Bilingualism
At Avenor, bilingualism is an essential part of the way the learning experience is designed. Students develop strong academic competencies in both Romanian and English through a progressive learning journey that gives them the freedom to pursue further studies anywhere in the world while maintaining a strong connection to the Romanian language and culture.
What Does Bilingualism Mean at Avenor?
Bilingualism is a core element of the way learning is designed and experienced at Avenor. For us, bilingual education means using both Romanian and English as languages of learning, with each playing a distinct role in students’ academic development.
We do not teach the same lesson twice or simply translate content from one language into another. Instead, we develop strong academic competencies in both languages, enabling students to learn, think critically and communicate confidently in Romanian and English.
Our approach is based on the principle of additive bilingualism: English is developed as an additional academic language without replacing Romanian, which remains the foundation of students’ literacy, cultural identity and connection to their heritage.
At Avenor, bilingualism means:
- developing strong academic competencies in both Romanian and English;
- using both languages in authentic learning contexts;
- preparing students to pursue higher education in Romania or at universities around the world.
How Does Bilingualism Develop
Throughout the Learning Journey?
Nursery
At Avenor Nursery, English is the main language of communication and learning. Children acquire the language naturally through play, exploration and age-appropriate activities while following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) British curriculum.
Learning is supported by Romanian educators with an advanced level of English, and all children take part in weekly sessions led by native English-speaking teachers. This consistent exposure helps them gradually build confidence and fluency, laying a strong foundation for their bilingual learning journey.
Primary School
In Primary School, Romanian and English are developed in parallel, in a well-balanced learning environment. The national curriculum is fully covered, while English is strengthened through 5–7 hours of study per week and its use in authentic learning contexts such as Drama, Art, Music and Project-Based Learning.
Students develop communication skills and bilingual thinking in an environment that encourages them to use English naturally—not only as a subject, but as a working language in meaningful, age-appropriate activities.
Middle School
In Middle School, bilingualism is developed through the progressive use of English in academic contexts, while maintaining a high level of competence in Romanian.
Students follow a curriculum aligned with the British system, with 5–7 hours of English per week and the use of English as a language of instruction in Humanities (History, Geography), PBL, Arts and Music, and, starting from Grade 6, in Mathematics and Science.
The programme prepares students for Cambridge examinations (KET, PET, FCE) and for the transition to High School, where English becomes the main language of instruction.
High School
In High School, English becomes the main language of study, with students following the international IGCSE and A Level programmes, which develop their academic thinking and the competencies needed to access universities around the world.
At the same time, they continue studying Romanian throughout high school, maintaining a strong connection to the language, culture and values that shape their identity.
How is English used in learning?
At Avenor, English is naturally integrated into students’ daily lives, beyond dedicated language lessons. It is consistently used in academic and extracurricular contexts, supporting the natural development of fluency, confidence and academic language.
Native English-speaking teachers
Learning is supported by specialist English teachers, and students have regular contact, throughout every stage of schooling, with native English speakers. This provides authentic language models and meaningful exposure to real-life communication in English.
English as a language of learning
English is used as the language of learning in subjects such as Drama, Art, Music, Sport, Project-Based Learning and Science, depending on the stage of schooling. This supports content-based learning, going beyond language exercises to develop understanding through real academic contexts.
Co-curricular activities
Students further strengthen their skills through a rich co-curricular offer, including debate and public speaking competitions, as well as international trips and camps, where they use English in authentic and meaningful contexts.
How do we support students learning English?
For students who need additional support in English, Avenor offers a structured English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme designed to help them participate confidently in all learning activities.
The programme begins with an assessment of each student’s language level and continues with personalised interventions tailored to individual needs. Progress is closely monitored, and where necessary, individual learning plans are put in place, ensuring that every child can successfully access the curriculum and develop their English communication skills in a natural and supported way.
Proven Results of Our Bilingual Education Model
Our students’ English language proficiency is validated through the Cambridge English examinations they take at different stages of their educational journey.
- Young Learners Starters
- Young Learners Movers
- IGCSE English as a First Language
- IGCSE English Literature
