LANGUAGES AT TES
 The teaching of different languages at TES is fundamental to the mission of the school. As well as English, French and German being the media of instruction for the respective national curricula, these languages are also taught as ¡§foreign¡¨ languages across the school sections. Where the need arises, for example in the High School IGCSE and IB programmes, other languages may also be taught, subject to demand, for example: Spanish and Japanese.
All students follow courses in Chinese (Mandarin) language and culture. Due to a mix of native and non-native speakers at various levels across all sections, students are assigned to a specific class or set regardless of their school, facilitated by blocked timetables. This is another example of collaboration across the sections to make ability setting more effective and efficient.
 Historically, TES has attracted a number of children from families working for various Dutch companies located in Taiwan. A programme of Dutch language and culture is specially organized for a few hours per week so that these students may continue to learn their native language, and aspects of the Dutch curriculum recommended by their Education Ministry.
The Dutch language and culture programme is facilitated by the Dutch Government and Foundation in Taipei- S-NOT(Stichting Nederlands Onderwijs Taiwan).
Similarly, TES offers a Swedish language and programme supported by the Swedish Ministry of Schools (Skolverket) and Taipei Swedish School Association (Svemska Skolforeningen i Taipei).
Since 2007, the TES French Section successfully opened its first French/English bilingual kindergarten class, offering a unique programme taught alternatively in French and English that provides children with a solid foundation in both languages and the standard French curriculum. This is the first step in the development of a complete bilingual course that will span from kindergarten to high school. |
Educationally, the most interesting aspect of TES is the dual approach of retaining the national curricula sections from the ages of 3 to 14 years, yet creating combined classes for certain subjects such as: physical education; music; art and some language instruction. These integrated lessons are certainly in line with the spirit of the mission of the European School to promote "educational excellence and European culture and values within the context of Taiwanese society". By mixing students from the German , British and French sections at appropriate times within the timetable, including breaks, lunch and extra-curricular activities, as well as certain lessons, the children will learn to communicate and co-operate in an even broader multi-cultural and multi-lingual context.
The High School is for all students from the ages of 14 to 18 years. During these four years of senior study, there are two distinct, two-year programmes. Students of 14 to 16 years of age follow a mixture of IGCSE courses, (International General Certificate of Secondary Education - examined by Cambridge University) with German and French curricula units, including Klasse 10 German State Examination and the French Brevet des Colleges. Students from 16 to 18 years follow the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme. This excellent broad and balanced series of courses prepares the students for entry to universities and colleges anywhere in the world.