Bilingual education

HOFSTAD LYCEUM RECOGNISED AS JUNIOR TTO SCHOOL

The European Platform for Dutch Education regularly inspects bilingual schools. It ensures that national standards are being met. If a school meets all the requirements for these standards, the school is certified as a Junior TTO school. The Hofstad Lyceum was certified as a recognised TTO school in 2007.

What is TTO?

In Dutch TTO stands for Tweetalig Onderwijs, which translates as bilingual education. This means that a number of subjects are taught in English. Not only English lessons, but also history, geography, maths, physics, biology, chemistry, economics, ICT, religious studies, arts, music and physical education are all taught in English.

The aim is that through this manner of teaching, English will become a natural second language. This form of education spans the complete six years at the VWO level. In the upper school students are preparing to sit their final examinations in Dutch, but wherever possible at this level some lessons continue to be taught in English. Bilingual students also have the opportunity to sit the internationally recognised International Baccalaureate English A2 Certificate. A successful result qualifies students to enrol at English speaking universities and other higher forms of vocational education.

As well as having approximately half their classes delivered in English, students are also offered a large package of international activities, such as, visits to Sussex and London, exchange programmes with schools abroad and numerous English cultural activities throughout the year.

Why did the Hofstad Lyceum start a bilingual stream?

With it's many and international companies and organisations, The Hague is most probably the most international city of the Netherlands. In this international world English is undoubtedly the most used language. A language of whose influence, because of increasing globalisation during the coming decennia, is still growing.

Also, since English is being used more and more in tertiary education, we want to prepare students interested in continued studies to the highest standard. We believe a strong command of English is an important feature in that respect.

What is bilingual education?

In bilingual education a number of subjects are taught in Dutch while others are taught in a second language. At the Hofstad Lyceum we have chosen English.

In August 2003 Hofstad Lyceum started a bilingual stream for its students. Along with English the following subjects are currently being taught in English: history, geography, mathematics, science, biology, chemistry, economics, ICT, art, music, physical education and the year mentor class. English is the official language in more than 50% of the subjects.

In these lessons English instruction material (textbooks etc.) is used. Frequently, this material is that used in English speaking schools, sometimes, i.e. for history, we have translated books from Dutch to English. In this way we further broaden students' view on society.

Bilingual students receive extra lessons in English. The aimed language is the main language. This means that French and German are taught in French and German. We also use native speakers for subjects wherever possible.

An "Internationalisation Programme" is a theme which flows throughout the bilingual stream. This materialises in exchange programmes with schools abroad, participation in international projects, and English language cultural activities throughout the school year.

As we prepare our students for a Dutch final examination, most core subject during the last two years are taught in Dutch. Our students may sit a final A2 high level English examination, such as the IB Certificate of the International Baccalaureate organisation in Geneva or Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency Certificate. These certificates are each internationally recognised and give access to international English-speaking universities and higher forms of vocational education.

For whom is the bilingual stream intended?

To be admitted to the bilingual stream it is necessary to gain a HAVO/VWO recommendation from the student's primary school as well as a minimum CITO score of 540.

Students who opt for the bilingual study may also enroll in the Hofstad Lyceum's classics grammar stream (Greek and Latin classes).

While our bilingual stream is not especially designed for children who have been raised bilingually, or who come from an international background, they are very welcome and add greatly to the class!

Students who want to enlist for the bilingual stream must also participate in an admission test. The aim of this test is to find out whether children have ample motivation and capacity to undertake this course.

What extra costs are involved?

For the international charactr of this bilingual course, parents are asked to contribute € 450 annually in years 1, 2 and 3. This includes the educational visit to England, English books, fees for the Anglia exam, international projects and other cultural visits or events.

In the upper school the parental contribution is based on the actual costs incurred. There is no trip to England and costs are not expected to be more than € 100 per year. Expenses for the internhip in 5 VWO are not included.

What's happening in TTO nationwide?

• Currently there are more than 100 secondary schools in The Netherlands offering a bilingual stream. At most schools English is chosen as the second language in the VWO stream.
• The European Platform stimulates and supports schools that offer bilingual education.
• Schools with a bilingual stream are united in a national network. During regular meetings they exchange experiences and materials and support each other.

Want to know more?

www.europeesplatform.nl