The Bilingual Programme is taught in both English and German beginning in year 1. There are 50 places available in Year 1. Ideally, pupils who have completed the first four years of the Bilingual Programme will feel able to face the subsequent challenges of the IB Diploma Programme in the Upper School. The IB Diploma Programme is taught and examined exclusively in English.
All pupils attending the Bilingual Programme are expected to attain subject fluency in English and German: English mother-tongue speakers are expected to be able to follow teaching in German and, with time, gain full academic proficiency in that language. Native German speakers are expected to reach a “near native” level of language in English. Subject-specific vocabulary is built up gradually, and interaction with our English-speaking pupils and teachers accelerates learning.
Teaching staff and methodology
In addition to a graduate qualification in the relevant subject, members of the Austrian teaching staff in the Bilingual Programme typically have a teaching degree in English, have taught in an English-speaking country or were bilingually educated themselves.
Teaching in the Bilingual Programme at BG/BRG Klosterneuburg implements current content and language integrated learning (CLIL) methodology.
Assessment in the Bilingual Programme
Assessment is carried out in both English and German throughout the year. In written tests, suitable measures are taken to ensure that the questions are comprehensible to all. Subject content, rather than linguistic competence, shall determine grading at all times. It is a legal requirement to allow pupils to respond at any time in their mother tongue, should it be necessary.