Talent Class

The Talent Class
Murmellius has been offering the Talent Class since 2020. The target group consists of Group 8 students assessed as being at pre-university level who have a language or other learning deficit. Students from various primary schools in Alkmaar come to our school on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30 to 4:30 to attend extra lessons. The goal of these lessons is to improve their language skills and, incidentally, broaden their general knowledge. The lessons focus on reading comprehension, creative writing, current events, and debating. The Talent Class students work towards a national debate day, where they compete against talent teams from across the country. The 2024 Talent Class came first in this tournament!

The students receive more than just educational support. There are ten parental involvement training sessions that help parents/guardians support their children throughout their school careers. An external trainer speaks with parents/guardians about the Dutch education system and addresses questions regarding their children's development and upbringing. Parents/guardians get to know each other personally, fostering safe and warm relationships. The program also includes cultural offerings. Students attend the Alkmaar Student Debate at the town hall, take a walking tour led by the Alkmaar Historical Society, go to a theatre performance at De Vest, and visit the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar.

During the lessons, the teachers see the Group 8 students progress in various areas; reading skills stand out. But the effect of the talent class is primarily that the students feel at ease in the building and in the classroom. The students build a special bond, with the teachers and with each other!