Mother Tongue

VIS was a pioneer amongst international schools in recognizing the importance of additive bilingualism - that is, the continuing development of our students' home languages while at the same time learning the school language of English. A large number of research studies show very clearly that bilingualism can increase children’s language abilities and help their progress in school.

Both the Primary and Secondary schools at VIS are truly international in that the majority of our students speak a language other than English as their first language. Mother Tongue lessons in a wide range of languages are facilitated by our Mother Tongue Coordinators. At the moment, approximately 20% of all students in both schools are enrolled in Mother Tongue lessons.

Mother Tongue in the IB Diploma Programme

G11 and G12 students have the possibility to take their Mother Tongue as one of their IB Diploma subjects. Approximately 30% of all International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma level students at VIS take their Mother Tongue as part of their IB Diploma Programme. It can be taken as Language A or B subject during IB Diploma Years and may count toward either/both the IB and VIS Diplomas. The syllabus outline for all Languages A and B subjects studied as Mother Tongue are identical to the ones shown in the course descriptions page for Language A and B. A range of languages (see below) are available on the Mother Tongue Programme and classes may be arranged in school time with the agreement of the Mother Tongue Coordinator, timetable permitting.

Private Mother Tongue teachers are hired directly by VIS parents to provide private language instruction after (or during) the school day. A list of approved private MT teachers is maintained and shared by the Mother Tongue Coordinator. VIS is not a contractual partner with regards to Mother Tongue lessons therefore payment is a private arrangement outside the normal school fees. Please find more information here . Feel free to contact the IB DP Mother Tongue Coordinator for further information:

IB DP Mother Tongue Coordinator: Ms Schauer (Grade 11 - Grade 12)

dpmothertongue(at)vis.ac.at

Which mother tongue languages and subjects are offered by the IB?

Language A Literature:

A large number of courses are offered regularly, though most any language outside this list can be requested specially for study as a Language A: Literature

Language A: Language & Literature:

Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Modern Greek, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai

Language B:

Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew (SL only), Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay*, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili*, Swedish, Tamil*