The Swedish School of Vancouver provides both language and cultural studies. The school was established in 1978, and is a not-for-profit organization run by its members. We offer 2 hours of language immersion per week, with programs for children from preschool through high school. Our programs blend curricula developed by the Swedish Department of Education (Skolverket) for after-school studies in
the Swedish language as well as lessons from Svenska Distans. The curriculum is composed of both Swedish language and culture with particular focus on vocabulary, grammar, literature, music history and geography. Swedish traditions are celebrated throughout the school year. We strive for an inspirational environment, developing and strengthening the Swedish language already established and spoken with at least one person in the home. Classes are offered on Thursday evenings at 4:30-6:30pm, Saturday mornings at 9:30-11:30am or Sundays 3:30-5:30pm. Students are enrolled in one of these classes through a combination of preference and space availability. A central perk to our membership is our large library of children’s books, audiobooks, music, video and film in Swedish, available to members that are otherwise not available at local public libraries in Vancouver. Sweden has a rich cultural heritage of national children’s books and movies. In addition, The Swedish School of Vancouver is an important meeting place for these kids and their parents to develop lifelong friendships. Peers, adult role models and a cultural context is essential for the children to stay motivated and connected with their second language and its culture. Surprisingly, Canadian schools do not support the learning of second languages spoken in the household in the form of language classes to strengthen those languages. As such, Swedish School of Vancouver does not receive any funding from Canadian governments nor its agencies. Beyond home schooling, online classes and classes at university level, there is no other way for our students to have access to similar services. These services are such important aspects of second language transfer and the generation of a strong multicultural society. Our students typically have one or two immigrant parents, and the language and culture represents a part of who they are and where their parent(s) have come from. Learning a second language early has proven to enhance brain development and expand problem solving skills. Moreover, when children have an immigrant parent their self-image is greatly improved when they can develop their own individual connection with that parent’s culture. It contributes to raising the status of that background in the child’s own mind. The Swedish School of Vancouver operates as a subsidy of the Swedish Cultural Society, which is a society registered under the BC Societies Act.
