In the Netherlands, ISK (Internationale Schakelklas) is a special secondary school program for newcomers aged 12-18 who need to learn Dutch and transition into the Dutch education system. TTO (Tweetalig Onderwijs) is bilingual (Dutch and English) education offered in both secondary and some primary schools, for students with a solid understanding of Dutch who want to follow a more international curriculum but will still take final exams in Dutch.
Internationale Schakelklas (ISK)
- Purpose:
To teach Dutch language and cultural skills to recent international arrivals to prepare them for regular Dutch secondary education. - Age:
For students aged 12 to 18. - Duration:
Students typically attend an ISK for one or two years before moving to a regular Dutch secondary school. - Curriculum:
Focuses heavily on learning Dutch, but also includes subjects like English, mathematics, social studies, physical education, and art. - Outcome:
Students are prepared to join a regular Dutch secondary school, with the specific level determined by their progress.
Tweetalig Onderwijs (TTO)
- Purpose:
To provide bilingual education, usually in Dutch and English, to prepare students for an increasingly globalized world. - Age:
Available at some secondary and primary schools. - Curriculum:
A significant portion of the curriculum, including subjects like history, geography, physics, and biology, is taught in English. - Target Audience:
Students who already have a good command of the Dutch language.
Outcome: Students are aiming for the Dutch final exams, although their bilingual proficiency is a significant advantage for higher education.
Key Differences
- Language Focus:
ISK is for students learning Dutch from a low level, while TTO is for students who already know Dutch and are looking to become proficient in a second language (English). - Curriculum Style:
ISK is a preparatory program for the standard Dutch system, whereas TTO offers an integrated bilingual approach within the regular school system. - Final Exams:
ISK graduates move on to the normal Dutch curriculum. TTO students, while taught bilingually, will still take their final exams in Dutch.
