Our School

Bilingualism

Bilingual education enriches every child's life, has significant cognitive benefits and promotes a natural acceptance of difference. At International Grammar School studying a second language is compulsory for all students from preschool until Year 10.

The second language program offers bilingual partial immerson in French, German, Italian or Japanese. Students' skills develop by hearing and using the language in songs, games and craft activities, integrated with selected units of core curriculum subjects in the language.

For students entering the school at Year 7, we offer a special beginner class in one, or sometimes two of the second languages.

All students commence a third language at Year 7, which they may continue as an elective subject from Year 9. Languages offered in the third language program currently include Spanish and Chinese.

In Years 9, 10 and 11, students have the chance to participate in the Exchange Program. IGS has established relationships with schools in Montpellier (France), Rovereto (Italy), Madrid (Spain) and Salzgitter (Germany) and a reciprocal exchange takes place every year. Students also travel to Japan and China to visit schools and enjoy school and homestay. These experiences greatly enhance students' skills and their understanding of culture.