International Learning Environment
Representatives from 36 nationalities gather here — students, parents, and teachers who create a genuinely cosmopolitan atmosphere. This diversity forms the foundation for a distinctive approach to language education, where each tongue serves as a bridge to new opportunities. The philosophy balances three elements: mastering English to an academic level, preserving mother tongues, and developing international thinking. This enables children to integrate successfully while maintaining cultural connections and preparing for potential returns to national education systems.
Mother Tongue Support
Supporting mother tongues extends beyond curriculum requirements. The belief here is that family languages represent more than communication tools — they’re essential to emotional well-being and cultural identity. Staff work closely with parents, recognizing their role in linguistic development. Every teacher, regardless of subject, considers themselves a language educator. Where possible, students receive opportunities to develop their native speech, even though English remains the primary medium of instruction.
Daily Language Practice
Modern languages follow a systematic approach: 45-minute sessions occur daily, regardless of age. Years 1-6 offer Dutch as either native or foreign, while middle years add Spanish to this foundation. Such consistency builds lasting proficiency. By upper school, most students command their second language at levels sufficient for continuing through the IB Diploma programme.
Subjects at Nord Anglia School Rotterdam
Years 12-13 follow International Baccalaureate standards. Language A (mother tongue) options include English, Dutch, or self-study with tutoring. Language B (foreign) encompasses English, Dutch, and Spanish. This flexibility allows students to select optimal combinations, while coordinators help match choices to both academic goals and personal ties to culture and family heritage.
