Home Language Programme
BBIS believes in using English as our shared language during the school day to promote inclusion, tolerance and development of English language skills. At the same time, we recognize the importance of multilingualism to build bridges between students, cultures and countries within our international community.
“The benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism are well documented. Students have enhanced higher-order thinking skills, a greater appreciation of other cultures, increased psychological well-being, higher self-esteem, and greater levels of tolerance.”
International School of London
Our home language programme is aimed at providing language instruction and support for the home languages of BBIS students. The goal of this programme is to foster mother tongue development, promote academic achievement and increase understanding and awareness of students’ own cultural heritage.
BBIS will support every child’s first language by finding native-speaking trained teachers, contacting language schools and offering facilities and resources for home language courses. The specific aims of each course vary, depending on the language experience and age of the children. Whereas some students work on general literacy skills, other classes prepare students for university entrance exams in their home country.
We currently offer courses in Dutch, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, French and Korean, and are working to expand the after school programme, as well as at-home tutoring.
