At Optimist International School (OIS), we believe in offering diverse learning opportunities that prepare our students for the world ahead. As we continue to evolve into 2025, our first year of the Dutch Enrichment Programme (DEP) stands as a key part of our commitment to enhancing students’ learning and ensuring a smooth transition into Dutch society. This optional pathway in our upper primary years offers students the opportunity to grow academically, while maintaining the international focus that is central to OIS’s mission.
Recognizing the diverse paths our students may take, especially those wishing to deepen their connection with Dutch culture and integrate further into Dutch society, the DEP is designed to strengthen students’ academic Dutch proficiency. By combining the international curriculum with an increased focus on Dutch, this programme ensures that students develop the skills necessary for future success in both Dutch education and society. The DEP provides a unique opportunity for students to bridge the gap between the international and local systems, empowering them to pursue secondary education in the Netherlands confidently.
In practice, OIS offers two distinct learning pathways that serve the varied needs of our students:
- The International Programme: Running from group 1 through group 7, this programme is primarily delivered in English, with approximately 15% of learning conducted in Dutch. It is designed to prepare students for international secondary education, starting at the age of 11, while also ensuring that they are integrated into Dutch society.
- The Dutch Enrichment Programme (DEP): Aimed at students in groups 6 to 8, the DEP is an alternative, supplementary pathway that gradually increases the use of Dutch in both academic and social contexts. With a focus on academic Dutch, this programme prepares students for secondary education in the Netherlands, starting at the age of 12, and allows them to confidently transition into a Dutch-speaking environment.
As we move into the new year, we are excited to continue developing the DEP to offer an even more robust and forward-thinking learning experience. By blending the strengths of both the international and Dutch educational systems, the DEP allows our students to thrive in a multilingual world, while keeping their options open for a future in either the Dutch or international education systems. Through this enriched programme, we are preparing students to succeed, not just in the classroom, but also as global citizens who are ready to embrace and contribute to Dutch society.
At OIS, we are proud to offer these two pathways that cater to the individual needs of our students, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, confidence and knowledge to face whatever challenges lie ahead.