Switzerland Sekundarstufe I Subjects - Language of Schooling

National Languages:

• German: German is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland and serves as the language of schooling in 17 cantons. In German-speaking Switzerland, a diglossic situation exists, with Swiss German dialects used in everyday communication and Standard German employed for writing and formal settings. Sekundarstufe I German instruction focuses on developing proficiency in Standard German, covering reading, writing, listening comprehension, speaking (including spoken interaction), grammar, and spelling. There is an emphasis on developing cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP) to support learning across the curriculum.
• French: French is the language of schooling in four cantons and one of the official languages in three bilingual cantons. Sekundarstufe I French instruction aims to develop functional language skills, including reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking (including spoken interaction). The curriculum also emphasizes reflection on language, cultural references, and the use of media and information technology.
• Italian: Italian is the language of schooling in one canton and an official language in one trilingual canton. In Sekundarstufe I, Italian instruction focuses on developing communicative competence, similar to German and French.
• Romansh: Romansh is an official language in one trilingual canton. In Romansh-speaking schools, both Romansh and German are used as languages of schooling, promoting functional bilingualism from an early age.

Additional Languages:

• English: English is a compulsory foreign language in Sekundarstufe I across Switzerland. The EDK's Strategy of Language Teaching mandates that students achieve a level of proficiency in English comparable to their second national language by the end of compulsory education. The order of introduction of English varies regionally, with some cantons teaching English before the second national language and others vice-versa.
• Languages of Origin/Migration: Switzerland recognizes the importance of languages of origin/migration and encourages their development through language and culture of origin (LCO) courses. These courses aim to strengthen students' first language skills and promote integration into the Swiss educational system. The HarmoS Agreement encourages cantons to support LCO courses.

Language Learning Objectives and Strategies:

The EDK's Strategy of Language Teaching promotes a plurilingual approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of language learning and aiming to develop functional multilingualism in students. This approach emphasizes:

• Early Language Learning: Introducing foreign languages in primary school.
• Comparable Proficiency: Achieving similar levels of competence in both the second national language and English.
• Language Awareness: Promoting reflection on language and its use in different contexts (ELBE/EOLE).
• Intercultural Competence: Developing understanding and respect for different cultures.
• Education through Contact: Encouraging exchanges and interactions with speakers of other languages.
• Use of the European Language Portfolio (ELP): Documenting language skills and learning experiences.
• Coordination across the Curriculum: Integrating language learning into other subjects.