Languages at ISB
Supporting students to become confident communicators across cultures.
English is the main language of instruction across all year groups, ensuring consistency as students progress through the school. German is compulsory from Early Childhood 1 (EC1) to Grade 8, helping every student build a strong foundation. Alongside this, students have opportunities to explore additional languages throughout their school journey.
German Learning
German is a core part of every student’s journey from Early Childhood 1 (EC1) through Grade 8. This structured, continuous programme helps students build confidence and fluency step by step, while being fully immersed in an international learning environment.
After Grade 8, German continues as an important language option within the Middle Years Programme (MYP), where students can choose different levels of study depending on their proficiency and learning pathway. This allows students to either further strengthen their German skills or continue developing it as part of a broader multilingual programme.
In the Diploma Programme (DP), German remains available as a subject choice, offering students the opportunity to study it at a high academic level and, where applicable, work towards advanced certification and multilingual recognition such as the IB Bilingual Diploma.
Dual-Language Pathway (German & English)
In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), families can choose a dual-language pathway in German and English. This option allows students to learn through both languages while fully participating in the International Baccalaureate curriculum. This approach supports strong academic development in both languages and helps students become flexible, confident communicators.
We are also planning to extend this pathway into the Middle Years Programme (MYP) from 2027, further strengthening bilingual learning opportunities as students continue their educational journey.
Learning in Two Languages
In the PYP, families can choose a German–English pathway where students learn through both languages within the IB curriculum. This option supports strong bilingual development and is planned to extend into the MYP from 2027.
Additional Languages
As students enter the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), they are able to expand their linguistic repertoire by choosing additional languages such as French and Spanish.
These options encourage students to deepen their communication skills, engage with different cultures, and develop a broader international perspective.
Bilingual IB Diploma
The Bilingual IB Diploma recognises students who achieve a high level of proficiency in more than one language. It strengthens university applications and prepares students to study, work, and communicate confidently in international contexts.
The Bilingual IB Diploma
In the Diploma Programme, students may be eligible for the Bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma, depending on their subject choices and assessment outcomes. This recognition reflects advanced proficiency in more than one language and highlights the value placed on multilingual learning within our school community.