Privately Taught Languages

DISV is home to students from 64 nationalities, and we are proud to support 47 mother tongues through our Privately Taught Languages programme. Maintaining and developing a strong first language is a cornerstone of the IB's educational philosophy, and DISV actively facilitates this for all Secondary students.

Why Mother-Tongue Matters in IB Education

The International Baccalaureate recognises that a student's mother tongue is not simply a means of communication — it is the foundation of identity, intellectual development, and cultural connection. Strong mother-tongue skills support the acquisition of additional languages, enhance academic performance across subjects, and allow students to maintain deep connections with their family and heritage.

In the IB Diploma Programme, students have the option to take their mother tongue as a Group 1 Language & Literature subject through the IB's School-Supported Self-Taught pathway, enabling them to gain full DP credit for their first language. DISV supports and facilitates this option for eligible students.

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 qualified teacher for your language, or advise on how to arrange a suitable tutor if one is not currently available on our books.