Many learners in IB programmes have rich and complex language profiles. A large number of students access the programme in a language which is not their own. It is essential to understand how this situation can enrich and impact on students’ learning.
Language is central to our identity. Our mother tongue and the other languages we use to construct meaning are connected to our relationship with the world.
By valuing all cultures and languages we aim to promote each learner’s self-esteem and encourage international-mindedness.
Our aim is to achieve additive bilingualism, which means that acquiring a new language does not affect our mother tongue negatively or impact unfavourably on learning.
Language of Instruction at Strothoff International School
English is the language of instruction at Strothoff International School. All classes outside of other language lessons are held in English. All students are assessed upon entry into the school to determine their competence in English. Our objective is to produce students who are academically and socially competent in English and who have a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the English language culture.
Host language – German at Strothoff International School
All of our students study German. Our intention is to develop knowledge and appreciation of the German language and culture throughout the school community.
Mother tongue at Strothoff International School
It is a vital to maintain the development of your child’s mother tongue. Students who maintain and develop their mother tongue avoid language loss and possible negative effects of bilingualism; perform at least as well (often better) in mainstream subjects as monolingual students or students who don’t maintain their mother tongue; retain a positive attitude towards their mother tongue and culture, increasing their self-esteem.
Please see our leaflet “Language: How can I support my child? Advice for parents”.
Other languages at Strothoff International School
French and Spanish are offered in the MYP and DP programmes. Students explore language and literature through a wide range of resources. Cultural and art based activities are used to reinforce linguistic knowledge, as well as to promote a wider awareness of the target cultures. We place equal emphasis upon communication skills and accurate use of language.
Each language can be studied at beginner, intermediate and advanced level within the MYP.
The MYP programme of study fully prepares students who have completed the full cycle to take the language further into the DP.
Other languages may be studied in the DP programme as a self-taught language.
Developing literacy at Strothoff International School
The library is at the centre of literacy development in the school, in close collaboration with the language departments and the teaching staff. Literacy and non-fiction collections in English, German, French and Spanish are in constant development and we are building resources in every mother tongue present in the school community.
In-class collections in English and German are being built across the primary grades and this will be expanded into the MYP and DP sections over the next few years. A digital database of multilingual resources is planned and should be available in its initial stages in the next school year.
Journals are available in the library in English, German, French and Spanish. A wide range of literacy initiatives across the school is underway. The library is organising world book week, literacy week, author collections, exhibitions and poetry jams...
