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HOME / ACADEMICS /

Multilingual Learning

Why do young people learn German in Canada? SoGermanCanada, a portal to discover the diverse partnership between Canada and Germany, visited six schools in Ontario and Quebec to talk to students, teachers and principals to find out their motivation.

Multilingualism is desirable for many reasons. It breaks down communication barriers, broadens horizons and allows us to learn about other cultures and ways of life. Numerous studies have shown that speaking multiple languages provides many advantages that go far beyond the knowledge of the languages themselves. Multilingual speakers can concentrate better, resolve conflicts easier and empathize better with others. Overall, the multilingual brain is much more flexible, even into old age.

Why German?

Germany has the biggest economy in the European Union and the fourth largest worldwide. It is home to numerous international corporations and at the forefront of technological innovation. German is the most widely spoken mother-tongue language in Europe. And just like at AvH, English, French and German are the three official working languages of the European Union.

German is the language of Goethe, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and of course, von Humboldt.

It is said that Germany is the country of poets and thinkers – Das Land der Dichter und Denker. A great many of the world’s most impressive achievements were first conceived of in German.

– In this video, the Goethe Institute of Toronto showcases the advantages of learning German.

When Joining AvH

Many of our international and Canadian students do not have a German-speaking background. They acquire their language skills in preschool and kindergarten through play-based learning, and students are proud to show off their new capabilities in speaking, reading and writing.

New applicants entering grades 1 to 6 who have little-to-no German language skills may be eligible for our “Immersion Class,” an accelerated language program for strong candidates. Applicants to our high school (grade 7 and up) must be fluent and literate in German.

While German is the primary language of instruction, English and French are prominent throughout the student’s entire academic career.

French classes are offered at a mother tongue or second language level, depending on the French language skills of the student.

English is taught as of Grade 1 on a native-language proficiency level.

Discover how each language is integrated in our different programs:

 

Pre-School

PrK - KG

The foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Elementary School

1 - 4

We focus on the personal development of each child.

High School

5 - 12

Our students acquire mastery of over twelve academic subjects.