by a qualified teacher eligible to work with children in the UK, and with working experience of the Russian preschool system.
2. Courses continue with groups of children between 4 and 6 years old, which are also open to newcomers. This programme includes classes in reading, writing, music and art. A. A. Gromyko, Director of the European Russkiy Mir Foundation Programme, who visited the centre, gave the highest praise to an exhibition by our young artists!
3. The centre runs courses for children using the method of teaching Russian as a foreign language (РКИ). These courses include art classes and developmental play. Every course operates on the principle of modules, allowing children of all levels of ability to take part.
4. The programme of intensive schooling in Russian is flexibly suited towards the student, enabling him or her to receive systematic learning. In this course particular emphasis is placed on the development of independent language-study skills and an interest in reading. The most acitive users of the Centre's library are families with children. This year, by agreement with Russian Edinburgh, we are offering preparation for and lending of SQA Standard and Higher Grade examination papers.
Additional Developmental Activities
1. During the week the centre runs an art studio, which brings children together, regardless of the level of their language abilities, through play activities such as group drawing and study games.
2. During the year, pupils staged two performances for friends and parents. A New Year play was put on for a children's party, with Russian storytelling, and appearances by Father Christmas and Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden). On Victory Day (9th May) we ran a poetry recital and competition, open to all children. The winning performance was the recital by Anechka Egozhinskaya, who was invited to the Russian Embassy in London, and received a memorial gift and medal.
3. The school is open to collaborations, and keeps well informed about the best developments and methods in teaching. It is a member of the Eurolog association. With backing from the Russian Embassy in London, the centre convened a conference in Glasgow on 22nd May, entitled 'Problems and Perspectives on the Preservation of Russian Language and Cultural Traditions in Scotland', as a result of which publication of new material on teaching methods is planned.
The School's Supporters
This work would simply not be possible without the enthusiasm of the parents involved, or without our sponsors. This year the school at RCS(Haven) received a grant from the Russkiy Mir Foundation. For the school, this grant represents support and recognition, both of the quality of our work, and of the necessity and importance of spreading Russian culture abroad.
The school opens its doors for this academic year on 28th August. To register and receive information go to the Centre's site: www.rcshaven.org.uk or phone the Centre on 0141 552 2144.
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