Languages

While English is the principal language of instruction at FIS, we offer extensive language learning options for students. As an international school, we are committed to providing English as an additional language throughout our school as well as our host country language – German –  to all students up to grade 10. Language learning is also offered as part of our After School Activity (REAL) program and Rosetta Stone is free for all FIS students.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

Children who need extra help in English receive services and support from our English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The goal of the ESL curriculum is to facilitate the acquisition of English language skills necessary for ESL students to participate fully in the classroom. Specialized instruction enables ESL students to practice the language in small groups and to receive individual attention. ESL support is provided either in their homeroom or in an ESL classroom.

ESL teachers plan with grade-level teams and assist students with curriculum. Student progress is monitored carefully throughout the year through formative evaluation and frequent consultation with the homeroom classroom teachers. Before leaving the ESL program, students are expected to meet the demands of the regular curriculum and communicate effectively in the school environment. In Grade 6, ESL students may be given the opportunity to take further ESL in place of French or Spanish.

Download a copy of our ESL Handbook here.

German Language Instruction

Participation in the German language program is compulsory for all children from Pre-Primary through Grade 10. The German program is designed to enable students to develop communicative competence in their host country language.

The school offers instruction in German as a mother tongue (“Deutsch”) and as a foreign language. In the early years the program is centered around listening, comprehension and speaking skills. Students are more formally introduced to reading and writing in German during Grade 2. The Oberursel Campus also offers a German/English Bi-lingual program with currently one class per grade level from Grade 3 through 8, and the Wiesbaden Campus offers an enriched German program from Grades 2-5.

Download a copy of our German Language Handbook here.

First Language Program (FLP)

The First Language Program is designed to maintain students’ ability to read, write and study in their own language, and to facilitate their return to their own national education systems. Research shows that literacy in the mother tongue greatly helps literacy in an additional language, and boosts personal and cultural confidence. The program is offered from Grades 2 through 12 at the Oberursel Campus and from Grades 2 through 5 at the Wiesbaden Campus. A minimum of four students is required for FIS to offer a first language course and the cost of the program is billed in addition to tuition.

Currently first language courses offered on each campus include:

• Oberursel Campus: Dutch and Swedish (all levels); Japanese and Korean (Upper School level)
• Wiesbaden Campus: Dutch and French (all levels)

Further Languages
French or Spanish is offered as a foreign language starting in Grade 6. Instruction is offered to students in proficiency levels. Depending on availability of teachers and demand by students, the After School Activity program can offer further languages such as Italian or Chinese.

If you have questions about the language program at FIS, please contact Ian Gulliford.