Özel Taş İlkokulu - Ortaokulu - Foreign Language Department
English at Taş Private Primary and Secondary School
At our school, language learning is considered a cornerstone of students' cultural, social, and intellectual development within the framework of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP's perspective on language views it not only as a means of communication but also as the process of learning itself. With this approach, language teaching includes the following core elements:
Developing Communication Skills: Students enhance their verbal and written communication skills, achieving balanced progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Learning Language in Context: Language learning is supported with meaningful content connected to students' lives. Students explore how language is used in the real world and apply what they learn in these contexts.
Multilingual and Cultural Awareness: In the PYP, language learning is seen as an opportunity to increase cultural understanding and awareness. Students discover the richness of different languages and cultures, gaining an international perspective.
OUR GOAL
At Private Taş Primary and Secondary School, our aim is to develop students' English skills using the perspective of the IB PYP alongside the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Our goal is to prepare each student to achieve a language proficiency level that meets international standards and aligns with CEFR benchmarks.
Our English program is conducted by expert foreign and Turkish teachers, designed to make language learning meaningful and enjoyable. The student-centered system fosters communication through drama, music, dialogues, games, individual, paired, or group work. Students' language development is monitored through portfolios, taking into account various learning styles. Inclusive teaching and learning strategies are implemented, considering individual differences and developmental variations in foreign language levels. Different methods are used for students who need language support. Through diverse grouping techniques, teachers focus on students needing assistance while stronger students progress at their own pace and contribute to their peers' learning processes.
OUR GOAL
At Private Taş Primary and Secondary School, our aim is to develop students' English skills using the perspective of the IB PYP alongside the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Our goal is to prepare each student to achieve a language proficiency level that meets international standards and aligns with CEFR benchmarks.
Our English program is conducted by expert foreign and Turkish teachers, designed to make language learning meaningful and enjoyable. The student-centered system fosters communication through drama, music, dialogues, games, individual, paired, or group work. Students' language development is monitored through portfolios, taking into account various learning styles. Inclusive teaching and learning strategies are implemented, considering individual differences and developmental variations in foreign language levels. Different methods are used for students who need language support. Through diverse grouping techniques, teachers focus on students needing assistance while stronger students progress at their own pace and contribute to their peers' learning processes.
English at Taş Private Primary and Secondary School
At our school, language learning is considered a cornerstone of students' cultural, social, and intellectual development within the framework of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP's perspective on language views it not only as a means of communication but also as the process of learning itself. With this approach, language teaching includes the following core elements:
Developing Communication Skills: Students enhance their verbal and written communication skills, achieving balanced progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Learning Language in Context: Language learning is supported with meaningful content connected to students' lives. Students explore how language is used in the real world and apply what they learn in these contexts.
Multilingual and Cultural Awareness: In the PYP, language learning is seen as an opportunity to increase cultural understanding and awareness. Students discover the richness of different languages and cultures, gaining an international perspective.
KINDERGARTEN - DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION PROGRAMME
KINDERGARTEN - DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION PROGRAMME
It is extremely important for a child to be able to use and think in a language other than their mother tongue, and to develop this ability at an early age. As a school, we regard language learning not merely as a subject, but as a tool for thinking, making meaning, and viewing the world from different perspectives. With this approach, we implement the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in our kindergarten classes to establish a strong foundation in English.
The Dual Language Education Programme we implement in our kindergarten supports students in acquiring both English and their mother tongue simultaneously and naturally. Language is used as part of classroom experiences and meaningful learning. In this way, students become individuals who not only hear the language but also think, question, and express themselves through it.
At our school, the Dual Language Education Programme is conducted in alignment with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP’s concept-based and inquiry-driven approach takes English learning beyond traditional grammar goals. Our language policies are placed at the heart of our curriculum in ways that foster curiosity, enhance thinking skills, and support the meaning-making process.
In kindergarten, the 18-hour weekly English programme is carried out through the coordinated planning of the classroom teacher, English teacher, and Skills teacher, all integrated within the PYP framework.
Objectives of the Dual Language Education Programme
Language acquisition occurs naturally: Students learn to actively use both languages and make connections with daily life.
Cognitive development is supported: Memory is strengthened, and students’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative thinking skills improve.
Cultural awareness is promoted: Students grow into individuals who recognize and respect different cultures and diversity.
Opportunities for confident self-expression: Our year-end performances, portfolio presentations, and both in-class and out-of-class activities allow students to present in both languages, helping them build self-confidence and develop communication skills.
It is extremely important for a child to be able to use and think in a language other than their mother tongue, and to develop this ability at an early age. As a school, we regard language learning not merely as a subject, but as a tool for thinking, making meaning, and viewing the world from different perspectives. With this approach, we implement the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in our kindergarten classes to establish a strong foundation in English.
The Dual Language Education Programme we implement in our kindergarten supports students in acquiring both English and their mother tongue simultaneously and naturally. Language is used as part of classroom experiences and meaningful learning. In this way, students become individuals who not only hear the language but also think, question, and express themselves through it.
At our school, the Dual Language Education Programme is conducted in alignment with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP’s concept-based and inquiry-driven approach takes English learning beyond traditional grammar goals. Our language policies are placed at the heart of our curriculum in ways that foster curiosity, enhance thinking skills, and support the meaning-making process.
