Schools with a percentage higher than 40 % of pupils with a mother tongue other than German are part of the QUIMS-program [Quality In Multicultural Schools]. 119 schools in the City of Zurich are part of the QUIMS-programme, which aims to reduce inequality in education and raise the standard of education in schools for all students. This is important all schools will be equally attractive to Swiss middle class parents and pupils and their non-Swiss peers, and thus avoid the emergence of ‘ghetto schools’.
In the canton of Zurich the programme is mandatory for all public schools that have more than 40% student from an immigrant background (excluding Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein). To ensure the success of the programme a dedicated QUIMS officer is selected who receives training through a special certification process. The selected QUIMS officer prepares and coordinates the QUIMS activities for the entire teaching staff. New schools receive introductory training and close monitoring and support during the first two years. Teachers receive ongoing training and the opportunity to network and learn from the experience of other schools.
QUIMS offers extra financial and professional help to schools on condition the money is used to develop special projects in line with the aims of the programme based on local needs. Integration support is one of the three main aims of the programme; along with building a shared culture of appreciation, respect and understanding through the use of intercultural mediators to liaise between parents and teachers; and the establishment of parent councils.
