Language acquisition

A multilingual approach.

At ISU, we recognise the importance and richness of all the languages in our multilingual community. Research shows that the acquisition and development of more than one language enriches intellectual and personal growth and nurtures international mindedness. It is through the acquisition of both new and home languages, at school and with the family, that students become life-long language learners. 

Multilingualism

Multilingualism is one of the main ambitions in our current School Plan (2024-2028). That is why in September 2024 we started working with Dr Eowyn Crisfield, expert in multilingual education, on our language friendly approaches to teaching and learning. A large group of teachers from across the school (primary and secondary) has been involved in this project. From the 2025-2026 school year we will start to implement our learnings.


Language of Instruction

At ISU, the language of instruction is English, however we create an awareness of trans-linguistic connections so that each student is able to access the curriculum.  All classes are taught in English, except the primary and secondary Dutch Language Acquisition and secondary Spanish Language Acquisition classes.


Students new to English

At our school, the language of instruction is English, however, to ensure all students can better access the curriculum, the school provides an English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme for learners whose first language is not English. In primary, specialist ELA teachers work alongside the classroom teachers in the class to ensure that learners have access to the curriculum. Students also attend stand-alone ELA sessions with the ELA teacher outside the classroom. In secondary, students join English Language Acquisition (ENLA) classes. Students also join stand-alone ELA sessions with a language teacher throughout the week in the Language Hub. Older students from grade 9 and above will need to demonstrate they have sufficient English to be able to meet the academic demands of the programme. This means your child(ren) may be asked to take a language assessment as part of the enrolment process.

Home Language Clubs

In addition to our language-rich curriculum, we encourage and facilitate Home Language Clubs which we organise through parents. We also celebrate events such as Home Languages Week - a week of multilingual activities across the school.