Introducing ourselves

BIPS-Krones (Bilingual Primary School) is a primary school with emphasis on languages and inclusion. English is used as the medium of instruction, alongside lessons held in German. All of our English teachers are native speakers. In each year, one class is an inclusive class. These classes are led by both primary school teachers and qualified special needs teachers.

 

English as working language

BIPS-Krones (Bilingual International Primary School) is a primary school with an emphasis on languages and inclusion.  The main teaching language in the school is German, however, each class has a designated native English teacher. In addition to one hour of general English language learning, which includes grammar, the children are taught general studies, such as geography, history and science, in both German and English.  Learning also continues outside the classroom, as our English teachers accompany their class on field trips and speak to the children in English. Each year group has one integration class, which is led by the primary school teachers and qualified special needs teachers. To give students, who have to attend the intense German class, the opportunity to train their English, there are also extra-curricular English activities on the afternoon.

During the school year 2021/22 we offer: Computer Club, Art Club and Creative Writing.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much English will my child receive?

In the 1st and 2nd class they receive 6 lessons a week with a native speaking English teacher. In the 3rd and 4th class they receive 7 lessons a week. 1 of these lessons is a traditional whole class English lesson. The remaining lessons are taught in a variety of ways; the class may be split into groups to allow small focused ability group work, or team taught with the class teacher, allowing the subject content to be delivered parallel in German and English. Subjects such as art, crafts, music and sport are often taught bilingually.

Are all subjects taught in English?

BIPS is an Austrian primary school that has a very strong English focus. The curriculum is delivered in German and supported in English.

What other languages are taught at the school?

There are no other languages taught as part of the curriculum, although some mother tongue languages are available as extra-curricular activities.

Must you know German to join BIPS?

No, there is an intense course that non German speakers must attend when they first join the school. There are 15 lessons a week provided by specialist teachers out of the main classroom for some core subjects. After one year it is intended the children are at a level in German to restart the academic year.

Do you automatically get a place in GIBS if you have attended BIPS?

There is no direct route from BIPS to GIBS, but due to the international nature of our school, we have strong links with GIBS.

How are native English speaking students supported?

As we are fortunate enough to have so many English lessons, the native English speakers have the opportunity to further enhance and develop their English skills though differentiated focused groups. There are also extra-curricular English activities such Art or Computer Club available in the afternoon. This allows those students who are in the intense German class during some of the morning lessons the opportunity to further develop their English skills.

Is there an English curriculum?

Currently there is no official curriculum for English in Austrian primary schools, although this will be the case in the near future.

At BIPS, English is taught in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe (CEFR). In years 1 and 2 English is taught to pre-A1 and A1 level in the four competence areas (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) and in years 3 and 4 it is taught to levels A1 and A2. Children with prior or advanced knowledge of the language receive differentiated instruction according to their language abilities.

Will my child have to sit tests in German?

Non-German speaking students have to sit a German language test before they start with school and every six months afterwards in order to be graded in their German skills (MIKA-D Test). According to this test grade your child will either be put into a regular class in the following level (excellent skills) or a regular class on the same level (sufficient skills). The child has two years to achieve sufficient skills, during which time it holds a status as an extraordinary student.

Are there fees to pay?

No, there are no fees, it is a state funded and regulated school.

Is there a catchment area?

You must live in Graz and have access to a safe school route.

 

Inclusion

In each year group there is one integration class.

Our special needs teachers introduce themselves:

 

Our Philosophy

Our school profíle is orientated on our diversity of our students and an our community, which grows on that.