We want your child to thrive
Native Languages classes offered by BSS:
Alongside learning foreign languages, BSS believes that nurturing and developing a child’s mother tongue is essential.
English is our official native language or language of instruction, all subjects are taught in English. Language support is offered for students not fluent in English: EAL (English as Additional Language).
Bulgarian native language: offered for all students with Bulgarian origin and high level of Bulgarian from KG to 12 Grade if chosen (Grade 11&12 when selected as a DP subject)
French native language: we offer for students with French origin and it is additionally paid
Russian as native language - we offer for students of Russian origin and it is additionally paid.
IGSCE first language: English, French, Greek, Arabic (others considered upon request); these are often teacher-supported when possible and offered in Grade 10
IB choices of language A: Studies in language and literature: English language and literature, Bulgarian literature, French language and literature (other languages may be offered with school-support upon arrangement with the DP Coordinator - for example Russian*).
Benefits
- Internal-mindedness is central to BSS and we believe maintaining one’s mother-tongue something that is central to that ethos
- Bilingualism is proven to have a positive effect on children's linguistic and educational development
- Native language learnings enable other languages to be learned more easily
- Emotional well-being is essential to a successful student, a student’s sense of national-pride is fostered and central to school life
Foreign languages classes offered by BSS:
We strongly believe that the richer a person’s language skills are, the deeper their understanding of other cultures, traditions and countries becomes. This is a key aspect in developing global citizens who are communicators, knowledgeable and reflective.
At BSS we offer a range of foreign languages in order to nurture these qualities in our students.
All pupils are exposed to a foreign language from Grade 3 up to Grade 12. Not only are foreign languages important, but we strongly believe that our pupils should have a good understanding of the language of the country in which they live.
With this in mind, these are the languages studied at BSS:
Bulgarian foreign language: offered for the foreign students from KG to 10 Grade
Foreign modern languages start at Grade 3. Students can choose Spanish, French or German
Russian foreign language: offered for students from Grade 3 and above who want to study Russian
IB Language acquisition: Spanish ab initio, Spanish B, French ab initio, French B, German ab initio, German B, English B, Russian A: Language & Literature
External examinations for Foreign Languages according to the European Languages Framework:
Bulgarian Foreign Language (ICHESE)
French Foreign Language (DELF),
English Foreign Language (ACE, E),
Spanish Foreign Language (DELE)
We have, in the past offered other languages, such as Korean, Russian and Hungarian. This has been done on a self-study basis outside of their normal lessons and these pupils have then taken the exams at our school. This is offered at the discretion of the school.
We are also aware that, as an international school, we will have different demands for new languages. The newest language that we will be offering in the future will be Mandarin Chinese.
