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The immersion method
How Bilingual Immersion Works
We use the immersion method of language learning, which invites children to dive headfirst into the foreign language. Students use the second language to engage with the world in a playful and completely natural way. Children begin by developing a passive understanding of the language, achieved through the use of pictures, gestures and symbols, for example. Then, they gradually begin to actively use the second language
SIS faculty members are all native speakers of their language. They use their mother tongue not only for teaching in the classroom, but also in the school yard, at lunch, and during events and excursions.
Scientific studies and our experience at SIS have shown:
- Instruction using the immersion method over a number of years results in near-native fluency in the second language.
- The best results are achieved through extensive early immersion prior to the start of formal schooling.
- Development of the mother tongue is not adversely affected.
- The immersion method not only promotes children’s language acquisition but also their cognitive development – for example, linguistic awareness, creativity and their ability to think outside the box.
Two bilingual pathways
Spanish–English (new)
In the 2026/27 school year, CSM by SIS introduced the bilingual immersion model used across SIS schools around the world. At the same time, the school expanded its educational offering by introducing a new Spanish–English bilingual track.
In the 2027/28 school year, this programme will be available across all Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten levels, as well as in Years 1 and 2 of Primary School. The model will then expand progressively in subsequent school years, accompanying students as they advance through their educational journey.
No prior english knowledge is required to join the Spanish–English pathway.
Spanish–German
For more than five decades, German and Spanish have been integral to education at CSM by SIS. Students learn in a rich intercultural environment, with native-speaking teachers bringing language and culture naturally into everyday school life. SIS is further developing this bilingual model in line with its educational approach.
No prior knowledge of German is required for students joining CSM by SIS up to Year 5 of Primary School.
Language Exams and Certificates
Whichever path our students choose in the future, a recognised language certificate creates possibilities. At our school, where multilingualism is a core part of our educational concept, students have the opportunity to prepare – almost incidentally – for official language certificates in English, German and French. We aim for them to achieve high levels of proficiency based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
English: Cambridge Certificates
Throughout the school years, our students take the Cambridge exams.
German: Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD)
The DSD is an official German language certificate of the German education authorities and the Federal Foreign Office.
French: DELF
Our students have the opportunity to prepare for the exams recognised by the French Ministry of Education, DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française).
