BURY'S Kosavar refugees got their first taste of British school this week.

Nine of the youngsters were introduced to life at Broad Oak High School in preparation for next Monday when they will attend full-time.

Miss Helen Pierce-Jones said: "They have been in the school for two days this week and integrated really well.

"Our pupils are very interested in their experiences and friendships have already been established."

She added that all staff have been given phrasebooks and were keen to make them welcome.

"The children have particularly enjoyed the PE sessions. After all that goes beyond international boundaries."

On Monday, the younger refugee children will start lessons on a part-time basis at East Ward CP School, and another school yet to be confirmed.

The purpose of enrolling them at the schools so close to the end of term is to give them a taste of what to expect. Mr Harold Williams, chief education officer, said: "Two-and-a-half weeks of schooling at the end of this academic year will act as an introduction to the British school system and the National Curriculum. In September, when the new year begins, pupils will be ready to take a fuller part in school activities."

But before then there will be further opportunities for learning during the summer.

The four to nine-year-olds will be invited to join a three week community playscheme and 10 to 18-year-olds will have the chance of attending a three week language course.

Since the 72 refugees arrived in Bury last month, Bury Council has endeavoured to ensure that the children receive some form of education.

Refugees aged between three and seven have attended a playgroup based in an empty classroom at East Ward CP School.

Key Stage 1 pupils within this group were gradually introduced into more structured activities every morning and afternoon, including Saturday mornings.

Those aged between eight and 18 have attended more formal English language classes at the Geoffrey Kershaw Centre.

Youngsters over the age of 16 have also attended English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) classes and have started an information technology course at Bury College.

The costs of these measures will be reclaimed by Bury from the Government.

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