Languages

ISBerne uses English as the primary language of instruction and we encourage students to learn our local languages. In the Early Learning Centre,  our youngest students are also exposed to German during their school day. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students have the option to learn either German or French as part of our International Baccalaureate® curriculum.

We are committed to fostering the use and development of all languages and we provide opportunities for students to engage in mother-tongue or first language learning at our school or within our Canton. Local students from other schools may also join our English learning programmes.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is extra English language support for students come from non-English speaking backgrounds or have been educated in a language other than English. Students meet with the EAL specialist during the periods allocated for German or French lessons. EAL students thrive in our supportive environment where learning is meaningful, relevant and responsive to their needs. 

New students wanting to join our school may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency level to meet the requirements for each grade.

There is no additional fee for the EAL support, and it is included in our school's tuition fees.

English Learning Programmes for External Students

ISBerne has many offerings for students enrolled in local schools who are interested in improving their English. We offer after school courses, Summer Camps, the Grade 10 Bridging Year and the Bilingual International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme.  Learn more.

Mother Tongue Language Learning at ISBerne

ISBerne offers weekly, mother-tongue German and French classes to our students as part of our After School Activities programme. For more information, please get in touch with us at +41 31 959 1000 or office@isberne.ch.

Mother Tongue Language Learning in Canton Bern

Our school also partners with the educational department of the Canton of Berne so that our students can participate in their mother-tongue language classes. The Canton's agency, Heimatsprachliche Sprache und Kultur (HSK), offers classes in more than 20 world languages. Some of their class may take place at the ISBerne campus or at other locations across the Canton.

Language offerings by HSK are based on availability and demand, and therefore, are subject to change. Classes typically start around 16.00, but this can differ depending on language and location. classes are offered two to four times per week and are often conducted by embassies or parent organizations. Registration is an academic year, and the course fees vary. 

Most courses are open to students from Kindergarten to Grade 10, although some may only accept students starting in Grade 1, 2, or older. They provide an established curriculum to ensure a comparable course quality across languages. 

Once a year, parents with students in Grades 1- 6 will receive a formal report from course teachers or twice a year for Grades 7-10. The assessment report contains information on each child's working, learning, and social behavior as well as any progress made with the language.

How To Register 
Please follow these steps to register your child:

• Step 1 – Go to: www.erz.be.ch
• Step 2 – Select a language, your preferred day, grade level, your preferred area in the canton of Berne, and then choose “Anzeigen”. If the displayed course times, location, etc do not suit you, you may widen the search filters.
• Step 3 – Please see the list of coordinators on the following page and contact the person responsible for your selected language and course location to register your child by telephone or email.

Contact HSK

• Address: Sulgeneckstrasse 70, 3005 Bern
• Phone:  +41 31 633 84 51
• Email: akvb.bkd@be.ch