Střední škola Aloyse Klara

The school continues the tradition of Klar’s Institute for the Blind established in 1832. The founder of the institute, professor Aloys Klar, was a promoter of progressive educational approaches and methods. Particularly his effort to integrate visually handicapped people into professional life is worth mentioning. Other remarkable contributions were the construction of a relaxation and rehabilitation centre including a swimming pool, a boarding house and workshops for pupils with special needs whose products were sold to the public. 
At present, the Aloys Klar’s Secondary School is governed by the Prague Council. The school is based on more than 170 year tradition of upbringing and educating visually impaired people. The school curriculum follows contemporary pedagogical and psychological trends in educating people with various physical and social handicaps. The education is focused on youth with special educational needs and prefers cooperation in small groups. There are up to 14 pupils in one class and this number allows teachers to have an individual approach to pupils. We prepare pupils who have accomplished primary and practical primary schools in the following three-year courses:

• upholsterer
• book-binder
• pottery maker
• fitness and sport masseur
• brush and basketry works
• pottery and ceramics works

The three-year courses are completed with a leaving examination and pupils receive a certificate of vocational training. 
Pupils who have accomplished primary school can study also in the following four-year courses:

• sport and fitness masseur
• textile art and design

The four-year courses are completed with a final school leaving examination (Maturita). 
Pupils accomplishing three-year courses can apply to a two-year course of:

• business administration.

The course is completed with a final school leaving examination (Maturita). 
Highly qualified teachers guarantee both theory and practice as well as extra curricular activities. A psychologist, social worker, methodology specialist in prevention and educational and career advisor provide special care for the pupils. 
Pupils from all over the country can apply to the courses mentioned above. There is sufficient accommodation capacity provided to pupils living out of Prague. The school building is large and modern, light and fully wheelchair accessible located in a friendly environment of a large garden including a playground, climbing wall and an outdoor space for classes located outdoors. The school canteen provides full board service. A number of leisure time activities are offered to pupils including:

• team sports, body building, climbing, water sports, chess
• pottery, craft work and fine arts
• gardening
• information technology
• theatre fan club
• music classes

The school council – working within the school board – was established in 2006. 
The school is ideally located and easily accessible by public transport. The bus stop is right in front of the school and provides quick and easy connection to the underground (line C) which takes pupils to bus and train stations Hlavní Nádraží, Florenc, Holešovice and Roztyly. 
Within the Project JPD 3, regulation 3.2. the school runs retraining courses in the following vocational branches:

• upholsterer
• book-binder
• pottery maker
• pottery and ceramics works
• basketry works
• sport and fitness masseur

The project is funded by the European Social Fund, the government of the Czech Republic and the Prague’s Council. The courses are flexible, starting in January and ending in June. The extent and frequency of the attendance can be adapted to the clients’ needs and their aims. The training takes place in classrooms and workshops of Aloys Klar’s secondary school. We use modern teaching methods, cutting edge materials and technology as well as materials tailored to special needs of particular course. The trainees are supervised by our highly qualified and experienced professionals who are experts in their particular branches. The educational programmes are based on complex curricular documents for particular training programmes. The retraining course prepares students for particular professions and the knowledge and skills they gain throughout the course allow them to do their profession efficiently and effectively in the future.  The course leads to and is accomplished with a practical final exam and students receive a certificate. The retraining courses are accredited by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth. Besides other services, we offer on-line tutorials (via e-mail) to our clients. The school takes advantage of the Internet to improve communication with possible applicants and to take a responsibility of organizing the training. To apply for the courses use the above mentioned contact address.