FOREIGN LANGUAGES

“The limits of my language are the limits of my world”

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Language is the basis of all learning. We think, communicate and share through language. We create and explore new worlds. This is why at Uwekind the development of language competencies is central and is present in all subjects.

Gaining proficiency in more than one language is the key goal at our school. We offer a balanced program and have years of experience in teaching the native language and two foreign ones. In the modern world multilingualism is regarded as a prerequisite for free communication, intercultural exchange and tolerance.

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Bulgarian language

Learning in the native language provides students with an opportunity to express their imagination and creativity and to communicate fully with others. It is the most direct way to study language arts – literature. By studying Bulgarian and foreign literary works (classical and modern) our students grow as critical readers of poetry, prose and drama, of texts from different communication areas.

German language

Our school has a rich experience and firm traditions in teaching German, which starts in kindergarten. When teaching the German language we use modern methods and systems, providing our students with the ability to reach a proficiency level, which, at the end of their studies, can be certified according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and international IB exams.

English language

At Uwekind we appreciate the role and the significance of English in the world of modern communication. The amount of people using English is growing all the time and this is why it is important for us that our students gain a high proficiency in the English language. When they graduate, they have the possibility to obtain an internationally recognized certificate in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and international IB exams.
We provide the necessary teaching and learning resources in order to accommodate students with different levels and be appropriate for different educational stages. Our students are divided into groups of different levels, allowing newly admitted students to join the beginner groups.
Our everyday work encourages students to develop the necessary competencies and fulfil their own desire for learning a language, to think and communicate freely in a globalized world. Our students have the opportunity to join international projects and yearly summer camps in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions about Language Instruction

At what age do the students start learning foreign languages?

German language instruction starts in kindergarten, while English language instruction starts in Grade 3. Bilingual instruction continues to Grade 12. Our students also take international exams in English in different subjects at the end of Grades 10 and 12.

How many German and English classes do the students have weekly?

The number of foreign language classes differs at every educational stage. You can find more information on the Language policy of our school..

Are there subjects that are taught in a foreign language?

Foreign language teachers collaborate with the rest of the teachers to plan themes and vocabulary together (especially in Primary school). In High school, English slowly finds its way into other subjects through task instructions, in order to prepare our students for international exams in Grades 10 and 12.

When do the children start speaking German and English?

Every child learns a language at their own tempo and develops speaking, listening and writing skills to various degrees. When some of our students continue their education abroad after Grades 4, 7 and 12, they adapt easily with regards to language.

Are there teachers whose native language is the language they teach?

Most of our foreign language teachers have studied and graduated abroad – in Germany, the US and the UK. Among them there are teachers, whose mother tongue is German or English, as well as teachers, who were born and grew up in Bulgaria. In addition, there are interns from Germany that come every year and participate during the instruction.

How does studying foreign languages help students after Grade 12?

Our students graduate from Uwekind with a high level of proficiency in two foreign languages, they successfully obtain language certificates and continue their education in prestigious universities and specializations abroad and in Bulgaria.
You can inform yourself in more detail with the ideas and principles of the language instruction at Uwekind by reading our language policy.
Language instruction at Uwekind develops not only communication skills, but also opens the doors into the world to our students through a number of various activities and a well-developed language culture. Active participation of our students in the UN Model and other international and national forums demonstrates a conscious attitude towards the world and expresses their ability to analyze and to reflect on events through their youthful spirit and knowledge. The knowledge, which the students obtain by participating in these events, demonstrates a perfect relationship between the foreign language teachers and teachers of other subjects. This incredible synergy at Uwekind provides our students with infinite possibilities to develop their skills, knowledge and interests.
Iva Garvalova-Doseva

English language and literature teacher

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