Language Policy

School Policies

In line with the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, Cubahiro International School promotes bilingualism and multilingualism as integral to learning. English is the primary language of instruction, while the wider language programme strengthens intercultural understanding, communication, and global citizenship across the school community.

Multilingualism

Learners develop confidence across languages and learn to value multiple perspectives.

Language Across Learning

All teachers contribute to language growth through inquiry, collaboration, and explicit support.

Ongoing Review

Language support, school communication, and policy practice are reviewed regularly for relevance and impact.

Section 1

Aim of the Language Policy

Strengthen communicative competence by developing learners' oral and written skills across varied contexts.
Advance intercultural understanding through engagement with diverse perspectives and voices.
Promote critical inquiry into language as a means of accessing and appreciating cultural frameworks.
Highlight language's interdisciplinary role in shaping knowledge across curriculum areas.
Cultivate creativity and intellectual growth by encouraging enjoyment and enrichment through language and literature.

Section 2

CIS Language Profile

English is the primary language of instruction and communication.
French is widely used within the school community, and all students study French as a second language.
Kirundi is taught at Kindergarten, Primary, and lower Secondary levels to reinforce cultural identity.
APA style is adopted for academic referencing.
Other languages are welcomed and celebrated according to context, reflecting CIS's commitment to multilingualism and cultural diversity.

Section 3

Admissions Policies

Prior to admission, all learners undertake a language proficiency test to establish their level of competence.
Students who do not meet the required proficiency threshold are enrolled in Intensive Language Proficiency (ILP) classes, with in-class support and co-teaching across subjects.
The Admissions Committee reviews portfolios, assessment results, and interviews to ensure appropriate placement.

Section 4

Language Policy and Curriculum Integration

Pedagogy

All teachers are language teachers. Language learning is embedded across the Primary Section, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with inquiry, collaboration, and differentiated instruction supporting diverse learners.

Assessment

Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are assessed regularly through formative and summative assessment, moderation, and external examinations. Students needing additional help are placed in the ILP programme to support adjustment to the curriculum.

Professional Development

ILP staff co-teach and provide in-class support, while teacher professional development includes workshops, curriculum reviews, and assessment moderation to strengthen the school's response to diverse language needs.

Nature of Languages in the Curriculum

All students study English Language and Literature.
French is taught and used within the school community.
Kirundi is offered from Primary through MYP 3 as a national requirement to reinforce cultural identity.

Section 5

Support Services and Policy Review

Language Learning and the Library

School libraries support information literacy through access to scholarly materials and training sessions that strengthen language learning and academic achievement.

Parents and Community

Parents and guardians support learners with home resources and regular communication with teachers, while English remains the formal language for documents and signage.

Review Process

This policy is reviewed annually as part of the Board's review cycle so new insights and recommendations can be incorporated.

School communication standards

Dates follow the day/month/year format, and times are presented using the 24-hour clock.