Language Policy

Language is important in facilitating inclusiveness. As an IB school, we recognize that our students have different linguistic backgrounds and that an understanding of and respect for these differences is important in creating intercultural respect and a sense of school community.

This language policy is a guideline for how to help pre-IB and IB students overcome language barriers in the IB system, and the aim is to create open-minded and active learners who respect and embrace one another’s linguistic and cultural differences.

Diversity. IB and pre-IB students at IBG have many different backgrounds. Most students speak Danish as their first language but others have first languages such as English, German, Dutch or Swahili. Students may speak their first language outside of class unless they are in a group of students where some do not understand the language. We never use language to exclude others and we therefore encourage students to also speak English outside of the classroom.

Language of instruction. The language of instruction in all classes, except Danish, is English. We therefore recognize that all teachers are not only subject teachers but also language teachers.

English in the classroom. Teachers and students always speak English in the classroom –without exception. The language of instruction is English and all discussions, small-talk, group work etc. take place in English.

Correcting language. Language is important when delivering academic content, orally and written. We therefore correct language in assignments and in class to facilitate a continuous improvement of the student’s level of English which, in turn, improves the student’s ability to express herself/himself nuanced and academically.

Morning assemblies. Morning assemblies primarily take place in Danish as we are a Danish school with an IB section. However, contributions by IB staff and students take place in English. Important messages from the administration and teachers that concern IB students are also delivered in English. We make sure that Danish students translate for students who do not speak Danish.

CAS. Students, whose first language is Danish, English, Spanish etc., are encouraged to help others improve their skills in these languages. Students get CAS points for helping other students, for instance by translating from Danish to English at morning assemblies or by tutoring other students in English, German, Spanish or beginner’s Danish after school.

Exchanges. Ikast-Brande Gymnasium tries to arrange exchanges with other IB schools as part of the study trip in 1i. More information on these exchanges will follow as we establish contacts with different schools around the world.

Library. Books at our school library are available in English, Danish, German and Spanish. We continue to buy books in different languages, as the need arises. Books in foreign languages are also available through the State Library in Aarhus. The school librarian at Ikast-Brande Gymnasium will help you order the books.

Communication outside the classroom. The working language in the IB programme is English, both for teachers and students. That means that written and oral information from the school staff to both parents and students is in English. However, we also recognize that we are a Danish school with many Danish students and, in certain situations, we may therefore choose to communicate with Danish parents and students (for example at parent-teacher nights) in Danish.