Languages & Multilingualism
At International School Fryslân (ISF), we recognize the power of language as both a tool for communication and a key to cultural understanding. As a public international school, we embrace English as our language of instruction while valuing and supporting the diverse linguistic backgrounds of our students.
Our commitment to multilingualism goes beyond language learning—it is central to our inclusive, globally minded educational philosophy.
English as the Language of Instruction
All teaching and learning at International School Fryslân is delivered in English. This ensures:
- A consistent academic experience for students from diverse international backgrounds.
- Smooth transitions for children who move between countries and international school systems.
- Access to an internationally recognized curriculum in a global lingua franca.
Students engage in all subject areas—literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and physical education—through English, supported by teachers trained in international and language-responsive pedagogy.
Do you have questions?
If you have questions about eligibility or would like to begin the admissions process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to welcoming your family into our international learning community.
Support for English as an Additional Language (EAL)
We welcome students who speak little or no English at the time of enrollment.
Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme provides:
- Tailored language support integrated into daily classroom routines.
- Differentiated instruction based on individual proficiency levels.
- A focus on developing both academic language (for subjects) and social language (for everyday communication).
- Opportunities to build confidence, fluency, and comprehension in a nurturing environment.
EAL students are fully included in classroom learning and supported to develop English proficiency without missing out on subject content or classroom participation.
Valuing Home Languages and Multilingual Identities
At ISF, we celebrate multilingualism as a strength.
- We encourage students to maintain and develop their home languages, as research shows this supports overall cognitive development and accelerates second-language learning.
- Multilingual communication is welcomed in appropriate settings and incorporated into the curriculum when possible.
- Families are invited to share their languages and cultures through classroom activities, events, and cultural celebrations.
We believe that honoring every child’s linguistic identity fosters a sense of belonging, enhances cultural understanding, and contributes to the development of international-mindedness—a key goal of the IB philosophy.