Languages

"Learning another language is part of making the civilised world go round, so start early."
At IBIS all pupils are given the opportunity to learn at least one foreign language. Through the study of a foreign language pupils learn to understand and appreciate different cultures, people and communities. At all stages pupils learn, practise, combine, develop and refine a wide range of skills to improve their performance in education and life.
German is taught to all classes with the class being grouped according to the child's experience with the language. We believe that it is most important that children develop an ability to use the host country language as soon as possible. As a second European language, we currently offer French in Year 6 (Grade 5).
Children whose mother tongue is German receive lessons in the language and follow a specific programme, equipping them to integrate successfully into the local German schools at secondary level (Gymnasium, Gesamtschule).

Aims

The language department aims to:

• Facilitate bilingualism in German and English.
• Promote excellence in speaking, reading and writing with increasing facility and confidence.
• Make pupils aware of other people's ways of thinking and values thus creating a sensitivity to other cultures.
• Give every pupil the opportunity to experience success in learning and to achieve as high a standard as possible.