19 May '15

Flemish students can follow classes in German this September

Summary

The multi-language teaching programme that started this academic year with French and English, will expand to include German in September

Improving language skills

Nearly 1,500 pupils in 18 Flemish schools can follow a number subjects in French, English or German starting this September. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) aims to improve the pupils’ language skills by teaching subjects such as mathematics, economics or biology in another language.
 

CLIL courses have the same educational targets as if the subjects were taught in Dutch. The 18 schools are not the first to offer CLIL. At the beginning of the 2014-15 academic year, 24 schools started teaching subject in French or English. This year German is being added to the mix.

“Strong language skills and knowledge are an asset for people on the labour market,” said education minister Hilde Crevits. “The schools’ willingness to teach subjects in another language is a positive sign. It is important to have inspiring and innovative examples when it comes to multilingual education.” 

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Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

  • Education in Flanders
  • Secondary education reform
  • European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems

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