Trilingual Education in Grades 7-8 – Preparation for International Exams
We Showcase Our Skills to the World in the Three (Out of Six) Languages of Instruction
In grades 7-8, ITSW students learn in an intensive, trilingual environment that prepares them for international exams and the choice of their further education—in Poland or abroad. Language is not a “subject,” but a tool for acquiring knowledge, analyzing, arguing, and presenting the results of their work.
Teenagers work in three languages of education—English, Polish, and a chosen third language (Spanish or French or Chinese or Japanese). This allows them to confidently take exams such as the Cambridge Checkpoint, IGCSE, national Polish 8th grade exam, and language certificates appropriate for their language of education.
The curriculum includes mathematics, language and literature, biology, physics, chemistry, history, geography, art, and music—taught by native-speaking teachers ,subject experts in their field. This is an environment where students develop critical thinking, independence, and project development skills. In grade 7-8 in the middle school, good knowledge of a language provides access to the content taught in that language and to obtaining good or very good results in checkpoint exams, IGCSE (Cambridge) and eighth-grade exams and language exams.
Cambridge Exams – a Natural Step in the ITSW Educational Path
ITSW is accredited by Cambridge International, meaning that the curriculum and teaching methods meet global educational standards.
This ensures that students:
- study according to international benchmarks,
- earn internationally recognized qualifications,
- can apply to high schools in Poland and abroad,
- develop the academic competencies necessary for success in higher education.
The Cambridge Checkpoint and Cambridge IGCSE are among the most respected international exams. At ITSW, preparation for the Cambridge Checkpoint and IGCSE exams is conducted in English, in accordance with Cambridge standards. Students reach this stage naturally—through systematic work in grades 1-6 and continuation in grades 7 and 8, consistent academic development, and daily English immersion.
Grades 7–8 Curriculum – Trilingual Education to Prepare for International Exams
Subjects Taught Trilingually and Projects to Develop Academic Competencies
The multicultural and multilingual ITSW curriculum enables students in grades 7–8 to seamlessly transition to high school or technical school education in one of three languages of instruction.
At this stage, we expect our students to develop increasing autonomy, which allows them to actively participate in subject-specific activities and make informed educational decisions.
The curriculum includes the development of academic, social, and emotional skills through projects and:
- Bilingually taught subjects: mathematics, science, and biology (e.g., in English and Polish, or in English and French)
- Trilingually taught subjects: language and literature, and social and cultural education
- Monolingually taught subjects: music, art, and physical education
Individualization of the learning process is key—students develop the skills needed to progress to the next stages of education (high school and technical school), learning to balance autonomy and responsibility.
Skills Acquired in Grades 7–8
In grades 7-8, ITSW students develop key academic and linguistic skills, mastering mathematics, literature, biology, and the humanities in a trilingual environment. Students learn history, geography, and culture of the countries whose languages they speak fluently, while also developing critical thinking, collaboration, argumentation, and social skills. This stage of education prepares them for the eighth-grade exam and the international Cambridge exams (Checkpoint and IGCSE), which confirms mastery of the English language and opens doors to high schools and technical colleges abroad and in Poland.
Preparation for the 8th-Grade Exam and Subject Competitions
Every student in our school has the opportunity to take the 8th-grade exam. As part of regular classes, we prepare students for the mathematics and Polish language exams. We also offer personalized preparation during additional afternoon workshops. Additional afternoon workshops allow students to earn titles of laureates and finalists in subject competitions/olympiads, which add them additional points crucial for admission to local high schools.
Education that Extends Beyond the School Walls (Grades 7–8)
In grades 7–8 of ITSW, learning doesn’t end when students leave the classroom. They engage in projects that connect school knowledge with the real challenges of the modern world. Higher grades have the opportunity to develop autonomy, a sense of responsibility, and agency—competencies essential for high school and further international education.
International Projects that Develop Awareness and Influence
Students participate in global initiatives such as Inspired Citizens and the Guardian Project, where they explore social, ecological, and cultural issues.
The ITSW curriculum is based on trimester-based thematic blocks, each focusing on one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This allows students in grades 7-8 to not only acquire knowledge but also skills they can apply, analyze, and transform it into real-world action.
Education Through Projects Based on the Sustainable Development Goals
The SDGs guide our educational trips. During autumn trips, students explore how theory translates into social, natural, and cultural realities. In grade 8, we particularly develop volunteering and community outreach, with older students engaging in projects that teach cooperation, empathy, and initiative.
We Don’t Assign Homework
ITSW – learning that inspires, not overwhelms. We strive to ensure that students learn primarily at school. In grades 7-8, they have study time within their regular schedule, allowing them time to review material necessary for exams.
A Community that Builds Pride in Diversity
At ITSW, we celebrate diversity and want students to be proud of it. Our students can be pride about the many countries they come from, their ability to work in teams, and their artistic and musical talents, which they showcase during a full-stage holiday event—the annual Xmas Show—and during the spring Culture and Language Festivals.
Global Experiences – Green Schools and Language Exchanges
The language education program is complemented by green schools, during which we explore neighboring countries, their history, geography, and daily life. Students learn about eco-friendly travel, build relationships, and work on projects in real-world environments. We teach how many elements of history, geography, and culture are common to neighboring countries. Together with partner schools across the border, we build projects that unite and foster long-lasting friendships.
International Trips and Language Exchanges
We are multilingual and multicultural, so we offer students in grades 7-8 real language experiences—in Poland and abroad. At ITSW, students can:
- participate in inter-school projects and cooperation programs with foreign schools,
- go on educational trips to countries whose languages they are learning,
- participate in summer language programs.
Every year, we organize trips to Spain and China, among other places, which allow students to use language in a natural environment and develop global competencies.
Languages in ITSW Middle School (Grades 7 and 8)
Does My Child Need to Speak Three Languages to be Admitted to ITSW?
In grades 7-8 language becomes a tool for acquiring advanced academic skills, which are later assessed in exams (eight grade, Checkpoint, IGCSE). At this stage, a good command of the language of instruction is a prerequisite for accessing teaching content in that language, scoring high at the exams and being admitted into the best highschools in Poland and abroad.
What If My Child Doesn’t Speak Polish or One of the School Languages?
While language immersion is extremely effective in the younger grades, in grades 7-8 there is no longer enough time to master a language from scratch without risking academic continuity.
Therefore, at this level:
- we continue to teach languages and in multiple languages,
- we individualize the choice of language of instruction for each subject,
- we ensure that the student can achieve success on final exams.
In grades 7-8, the choice of language of instruction for each subject is tailored individually—after a discussion with the student and parents and after determining:
- the course of further education (high school/technical school),
- the preferred examination system,
- the language in which the student feels ready to take final exams.
What If My Child Doesn’t Speak Polish but Wants to Continue Education in a Polish High School?
Learning Polish from scratch to pass the eighth-grade exam at a sufficient level is very difficult, but not impossible. Every year we support students who return from abroad and want to continue in the Polish education system. We also help students who are not native speakers of Polish language to master the language to a level that allows them to enter local high schools.
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