IMC Weekendschool was founded in 1998 by psychologist Heleen Terwijn as a school for voluntary additional education on Sundays, for motivated young people between the ages of 10 to 14 years, who come from disadvantaged neighborhoods. At the Weekendschool the youngsters can learn about interesting subjects from the world of culture and science. The two and a half year curriculum program includes subjects such as Law, Medicine, Journalism, Philosophy, Mathematics, Astronomy and Visual Arts.
IMC Weekendschool offers a way to expand the perspectives of students from economically weak neighbourhoods by inviting professional experts to give the children an inspiring look into interesting fields. IMC Weekenschool wants to provide students with a broad view of the world and to contribute to an all-round character education.
The IMC has three main goals:
- To help broaden students perspectives
- To increase their self-confidence
- To enhance their sense of belonging to the Dutch Society
The concept of the weekend school has become an effective testing ground for educational reform, shaped in a unique combination of nine offices, a research group and a follow-up trajectory. After a successful trial period in three districts of Amsterdam, IMC Weekendschool is now located in the deprived areas of seven Dutch cities.
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