Et si on parlait français à la BSB?

Looking back on our French/English Bilingual introduction almost ten years on…

In 2009/2010 the school made the decision to launch a bilingual programme and in 2011, BSB introduced its French/English bilingual programme. The then Head of Primary School was interviewed for Tapestry. This article is based upon her original text.

The learning of modern languages has been a highly valued part of the curriculum at BSB since the establishment of the school. In most international schools, the learning of the host language is what helps to define its internationalmindedness and its acknowledgement of and respect for the local community.

French was the most obvious modern language to introduce as BSB began as a school for British expatriates who would be returning to the UK, where French was the main (if not only) foreign language taught in schools. As French was one of the languages of our host country it was easy to resource materials locally and opportunities for the children to practise the language in context were plentiful.

Dutch (as the language of the local commune and one of the host country languages) was later introduced to BSB for children in Year 7 who were beginners to the language. As the language of the local commune and one of the host country languages.

Today the two main languages of Belgium have become increasingly important as a medium of instruction in further and higher education. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Bilingual Diploma in Dutch and French soon became available. This proved to be a great advantage to those students who wished to remain in Europe to pursue their studies. From September 2011 Dutch became a compulsory subject from Year 3 onwards.

BSB opened three French/English bilingual classes in the Primary School in September 2011 – in Reception, Year 1 and Year 3. These were staffed by BSB teachers who had been working in the school for some time. Each class had a French mother tongue teacher and an English mother tongue teacher who shared the week equally between them, enabling the children to be taught all subjects of the curriculum in both languages.

In September 2012, a bilingual tutor group was established in Year 7 so that children entering the Secondary School could access this option, consisting of +/- 30% of the timetable being offered in French. Today our bilingual offering is available up to Year 9. We continue to expand our offerings in French such as the production of a play in French, visits to museums, various excursions and our very own enrichment activities in French.

Many of our families are multilingual and really understand the importance of having access to more than one language. We continue to be determined that all students leaving BSB will be able to access more than one language successfully. BSB is providing a world of language learning opportunities for all ages and abilities of learners.

Today, we have over 180 students in the bilingual stream and 10 bilingual classes in all year groups from Reception to Year 9. Our bilingual programme is popular with many different nationalities and not just French or Canadian. As Marie-Sophie, Teacher of French and Bilingual Coordinator points out, “Bilingual classes are as diverse as other classes. For example, in one bilingual class of 20 students, there are 16 different nationalities.”