Re: Relocating to Pau, advice needed
 

I too would urge you to try your children in local French schools. My son had some real difficulties at first (he was tested for dyslexia etc etc but it turned out to be nothing at all like that) and he is now thriving in college - in fact a straight A student. The problem was picked up by his school and he was 'treated' and supported fully by his schools and related professionals. I cannot overstate how wonderful the whole system was and - apart from the occupational therapist - it was all fully reimbursed.

Personally - and I stress this is my opinion - I am often saddened to see children put straight into international schools. They can struggle to fully get to grips with French and often miss out on local friends with all the benefits (language practice included) that they bring. As someone else pointed out, extra French lessons to start with might be a good idea ... although kids absorb language so quickly!

Both my kids went through the local system up to college. My daughter is now at a state lycée with an international section, which makes the most of her bilingualism. My son is still at college, where there are three other children with very good English, so the school has arranged the timetable so they can have 'masterclass' English lessons. I am very impressed by this, it is very proactive. My boy is less impressed to be studying Shakespeare when he could better spend the time reading quantum physics LOL!

Re: Relocating to Pau, advice needed
 

wow that sounds an amazing college.

Like you I have been very pleased with the French state system. My son in particular has thrived here. In England he was labelled as difficult and challenging at the age of 7.
Here it was quickly realised that he had an eye problem that required glasses (concentration up 10 notches) - I had often asked about this in the uk to be pooh - poohed! Next dyspraxia was diagnosed and whilst not very clued up on what this was, the school has tried hard to understand his needs. All of his teachers have set clear boundaries and this has encouraged him to conform and knuckle down. His recent report was wonderful!!
My daughter has also been very happy; she has a wonderful circle of friends and is achieving well.:)

I agree wholeheartedly with the comments on international schools; they can be very good, but the children just dont integrate.

Re: Relocating to Pau, advice needed
 

Hi, my wife and I are in a similar position and looking to relocate to the Pau area (with the exception that our daughter is aged 13 and our son is at Uni).
Schooling is a major consideration for us and we have been looking at the International school, we shall give all schools a visit and generally get a feel for them, I believe in gut instinct.. :thumbsup:

We currently have a martial arts school in the UK where we teach Freestyle, mainly kickboxing with the addition of some techniques from Tae Kwon Do, Karate and Muay Thai built in, we also incorporate "reality based self defence" techniques which work on the street as well as the dojo. Do you think there would be a call for this in the Pau region? :fingerscrossed:

Re: Relocating to Pau, advice needed
 

Welcome to the forum, When your visiting schools try as close to start time, lunch time, Or the end of the day odds are you will hear English parents and you will get their opinion if you ask;)

Most towns have some form of martial arts club, competing with established French clubs will be difficult.

Re: Relocating to Pau, advice needed
 

Thanks for the tip re visiting times... So obvious I hadnt thought of it :o

Yes, similar situation everywhere re the martial arts club. Would be a fair time before we done one as my language skills wouldnt be up to it at this time.

Anyone got some good contacts for property rentals?