Voices from the VBS

What I cherish is the "bi" in "Vienna Bilingual Schooling": two languages as tools to exploring a topic, two teachers with their own ways of tackling an issue, sometimes two different techniques to solving a problem as well as students from various backgrounds especially open to two paths of learning, all leading to numerous opportunities after school at universities and job markets both at home and abroad. 

- Mr. Nakielski, teacher

I have truly enjoyed my time in the bilingual system of BRG 19. It is a system where different cultures and nationalities meet and new experiences are shared. Only in hindsight is it possible to really appreciate the opportunity to grow up with people that have lived all over the world. These experiences are the true treasure trove of the bilingual system and an invaluable aspect.

- Kieran, 8B

As a teacher in the Vienna Bilingual Schooling system, I feel privileged to work with students from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds that span far beyond the English-speaking world. The diversity of ideas and perspectives in the classroom is deepened by a close collaboration with Austrian teachers. I am grateful for the nuanced, sometimes surprising and always insightful classroom discussions that arise from this variety and make the study of subjects ranging from literature to history all the more enriching.

- Ms. Maduro, teacher

The greatest privilege of being in the bilingual system ist the dual teaching team. Not only does each student get more support, we also have more stability in our lessons. If one teacher falls sick we will always have the other.

- Victoria, 8B

The VBS system is incredibly beneficial towards teaching students from around the world and with numerous backgrounds. I enjoy working within the system as it broadens the perspective of not just my views and thoughts, but also the classroom as a whole. There is always something unique and different from every lesson as there is on most occasions someone who can speak from a first hand perspective on a topic or theme. I believe this is invaluable and truly special within the parameters of education.

- Mr. Gill, teacher

What I enjoy most about the bilingual class is that students from many different cultures come together to support, learn from, and play with one another. No matter what our mother tongue is, we study both English and German at an equally high level- a valuable skill for our future careers.

- Amelie, 5B

Not only do I love the bilingual system because I was able to learn everything in both German and English, but also because learning in English allowed me to feel more connected to my English speaking roots.

- Isabella, 8B

What I love the most about the bilingual system is the variety of subjects which I am able to teach. The fact that we cover so many different disciplines offers us excellent opportunities for cross disciplinary teaching. I've been able to reference novels the students were reading while teaching chemistry or history, and I've been able to reinforce a physics lesson on vibration frequency by teaching the same principle again in a music lesson within the same week, with cellos and violins. The more chances we have to break out of the boxes, the more comprehensive an education we can give the students.

- Mr. Lorimer, teacher

For me, the best part of the bilingual system is the variety in the lessons. We often switch between languages, which keeps things interesting and makes sure that we can express ourselves confidently in both English and German. It’s amazing how quickly we improve without even noticing, just by practicing every day, talking to our classmates.

- Elía, 5B