An Austrian MYP Student in G9 new to DISV but with some knowledge of English
Secondary Privately Taught Languages
As students progress into the Secondary School (Grades 6–12), we strongly encourage the continuous development of their native language (or "Mother Tongue") through our flexible Privately Taught Languages (PTL) programme. We are proud to celebrate and support our diverse, multilingual community.
While English serves as our core language of instruction, sustaining native language fluency gives your child a crucial cognitive and cultural advantage.
The IB Commitment to Mother Tongue for Academic Success
Our Secondary Programme, rooted in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP), is built on the principle of multilingualism. Extensive educational research and the IB philosophy confirm that strong proficiency in one's mother tongue is a powerful predictor of achievement:
DP students are required to study a minimum of two Languages with at least one at Language A.
In MYP most students study a minimum of three languages.
For example:
A German/British MYP Student in G6 educated in DISV for 5+ years
A Japanese MYP Student in G8 new to DISV
Scheduling Options
The PTL programme is structured to integrate seamlessly into this rigorous schedule:
MYP (Grades 6–10)
Lessons can be taught during the timetabled French/Spanish language block, substituting the acquisition of a new language with the advancement of the mother tongue.
DP (Grades 11–12)
PTL can be timetabled as an IB Subject (Language A Literature or Language A Language & Literature) to count towards the full Diploma.
Our qualified private teachers are carefully vetted, qualified teachers who are experts in their respective language and in the IB curriculum.
We actively request parents to promote the use of the mother tongue at home, ensuring students maintain high proficiency.
By completing the PTL programme, students gain the ultimate advantage, the gift of true multilingualism and the credentials to pursue their studies anywhere in the world.
Languages we currently offer at DISV:
