A bilingual primary school teaches children regularly and intensively in a second language alongside their mother tongue. In a good programme, the second language is not just a subject but a language used for communication during the day. In this article you will find how bilingual programmes work in Turkish private schools, 8 questions to ask when choosing one, and the English programme at TED Üsküdar College Primary School.
How do bilingual programmes work in Turkey?
Turkish private schools follow the Ministry of National Education (MEB) curriculum. A bilingual programme does not replace it; it is added to it:
- Extra English hours: far more weekly English lessons than the national curriculum requires.
- Content taught in English: some topics, for example in maths or science, are also taught in English.
- A language environment: native or highly proficient English teachers, English activities and reading programmes.
Core subjects such as Turkish, maths and life studies continue to be taught in Turkish by the class teacher.
8 questions to ask
- How many hours of English a week? Does it change by grade?
- Which subjects or topics are taught in English?
- Who teaches English? Are teachers subject specialists with teaching qualifications? Are there international teachers?
- In which language do children learn to read first, and how is phonics taught? Planning matters so that reading in two languages doesn't get mixed up.
- What level is targeted by the end of grade 4? Is the target expressed on a measurable scale such as the CEFR?
- Is there preparation for international exams? Is the school an exam centre?
- How is the mother tongue protected? Are there reading sessions, library use and Turkish activities?
- Where is English used outside lessons? Competitions, theatre, reading programmes, a digital reading platform?
English at TED Üsküdar College Primary School
| Question | TED Üsküdar College Primary School |
|---|---|
| Weekly English | 12 hours a week in each of grades 1-4 |
| Teachers | Turkish and international teachers who are subject specialists with teaching qualifications |
| Reading and writing | Phonics in grade 1; a digital reading platform supports reading outside school |
| Target level | CEFR A1-A2 by the end of grade 4 |
| Exams | Preparation for Cambridge Starters and Movers in grades 3 and 4; the school is a Cambridge exam centre |
| Turkish | Turkish, maths and life studies taught in Turkish by class teachers; one Turkish lesson a week in the library in grades 1-4 |
| Beyond lessons | Spelling Bee, Junior Knowledge Competition, Spring Fest, Puppet Theatre, Reading Heroes |
English is the only foreign language taught in primary school. The aim is a solid foundation in the first foreign language and readiness for the second foreign language (German or French) that starts in middle school.
The English programme actually starts in preschool: 12 hours of English a week from age 4, and phonics from age 5.
For details, see the Primary School Language Policy page. To visit the primary school: +90 216 424 44 44 or the information form.