Two Languages: A World of Opportunities
At SIS Swiss International School, children grow up with both German and English from the start. With over 25 years of experience, SIS has developed deep expertise in bilingual education. Through bilingualism in everyday school life, children develop linguistic confidence, self-assurance, and the ability to navigate an international world. In this interview, Verena Simpson, CEO SIS Switzerland, explains how this concept is implemented in practice.
SIS places great emphasis on lived bilingualism in German and English. What does this mean in everyday school life?
Bilingualism is a central pillar of our educational concept, implemented from kindergarten through to upper secondary level. This means that teaching takes place roughly half in English and half in German. Teachers always speak their native language and do not switch between languages. This allows children to use both languages naturally and to switch flexibly, depending on which teacher they are interacting with. This approach has been continuously refined at SIS since 1999, drawing on many years of practical experience.
SIS uses the immersion method. What is the key difference between immersive learning and traditional foreign language teaching?
The immersion method most closely reflects the natural way children acquire language. Rather than focusing on vocabulary lists and abstract language situations, children at our schools are immersed in the language and learn ensured through a rigorous recruitment process, regular lesson observations, and feedback discussions. In addition, students’ progress is assessed on a regular basis through formative and summative assessments, as well as standardised tests in both languages. These results form the basis for targeted support measures. through listening and imitation. They build a broad vocabulary, learn to understand complex topics in both languages, and learn to express emotions.
How can teachers and parents recognise that bilingualism at SIS is more than just a subject – both in and beyond the classroom?
At our SIS schools, both languages can be heard not only in lessons but also beyond the classroom, for example during breaks or on excursions – and not only when students communicate with teachers but also when they speak to one another.
Extracurricular activities are offered in both languages. German- and Englishspeaking staff support students during lunchtime and organise activities as part of after-school care, and clubs are likewise available in both German and English.
Some parents wonder whether bilingual learning could be overwhelming for their children – especially if neither German nor English is spoken at home. What is your experience in this regard?
Research shows that multilingualism does not lead to cognitive overload but is, in fact, a valuable resource. However, it does require some patience, as the two languages do not always develop at the same pace.
How does SIS ensure that teaching is tailored to students with different language levels?
SIS has developed its own curricula based on the Swiss Lehrplan 21 and the British National Curriculum. These are designed to support the balanced development of both languages. In addition, targeted professional development ensures that our teachers are able to adapt their teaching to different language levels and support each student’s individual progress.
Teachers at SIS are native speakers or have native-level proficiency. What role does this play in language development and teaching quality?
This plays a very important role, particularly in kindergarten and primary school. It ensures authentic language development and enables cultural context and emotional expression to be conveyed effectively.
What do teachers need in order for immersion to be successful – in terms of expertise, methodology, and mindset when working with a multilingual student body?
Our teachers are highly qualified both academically and pedagogically. Successful immersion requires subject expertise, openness, and flexibility in order to adapt teaching to the individual learning needs of each student.
How does SIS assess and ensure the quality of language acquisition?
The quality of teaching is ensured through a rigorous recruitment process, regular lesson observations, and feedback discussions. In addition, students’ progress is assessed on a regular basis through formative and summative assessments, as well as standardised tests in both languages. These results form the basis for targeted support measures.
How does multilingualism affect cognitive abilities such as flexibility or problemsolving skills?
Research shows that multilingualism enhances not only language awareness but also concentration, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility. It also fosters creativity and enables faster perspectivetaking.
If you had to explain in one sentence why bilingualism today is more than just a competitive advantage, what would you say?
Bilingualism is far more than learning two languages – it represents openness to the world, the ability to see different perspectives, tolerance, and flexible thinking, while also strengthening both cognitive performance and social skills.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Verena Simpson is CEO of SIS Switzerland and has been part of SIS for almost 15 years. She previously worked as a teacher, IB Coordinator (MYP/DP), school principal, and regional manager, and also led SIS Germany. She has lived in Germany, the USA, and Switzerland and is the mother of three children who are growing up bilingually (German/English).
ABOUT SIS SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
SIS Swiss International School is a private day school offering bilingual education in German and English. With several locations across Switzerland, it supports children and young people from kindergarten through to secondary level, combining local educational content with international perspectives. Discover how bilingualism is brought to life at SIS – visit our website.
