LANGUAGE IN MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL
A basic principle at WIS is that students benefit from being taught in two languages. Language learning promotes a dynamic framework with which to understand other cultures and perspectives.
The WIS approach provides differentiated instruction and allows students to learn through language and about language. WIS students are expected to attain a confident level of oral and written proficiency in more than one language—in fact, bilingualism and biliteracy are the norm for students who have spent the majority of their primary and secondary education at WIS.
In Middle School, students with sufficient language proficiency in French and Spanish pursue a dual language program; in addition to a language and literature class, they take humanities (history and geography) in their non-English language. Students moving into Grade 6 also have the option to take Chinese as an elective course.
All Upper School students take English and at least one other language. Over half of WIS students earn a bilingual IB Diploma.
There are options for students to enter some Middle and Upper School grades with no language background other than English. See below for details.
