NTC Groupings in Dutch - International School of The Hague

Learn more about NTC groupings in primary for Dutch

The levels of Dutch spoken by our students are diverse, ranging from no previous Dutch language experience to complete fluency. Therefore, from Year 2 onwards, groups are differentiated according to their language proficiency. These groups are called ‘NTC’. NTC stands for Dutch Language and Culture (Nederlandse Taal en Cultuur). Also within these groups, lessons are differentiated to accommodate the diverse needs of our students.

In the Early Years, Dutch is incorporated into the curriculum in a holistic way through stories, songs, rhymes and games, through regular time slots from a member of the Dutch Department.

In Early Years 1, one Dutch teacher is assigned to the year group and provision is a mixture of focussed Dutch lessons as well as Dutch support during ‘play and learn’ times. This enables the introduction of specific vocabulary, as well as Dutch language support during the children’s play.

From Year 2 to Year 6, children are grouped according to their Dutch language proficiency. Groups receive three lessons of 40 minutes per week. The focus of the NTC groups is different. Click on the following tabs for more information about the NTC group you are interested in:

NTC 1 and 2 (Year 2 - Year 6)
NTC 3 and 4 groups (Year 2 - Year 6)

NTC 1 and 2 (Year 2 - Year 6)

The Dutch teachers strive to connect students with their local community through the development of the Dutch language that they will need, as well as an understanding of Dutch cultural events.

We are open-minded and value all languages and cultures by giving an equal status to all of them. Translanguaging, the use of two or more languages alongside each other, is central in our curriculum as it is the steppingstone for language acquisition. We connect students with Dutch culture through our Culture pop-ups in the curriculum, e.g. Sinterklaas, Prinsjesdag and Koningsdag. Also, children go on field trips to Keukenhof and to the Dutch Parliament in the Hague. Our child centered curriculum is designed to connect students with their host community and enable them to interact within it.

Therefore, the focus for NTC 1 and 2 is on oral proficiency. This is done through a range of interactive speaking and listening activities, such as; role-plays, stories and storytelling, songs, rhymes, music and drama. among other speaking and listening activities. Reading and writing is included in the curriculum, within meaningful contexts.

Home learning

We strongly encourage all children (and parents) to find opportunities to interact with the Dutch language and culture in their host country. This will strengthen language acquisition in a meaningful context. Here are some ideas to support your child’s Dutch language development;

ask questions about the Dutch learning at school and make connections with your home language
become a member of a library as reading is vital for language development
join a music or sports club
visit cultural events in the city of The Hague

An overview of all home learning opportunities can be found here: home learning appendix on the parent portal (You will need to log in)

Most students at ISH are acquiring English, as well as Dutch and therefore are familiar with the challenges and opportunities of acquiring a new language. For native English speakers, learning Dutch at ISH is a great and exciting opportunity to experience learning a new language.

NTC 3 and 4 groups (Year 2 - Year 6)

For children in NTC 3 and NTC 4 there is a greater focus on developing literacy skills. The Dutch curriculum for these students is designed to expand (academic) vocabulary and improve reading and writing skills. In line with whole school practice, spelling and grammar is integrated in the curriculum and taught within a meaningful context. It is addressed where a need is seen, or as an issue arises within the taught curriculum. The focus is on being able to use the language in context.

Our NTC 3 and 4 students have a greater language proficiency in Dutch. However, for the majority of the students at ISH, the taught hours of Dutch do not meet the language requirements for transition to a Dutch secondary school. We are not able to deliver a full Dutch program in three time slots per week. Our Dutch team members are always happy to discuss or give advice on this matter.

Home learning

We strongly encourage children (and parents) to support the development of Dutch at home. The most important way to support your child at home is by reading to, and with your child each day. Reading offers students a wider range of vocabulary and grammar. It supports the development of correct language structures, and extends vocabulary. In addition, books contain a wider and richer form of language. When only exposed to speech, students will hear less variety and complexity of vocabulary and language structures.

Some home learning opportunities available to students are:

watch quality television programs such as Jeugdjournaal, Klokhuis and Sesamstraat
practise with Gynzy and/or Duolingo with login provided by school (Y 4-5-6)
become a member of a Dutch library (for free) or borrow Dutch books from the school library

An overview of all home learning opportunities can be found here: home learning appendix on the parent portal (You will need to log in)