Bilingual teaching

Concept for bilingual teaching at the Viktoriaschule

In times of Europeanization and globalization, the promotion of multilingualism is almost indispensable. Very good knowledge of different languages is becoming increasingly important as a basis for modern vocational training or as a prerequisite for studying abroad. This increases children's future prospects by a considerable amount.
This applies all the more to border regions, where vocational training or studying in a neighboring country is becoming increasingly common. In many everyday situations, one encounters the neighbor's language and it is an advantage if one understands or even speaks it.
Last but not least, mastering the language and knowing the neighbor's way of life contributes to tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Due to its proximity to the Dutch border, the Viktoriaschule has also been offering Dutch as a language of encounter for many years. The bilingual kindergarten "Pusteblume" is located in the school's catchment area. In the 2006/2007 school year, 11 children from this kindergarten were admitted to Year 1 at Viktoriaschule for the first time. In order to be able to offer these children a follow-up course, the teaching staff decided to set up a bilingual German/Dutch branch on the basis of an extended encounter language concept. The classes of this branch (c-classes) receive an additional Dutch lesson in the timetable.

Reasons for enrolling in the bilingual class:

  • Children's interest in the language
  • gain a positive attitude towards later foreign language lessons through early foreign language exposure
  • performance-neutral experience of learning a foreign language should be continued
  • the children's still relaxed willingness to speak should be maintained or expanded
  • The foundations for future multilingualism should be laid
  • Improving children's future prospects

If you would like your child to attend the bilingual German/Dutch class at the Viktoriaschule, please indicate this directly when registering your child! (Your child does not need to have any previous knowledge of Dutch).