Nurturing Multilingual Excellence at BIS Abu Dhabi

At BIS Abu Dhabi, we believe early exposure to languages fosters essential skills, not only in foreign language acquisition but also in overall cognitive development. Aside from our provision for English and Arabic, our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) programme offers primary students specialised MFL classrooms, promoting engagement with highly qualified teachers and encouraging pride through displays of their work.

Benefits of Learning Languages

Learning multiple languages enhances problem-solving abilities, empathy, and sociability. Multilingualism significantly boosts employability and potential earnings. Proficiency in languages opens doors to high-end professions such as diplomacy, international relations, journalism, and more.

MFL at BIS Abu Dhabi

Languages in Primary

Starting in Year 2, our students learn French, acquiring foundational linguistic skills that will help them learn languages further in the future. Then in Year 5, students have the option to select German or Spanish as additional languages which generates a feeling of ownership of their learning in our young linguists and strengthens their progress throughout KS3 (Years 7-9).  

Languages in Secondary

In Year 7, students study at least one foreign language, with the option to take a second language. Talented linguists can excel in French, Spanish, or German through Year 9. At Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), languages become optional, and many students opt to continue with an MFL for their IGCSEs. Besides this, we offer students opportunities to continue their learning of (additional) languages as a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) and, depending on their confidence and wishes, prepare to take IGCSE exams. Our IGCSE results in MFL are consistently high.

IB Diploma Programme

For the IB Diploma, Year 12 and 13 students must take a language (B) as a group 2 subject, either at the beginner (Ab initio) level or continuing from IGCSE. They achieve significant proficiency, reaching A2/B1 or B2/C1 levels respectively.

What’s unique about our school’s language provision

First Language Provision

We pride ourselves in being a remarkably diverse and multilingual community, with over ninety nationalities. We therefore aim to cater to our diverse community by offering specialised programmes, like our unique French curriculum in collaboration with the Alliance Française. This programme has grown significantly, and we aim to expand similar initiatives for other languages. 

Opportunities Outside the Classroom

Our language trips to Cuenca, Spain, and Berlin, Germany, immerse students in the local culture and language. Students participate in activities like Flamenco dancing and historical tours, staying with a carefully selected family or in a hostel, enhancing their language skills and cultural understanding.

Cultural Celebrations

We celebrate various cultures throughout the year, including French festivals, German arts and crafts, and Spanish fiestas, promoting intercultural awareness and appreciation.

Leadership in Languages

We develop young language leaders in languages consisting of language experts, advanced learners, and native speaker from Year 6 to Year 13. They get involved in conversation clubs, cultural events, and classroom support to enhance language acquisition and cultural awareness throughout the school.

Cultivating Empathy and Connection Through Language Learning

Speaking multiple languages truly allows you to understand others better and embrace diverse perspectives. That is why our MFL Department is keen to offer our students the best language provision possible. We resonate with what Nelson Mandela said: ‘If you talk to a man in his own language, that goes to his heart.’ At BIS Abu Dhabi, we are dedicated to cultivating these linguistic skills to foster a more empathetic and interconnected world.

Eric Dépose

Head of Languages