Language Learning

At TASOK, language is more than a tool for communication—it’s a bridge to understanding, empathy, and leadership in a diverse world.

Language Learning Across the IB

In alignment with our mission and core beliefs of Excellence, Integrity, and Inclusivity, our language learning programs are designed to empower all students to thrive in an international environment while maintaining and celebrating their linguistic identities.

Language development is a cornerstone of the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP), and a core component of success in the IB Diploma Program (DP). Whether students are engaging with French, English, or both, our approach is rooted in the IB’s emphasis on multilingualism, intercultural understanding, and communication.

From exploring identity and perspective in PYP, to analyzing global issues in MYP, to writing extended essays in DP, students at TASOK are equipped to think deeply, express themselves clearly, and connect across cultures.

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English as an Additional Language (EAL)

At TASOK, we welcome students from a wide range of language backgrounds and provide comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to ensure every learner can access the full curriculum, participate in classroom life, and find their voice in our community.

Our EAL program is designed to support students at various stages of English language development, with targeted instruction and in-class support delivered by experienced EAL teachers. In collaboration with classroom teachers, our EAL specialists build language skills while reinforcing academic content, helping students transition into full participation with confidence and success.

French in the Elementary School

At The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK), French is integrated into our Primary Years Program (PYP) rather than taught in isolation. From Preschool through Grade 5, all students engage in the French program, which is carefully aligned with the homeroom Program of Inquiry (POI) to provide a cohesive and meaningful learning experience.

French Learning in the Early Years and Beyond

Preschool students enjoy weekly French storytime, exploring the language through engaging stories, songs, and playful activities. This early exposure sparks curiosity and lays the foundation for Kindergarten. From that point on, French lessons are integrated with units. Students build vocabulary and language skills around key concepts, strengthening their understanding and ability to express ideas in French.

Flexible Groupings for Differentiated Learning

Elementary students are assigned to flexible French groups based on their language proficiency, ensuring that each child receives the right level of challenge and support. These groupings are dynamic and adjust as students progress in their language abilities. Whether a student is a beginner, an emerging speaker, or more advanced, the French program is designed to meet their individual needs, fostering both confidence and skill in the language.

Learning Lifelong Skills Through French

In French class, students develop Approaches to Learning or ATLs skills such as communication, self-management, and thinking. They are encouraged to take risks and use French with confidence. Learner profile traits like being balanced, principled, and open-minded are reinforced, and close collaboration with homeroom teachers ensures that French remains a meaningful, connected part of each student’s broader inquiry and learning journey.

French in The Secondary School

French Language Acquisition
in the MYP

At TASOK, the MYP French program supports students from Grade 6 to Grade 10 in developing the four core language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through real-world themes and inquiry-based learning.

Students are placed in classes based on their level of proficiency (phases 1–2 or phases 3–5), ensuring that instruction is tailored to meet their needs and support growth at every stage.

In Grades 6–8, students explore topics such as identity, family traditions, food and culture, health and well-being, and travel. These units allow learners to connect language learning to personal experiences and global perspectives, while building vocabulary and grammatical understanding in context.

In Grades 9–10, students continue to develop their fluency and critical thinking as they examine themes like relationships, childhood memories, community life, and travel planning. By the end of Grade 10, students are able to express their ideas with greater depth and accuracy across a variety of situations.

Throughout the program, students engage with authentic resources and reflect on how language shapes meaning. MYP French encourages confident communication and intercultural awareness—skills that prepare learners for success in the DP and beyond.

French Language Programs
in the DP

At TASOK, the Diploma Program offers three distinct pathways for learning French, supporting students at every proficiency level through French A, French B and French ab initio.

French A: Language & Literature (SL & HL) is for fluent speakers and focuses on how language shapes meaning in literary and non-literary texts. Students explore a variety of genres and media while developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills in a global context.

French B (SL & HL) is designed for students with prior experience in French. Through engaging themes such as identity, social organization, and human ingenuity, learners build fluency and confidence in expressing ideas across different situations. HL students also study two works of literature originally written in French.

French ab initio (SL only) is for beginners. This course introduces students to foundational French through real-life contexts and global themes. Learners develop the skills to communicate clearly and effectively in everyday situations.

Whether beginning their French journey or deepening existing skills, students in all courses explore language as a tool for communication and cultural connection, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

"Thanks to TASOK’s French program, I’ve grown so much—constant practice and amazing teachers have made the language really come alive for me."Aiden, Grade 11

IB Bilingual Diploma at TASOK

IB Bilingual Diploma at TASOK

Earning the IB Bilingual Diploma at TASOK

At TASOK, students have the opportunity to graduate with the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Bilingual Diploma—an academic distinction that recognizes high achievement in two languages and reflects our commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity.

The IB Bilingual Diploma is awarded when a student successfully completes two Language A (literature or language and literature) courses in different languages, or one Language A course and another subject taught in a different language. At TASOK, this is most commonly achieved through French and English.

Our robust language program and experienced faculty support students in pursuing this pathway. French-speaking students can take Language A: French and Language A: English, while others may opt to take a Group 3 or Group 4 subject in French. With individualized guidance and a culture that celebrates multilingualism, TASOK empowers students to meet this challenge and expand their global readiness.

The IB Bilingual Diploma is more than a credential—it is a reflection of TASOK’s mission to empower students to become independent global community leaders.

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Our Community

United by a spirit of inclusivity and excellence, the TASOK community is a vibrant tapestry of students, parents, and educators from around the world. With a shared commitment to integrity and lifelong learning.

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Our Campus

Set on a lush, 42-acre green campus, TASOK provides an environment where learning thrives everywhere. The breathtaking beauty of our camp grounds leaves everyone who enters and all who have ever been on campus in awe.

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Our Academics

TASOK is a fully accredited IB World School, offering all three of the IB Programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school year runs from August to June.

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Language Learning