General: (0)20 7243 3803
Admissions: (0)20 3890 1969

Languages Programme

A comprehensive languages curriculum

Through our three International Baccalaureate programmes, we provide a comprehensive languages curriculum to all students.

As a leading IB World School, we believe that multilingualism is essential for developing intercultural awareness and critical thinking skills, as well as cultivating internationally-minded and responsible members of local, national and global communities.

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Primary Years Programme | LANGUAGES PROGRAMME

English language skills

At our Kensington and Hampstead campuses, we integrate the teaching of language skills in all areas of the PYP programme.

We focus on three communication strands:

  • Oral communication - listening and speaking

  • Written communication - reading and writing

  • Visual communication - viewing and presenting

We offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons to students who are new to English or who are developing English language skills. These small group or individual lessons are designed to help students participate effectively across all areas of the PYP programme, whilst developing their social and academic English language skills.

Find out more about EAL

PYP students learn Spanish

Our Primary Years Programme (PYP) students learn Spanish in a supportive and engaging environment. Initially, students learn through games, songs and activities that are designed to capitalise on their natural open-mindedness. As their confidence grows, students are gradually introduced to speaking, reading and writing in Spanish.

I’ve grown by meeting people from new countries. It has taught me that going to an international school can teach you new languages, and you can learn about everybody’s culture, not just your own.

– Nina, Grade 3 student

LOWER SENIORS | LANGUAGES PROGRAMME

English Language and Literature

At our Westminster campus, we integrate the teaching of English language skills into all areas of our MYP curriculum.

In addition, MYP students study a Language and Literature course that develops skills in six domains: listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting.

We also offer English as an additional language (EAL) lessons to MYP students who need some extra support to speak and write English.

Lower Seniors learn French or Spanish Language Acquisition (FLA/SLA)

We offer a comprehensive language programme in our Middle Years Programme (MYP) with the opportunity to study French or Spanish over a five-year period.

The main aim is to help students of mixed ability and varied backgrounds to achieve competence and proficiency in a new language.

Students develop receptive, productive and interactive skills across a range of contexts and purposes; learn vocabulary and grammatical structures, and build a conceptual understanding of how language works. The teaching team instils curiosity, fosters interest and enjoyment in a foreign language while equipping students with key communicative skills necessary for future international study or work.

Students can participate in immersive experiences in French or Spanish speaking countries to deepen their understanding of the language and culture.

The development of home languages

We believe that students should be encouraged to develop their home language/s, as it plays a crucial role in fostering their sense of identity and emotional wellbeing.

To support students’ home language development at our Westminster Campus, where possible, we recruit specialist tutors who are able to provide lessons in a student’s home language.*

*Additional language lessons that are not part of our core curriculum (i.e.: English, French or Spanish) will be at an additional cost to the family.

UPPER SENIORS | LANGUAGE PROGRAMME

Literature and/or Language Studies

As part of the Diploma Programme, students are required to study a 'Literature' or 'Language and Literature' course that is typically taught and studied in the student's home language.

While the primary language for the majority of our students is in English, a significant portion enrol to study the ‘Literature’ or ‘Language and Literature’ course in another language, leading to the additional qualification at graduation of a Bilingual Diploma.

These courses are designed to encourage creative, analytical and intellectual growth through the academic study of language and literature and are assessed by both internal and external examinations.

Language Acquisition Course

As part of the Diploma Programme, all students are required to study two languages. Some may choose to study English 'Literature' or 'Language and Literature' whilst others may choose a Language B course. The language they study can be one that they have little or no experience of learning; or they can study a language that they have prior knowledge of, but in which they are not fluent.

Languages studied by our students have included Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish, amongst others.

Supporting students with emerging English

We offer the Middle Years Programme (MYP) English Language Acquisition (ELA) to students for whom English is not their Home Language. Placement is usually based on assessment at enrolment. This course aims to develop social and academic language skills which may allow for transition to mainstream MYP English classes in future.

For more information about our English as an additional language programme, please see our EAL Handbook:

EAL Handbook

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Southbank International School

General:(0)20 7243 3803

Admissions:(0)20 3890 1969