In kindergarten, the 18-hour weekly English programme is carried out through the coordinated planning of the classroom teacher, English teacher, and Skills teacher, all integrated within the PYP framework.
Objectives of the Dual Language Education Programme
Language acquisition occurs naturally: Students learn to actively use both languages and make connections with daily life.
Cognitive development is supported: Memory is strengthened, and students’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative thinking skills improve.
Cultural awareness is promoted: Students grow into individuals who recognize and respect different cultures and diversity.
Opportunities for confident self-expression: Our year-end performances, portfolio presentations, and both in-class and out-of-class activities allow students to present in both languages, helping them build self-confidence and develop communication skills.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
In primary school, the goal is for students to learn language and build understanding through inquiry. Integrating content and learning objectives, student-centered inquiry, raising awareness of language development, and enriching vocabulary are core aims. Lessons are planned and structured using differentiation methods to ensure students at all levels achieve their learning goals and make progress throughout the year.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Methods tailored to develop students' language skills at the highest level are differentiated according to their levels, making students active agents of their own learning. By the end of four years of secondary education, students are expected to:
Understand and discuss main points in newspaper articles about current issues.
Infer the meanings of unfamiliar words in context.
Discuss a book or film scenario.
Paraphrase original texts in a simple form, narrating them orally.
Write simple, connected texts on a range of topics within their areas of interest.
German at Taş Private Secondary School
German, an additional language starting in Grade 6, aims to develop speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills. Understanding the culture of the country whose language is being learned is fundamental, with the goal of achieving basic communication skills. Contemporary technology and educational tools are used to enhance language and communication skills in the new language.
Lessons are designed to develop language skills, with grammar serving as a tool to enable students to express emotions and thoughts both orally and in writing. Through activities such as storytelling, role-playing, dialogues, and station exercises, students are encouraged to actively participate in lessons. By the end of Grade 8, students consciously use, analyze, and interpret learned grammar structures, effectively employing vocabulary in presentations, dialogues, and mini-dramas.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
In primary school, the goal is for students to learn language and build understanding through inquiry. Integrating content and learning objectives, student-centered inquiry, raising awareness of language development, and enriching vocabulary are core aims. Lessons are planned and structured using differentiation methods to ensure students at all levels achieve their learning goals and make progress throughout the year.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Methods tailored to develop students' language skills at the highest level are differentiated according to their levels, making students active agents of their own learning. By the end of four years of secondary education, students are expected to:
Understand and discuss main points in newspaper articles about current issues.
Infer the meanings of unfamiliar words in context.
Discuss a book or film scenario.
Paraphrase original texts in a simple form, narrating them orally.
Write simple, connected texts on a range of topics within their areas of interest.
German at Taş Private Secondary School
German, an additional language starting in Grade 6, aims to develop speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills. Understanding the culture of the country whose language is being learned is fundamental, with the goal of achieving basic communication skills. Contemporary technology and educational tools are used to enhance language and communication skills in the new language.
Lessons are designed to develop language skills, with grammar serving as a tool to enable students to express emotions and thoughts both orally and in writing. Through activities such as storytelling, role-playing, dialogues, and station exercises, students are encouraged to actively participate in lessons. By the end of Grade 8, students consciously use, analyze, and interpret learned grammar structures, effectively employing vocabulary in presentations, dialogues, and mini-dramas.
Activities for Foreign Language Development
Summer School: A Summer School Program in England is organized for the students of Taş Private Primary and Secondary School. The program aims for students to learn English through real-life experiences and to see and experience the culture of the language they are learning.
Clubs and Activities
English Clubs: English-related clubs at Taş Private and Secondary School provide opportunities for students to learn about the cultures of different countries. These clubs help students utilize lifelong skills, enhance their research and presentation abilities, and share their knowledge through activities such as drama, presentations, writing reviews about movies they've watched, enriching their vocabulary, singing, drawing, debates, and more.
Various activities are organized to ensure students learn English in an enjoyable and immersive way. These include vocabulary competitions, "Friday Speech" (Friday sharing sessions), Speak More English certificates for students who use English the most, the Junior Just a Minute activity, certificates from the myON digital reading platform, monthly award-winning questions, Spelling Bee competitions, JMUN (Junior Model United Nations) conferences, and a series of events during Foreign Language Week (Welcome Willkommen Week).
Activities for Foreign Language Development
Summer School: A Summer School Program in England is organized for the students of Taş Private Primary and Secondary School. The program aims for students to learn English through real-life experiences and to see and experience the culture of the language they are learning.
Clubs and Activities
English Clubs: English-related clubs at Taş Private and Secondary School provide opportunities for students to learn about the cultures of different countries. These clubs help students utilize lifelong skills, enhance their research and presentation abilities, and share their knowledge through activities such as drama, presentations, writing reviews about movies they've watched, enriching their vocabulary, singing, drawing, debates, and more.
Various activities are organized to ensure students learn English in an enjoyable and immersive way. These include vocabulary competitions, "Friday Speech" (Friday sharing sessions), Speak More English certificates for students who use English the most, the Junior Just a Minute activity, certificates from the myON digital reading platform, monthly award-winning questions, Spelling Bee competitions, JMUN (Junior Model United Nations) conferences, and a series of events during Foreign Language Week (Welcome Willkommen Week).