Do you know the difference between a bilingual international school and a bilingual school?
Knowing the differences between a bilingual school and a bilingual international school can be a decisive factor when choosing the best and most suitable school for your child. Every model offers a very particular proposal for child development, education and future prospects for student. One of the main points in common is that in both the child learns to communicate in a second language. However, the similarities end here.
Do you wish to know a more about these differences so you can better match your expectations and find the best school for your child? If so, check out the topics below!
WHAT IS A BILINGUAL SCHOOL LIKE?
In a bilingual school, content and second language learning are integrated. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an approach where students learn a subject and a second language at the same time. The basic premise is to introduce a second language in teaching traditional school subjects such as science, mathematics, history.
Students are empowered to build vocabulary in both languages, being able to effectively learn and use words in different contexts, reducing collocation problems and developing broader reasoning skills in a wider range of educational advantage. To find out more, read the text ” Childhood bilingualism: 6 advantages in learning a new language early in life”.It is important to note that such benefits will be obtained in a bilingual international school. There are some important differences and details. Check out below.
WHAT IS A BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LIKE?
In Brazil, international bilingual schools emerged from the need to accommodate children whose parents are immigrants or expatriates. However, over time, the advantages of this type of school began to increasingly appeal to Brazilian students, becoming a popular offer in education.
One reason is that the pedagogic project of a bilingual international school brings a different perspective on education and on child development. The second language is just a tool used in the international education program, which educates and prepares students to act in a multicultural world.
Although they meet the requirements set by the Brazilian Educational Policy, the curriculum adopted is more comprehensive, having a wider reach that transcends the local culture. Focused on preparing students for the challenges of a globalized world, some international methodologies adopted by these schools give special attention to socioemotional skills, and are widely accepted by national and international schools and universities in the world.
One of these teaching methodologies is the International Baccalaureate Education Program. It aims to educate future global citizens who can deal with interdisciplinary emotions and take responsible decisions early in life. In order to be accredited, the school undergoes a rigorous monitoring process for over two years and, once accredited, it is periodically evaluated.
As pointed out, bilingual international schools and bilingual schools approaches and offers are different, and their differences should be taken into account in the pursuit of making an informed decision. Therefore, we strongly advise parents to do their research, seek recommendations and benchmarks so that the school chosen will indeed match the aspirations for their children’s present and future.
