Language Policy

This language policy is a working document developed by staff and administration from each school programme (IBPYP, IBMYP, IGCSE and IBDP). The policy is consistent with the stipulated principles and practices of the IB. This document outlines our school’s linguistic and academic goals and defines the programme designed to help our students attain these goals.

This policy is intended to provide an overview and guiding principles for language learning at BIS which permeates the entire school curriculum through authentic contexts in a culturally rich and diverse environment. Our policy is a statement of agreement—one to which the staff and the BIS community are asked to commit to so our school can achieve its mission.

Beliefs and Aims

We aim to nurture an appreciation of the richness and diversity of language. Language does much more than promote cognitive growth; it is crucial for maintaining cultural identity and emotional stability. The acquisition of more than one language and maintenance of the mother tongue enrich personal growth and help facilitate international understanding. As language, by its very nature, is integrated into all areas of the curriculum every teacher within the school is considered a language teacher.

At BIS, we aim to foster in students the ability to think and express themselves with precision, clarity, confidence and imagination in at least two languages. Language development in more than one language enriches personal growth, provides cognitive advantages and is essential to the development of international mindedness. We strive to address the particular challenges of those students who are learning in a language other than their mother tongue by providing an integrated, well-implemented English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme at all school sections. We endeavour to integrate students’ cultural and linguistic heritage throughout the curriculum.

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