Dual Language Programme

We are delighted to announce the expansion of our English-German Dual Language Programme into Middle School (ages 12-14).

From August 2027, our Junior School students will be able to continue their bilingual learning pathway through a smooth, supportive progression from the Early Years into the Middle Years Programme.

Courses Available in German

The English-German Dual Language Programme (DLP) will be introduced in Middle School gradually over two years to ensure continuity, stability, and the highest quality of teaching.

From August 2027

Grade 6 students (born between Sep 2015 -and Aug 2016) will be able to choose the following courses in English or German in academic year 2027/28:

Individuals & Societies (ie. humanities)
Selected co-curricular activities (Z-Block)

In addition, all Middle School students take a German Language course at their appropriate level

From August 2028

The DLP will expand to Grade 7 in 2028/29, building on the subjects above and adding an additional course that students can choose to take in English or German:

Science

With these opportunities, students will be able to complete up to 40% of their learning in German*. This balanced approach supports strong bilingual development while preparing them for the English-based Senior School curriculum.

Discover more

To know more about the Dual Language Programme in Middle School, please contact our Admissions Team to book a consultation, schedule a visit and join our waitlist for 2027 entry.

Contact Our Admissions team

We look forward to welcoming new families into our community and supporting your child as they grow confidently in both languages.

Your Questions Answered

Who Can Join the Middle School DLP?

Students currently enrolled in the Junior School DLP, and new student joining from other schools, will be assessed to determine their readiness.

They will need to meet a minimum level of German proficiency to take Individual & Societies and Science in German, to ensure they can access academic content confidently and successfully.

Criteria include:

Age-appropriate German reading comprehension
Age-appropriate German writing skills
Achieving the equivalent of MYP Phase 4 in German by the start of Grade 6

What courses will be offered in English and German?

Individuals & Societies and Science were selected as the foundation for the Middle School DLP following a careful research process. These subjects are highly language-rich, giving students regular opportunities to read, write, discuss and interpret information, ideal for strengthening both German proficiency and conceptual understanding.

More symbolic or procedural subjects, such as Mathematics, do not provide the same depth of linguistic exposure, which is why they are not included in the bilingual offering at this stage.

Why a gradual, 2-stage rollout?

Introducing the DLP step by step reflects our commitment to ensuring:

A smooth transition from Junior School
Consistency in teaching and learning
High-quality recruitment of German-speaking subject specialists
A supportive environment where students can grow confidently

Our experience with the Junior School DLP shows that a phased approach allows programmes to flourish and gives students the time and structure they need to succeed.

Will the Dual German Programme be offered in Senior School?

While the Dual Language Programme will not extend into the Senior School years — as IB Diploma exams are taken in English — students still have many opportunities to continue developing their German proficiency, including:

Language courses from Grades 9–12
The option to achieve a bilingual IB Diploma German-English
TELC examinations for university applications or citizenship

A growing number of ISB graduates choose to continue their studies in Switzerland, and the Middle School DLP will offer another valuable step in preparing students for these pathways.

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