World Languages

As noted in its mission statement, the International School of Aruba believes in the equality and dignity of all students. In our international environment, students encounter and learn about other cultures and beliefs. The school strives to instill honesty, trust, and respect for the intrinsic worth of all individuals.
Foreign languages have something to offer to everyone, and it is with this philosophy in mind that language programs are being implemented at ISA. Our programs seek to help students acquire the skills to adapt to an ever-changing world by providing the tools for intercultural communication and by fostering intercultural awareness.

To encourage cultural exchange, ISA celebrates a variety of holidays from all over the world, including Kinderboekenweek (Children’s’ Book Week), Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day), Sinterklaas ( Saint Nicolas), Carnival, Aruban Flag Day, Thanksgiving, International Day, Latin Festival, Homage to Cervantes Day  and Diwali.

Dutch Corner

The International School of Aruba offers two levels of Dutch within the World Language program. The most challenging Dutch classes are offered for native speakers, with a curriculum that reflects what is taught in Dutch schools. If students return to the Netherlands, they can continue their education without difficulty. In addition, ISA offers Dutch for non-native speakers, allowing children of many other nationalities, including Venezuelan and American, to study Dutch as a foreign language. The curriculum for these classes uses a variety of teaching materials, resources, and techniques to meet the developmental level of each student.

ISA initiated its Dutch program at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels in the school year 1998-1999 (primair and voortgezet onderwijs). Dutch classes in Middle and High School work toward ‘Landsexamen’ Mavo, Havo, or VWO, held at the ‘Examenbureau’ in Oranjestad. ISA is accredited by the Stichting NOB (Nederlands Onderwijs in het Buitenland / Dutch Education Abroad) and received an inspection visit in October 2008. The school qualifies for and receives some financial support from the Netherlands. ISA follows the general core goals for Dutch Language Teaching as established by the Minister of Education.

ISA’s Dutch teachers are qualified educators who include Dutch culture in their curriculum. Students discuss current events in the Netherlands, receive practical opportunities to use and develop Dutch language skills, make oral presentations, and read Dutch literature throughout all levels of the program.
www.examenblad.nl

www.stichtingnob.nl
www.stichtingnob.nl/page.jsp?id=snob_article_english
www.studiekeuze123.nl
www.studychoice123.nl

Spanish Corner

The International School of Aruba also offers two levels of Spanish within the World Language program. As in the Dutch program, the most challenging classes are offered to native speakers. The program of instruction for native speakers provides students with the opportunity to maintain, develop, and refine their Spanish language skills. As students improve their oral and literary skills in their own language, they also enhance their literacy development in English. Moreover, students who return to Spanish-speaking countries leave with a solid foundation for continued study, allowing them to make a smooth transition to a new environment.

The Spanish program for non-native speakers is based on the internationally accepted Five C’s of Foreign Language Education standards—Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, Communities—issued by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). From kindergarten through grade 12, we offer Spanish courses that recognize students’ diverse needs to learn a foreign language, whether it is to provide an intellectual challenge, improve understanding of other peoples or cultures, or simply to fulfill a graduation requirement.