ISB Language Learning | International School of Brussels

The limits of our language are the limits of our world.

Located in the capital of Europe, and in a country with three official languages, at ISB we embrace the diversity languages and cultures bring to our community. Often our students speak one, two, or three languages at home. And although most of the classes are taught in English there are endless opportunities for students to learn and excel in both their native tongue and new languages.

The ISB language programmes are founded upon the Common European Framework for Languages.

Languages have served as the bridge to connect with people, places and experiences that have shaped who I am today.

- by ISB ALUMNUS

English Language Development

English is our main language of teaching and learning. While the majority of our students speak a different language at home, English is the language of communication at school. We offer a complete programme at all levels, starting from the Early Childhood Centre and Elementary School to the stimulating, challenging courses of language and literature in the Middle and High School, leading to external examinations in the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme.

Students who would benefit from English language support in order to be successful in the curriculum join the English Language Development (ELD) programme.

Modern Languages

Our Modern Languages and Home Language programmes aim, to the greatest extent possible, to support all ISB students to become proficient users of more than one language. In the world of the 21st Century, speaking multiple languages and understanding other cultures are vital tools that allow our students to contribute to building greater intercultural understanding across the world. We believe that students learn language predominantly by using language to achieve meaningful purposes in real contexts and so our language programmes support students to use language in context wherever possible.

FRENCH

French is a global language, an official language in Belgium, and the language of the Commune of Watermael-Boitsfort, where the school is located. French is taught at every level in ISB, from the complete beginner to the proficient native speaker:

In the ECC, from Kindergarten through to second grade, the language is taught daily, according to students’ levels, and emphasis is on oral acquisition.
In the Elementary School, children are placed according to their listening, speaking, reading and writing needs. French is offered at a range of levels, from beginner to fluent. By 6th grade, capable students may take social studies in French.
In the Middle School, French is offered at 5 levels, from beginner to fluent. Motivated and capable students may also take Science, Social Studies and / or Art in French.
In the High School, French is offered to all levels, from beginner French to French Literature A (native level) in the IB Diploma Programme.

DUTCH

Dutch has gained in popularity at ISB in recent years. It is Belgium’s most spoken language, and that of the country’s important neighbour to the north.

For native speakers, Dutch is offered in the ECC and the Elementary School instead of French.
In the Middle School it is offered as both a native and second language. Students taking Dutch in the Middle School may also take French.
In the High School, Dutch is offered as a native language and a foreign language in Grade 10. In the IB Diploma Programme, we offer Dutch A Language and Literature (native level) and Dutch B (non-native level). The Dutch Programme is affiliated with the foundation of Dutch Education Abroad (Stichting NOB).

SPANISH

JAPANESE

Home Language Programme

In addition to the above languages, ISB is offering an expanded range of languages as part of our home language programme after school. The home language programme is designed to support students in maintaining the language and culture of their home country. Each year the languages on offer change based on the demand and possibilities.

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