The limits of my language means the limits of my world.
One of the most important elements of being able to communicate, conduct business, and maintain daily life as intended in today’s global world is having a good command of at least one, ideally two or even three foreign languages, as well as one’s mother tongue. A strong command of a foreign language, encompassing reading, listening, speaking, writing, and debating skills, is not only an essential part of a solid education but also a key that opens many doors.
Our foreign language curriculum is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and follows the Communicative Approach as its method. In the English curriculum for preschool through Grades 1 to 12, the reference levels include basic (A1-A2), independent (B1-B2), and proficient (C1-C2) users. While determining the target proficiency levels for each stage, students' ages and cognitive development levels are taken into account.
The curriculum is designed to help learners become aware of their learning abilities and potential through student-centred and process-oriented approaches, guided by the core principles of “Brain-Based Learning” and “Multiple Intelligences” theory. Taking different learning styles into consideration and using individual computer-based programmes from kindergarten through Grade 12, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills—integrated with critical thinking, alongside grammar and vocabulary—are systematically developed to prepare students for today’s world where communication is key. Grammar rules are not directly given to students; instead, they are encouraged to discover the rules through examples. Through this process of exploration, questioning, and understanding, students are able to discover and internalise grammar structures.
Moreover, our curriculum is based on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates English with other subjects, helping students to question their experiences and prior knowledge, and make meaningful connections. English is not seen merely as a subject but as a tool for interaction and accessing information.
Our students take Cambridge exams at primary, secondary, and high school levels to assess their language proficiency internationally and achieve significant success. At our school, which is a certified TOEFL exam centre, all students take the TOEFL Primary exam in Grade 4 and the TOEFL Junior exam in Grade 7. As an IELTS exam centre as well, our school offers all students the opportunity to take the internationally recognised IELTS exam in Grade 11.
Our second foreign language education begins in Grade 4 of primary school. The goal is to develop the four core skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, using current methodologies and in-class activities. In all activities, students are expected to enjoy the language they choose and use it effectively.
In German lessons, our students take the internationally recognised TELC exam, organised by Das Akademie, to certify their German language proficiency.
Our school is also a DELF-DALF exam centre. Students take the DELF-DALF exams, which are officially recognised across all European countries, to document their French language proficiency with a diploma.
To certify their Spanish language skills at an international level, our students take the DELE (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) exam, which is administered and assessed by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Spain.
