Privately Taught Languages

DISV is home to students from 64 nationalities, and we believe that every child's home language is a gift — for their identity, their family, and their future. Through our Privately Taught Languages programme, we currently support 47 mother tongues, helping students maintain and develop their first language alongside their English-medium education.

Why Mother-Tongue Matters in IB Education

The International Baccalaureate places strong emphasis on multilingualism as a foundation for intercultural understanding. Research consistently shows that students with a strong foundation in their mother tongue develop greater proficiency in additional languages, stronger academic skills, and a more secure sense of identity. Maintaining the home language also preserves the vital connection between a child and their extended family, culture, and heritage.

At DISV, we actively encourage families to support their child's mother tongue at home and through formal instruction. Our Privately Taught Languages programme connects families with qualified language teachers who deliver lessons at school, before or after the school day.

How to Arrange Language Lessons

If you would like your child to receive privately taught language instruction at DISV, please contact the school office. We will help connect you with an available teacher for your language, or advise on how to arrange a suitable tutor if one is not currently available.