A SATURDAY school specifically for Polish children is to open in Worcester this weekend.

Aimed at those aged five to 18, it will teach English, as well as helping them to learn about their cultural roots, including the history and geography of Poland.

The John Paul II Polish Saturday School in Worcester will be the 73rd such school in the UK. One is already up and running in Kidderminster.

Headteacher Monika Wakula said the school was endorsed by the Polish Educational Society in London.

"The philosophy or mission of these schools is simple," she added. "To help children between the ages of five and 18 maintain an understanding of their cultural roots by learning about the geography and history of Poland, including the learning of their native tongue."

The Saturday school is being set up at Christopher Whitehead Language College in St John's. It will be officially opened on Saturday with a mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bransford Road at 9am, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school from 10.30am.

The educational team of the Polish Saturday School in Worcester will consist of six qualified graduates. Funding will come from tuition fees and money gained from private individuals, organisations and other donors. Fees are £20-a-month for the first child, £15 for the second and £10 for the third.

Mrs Wakula said most students at the Saturday school were likely to have recently arrived from Poland, with little grasp of the English language.

"It has been agreed to include English lessons for the older children," she said. "The aim of this is to give students greater confidence and ability in order to better integrate with their contemporaries at their primary and secondary schools."

The Saturday school has been set up in connection with south Worcestershire police.

Insp Helena Bennett, who speaks fluent Polish and has been involved in the preparations for the opening, said: "Having attended such a Saturday school and having successfully passed both O and A levels in Polish I cannot stress the importance of such schools and the value they bring to those attending, their parents and the community as a whole."

For more information about the school visit www.szkolaworcester.co.uk

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