Broaden your horizon

These letters stand for bilingual education.

TTO provides an in-depth and broadening experience for every program we offer at Portus Groene Hart, including vwo, havo, and mavo. Below you can read more in detail about what the program entails.

TTO means that students take classes in both English and Dutch. In the lower years, at least fifty percent of the classes for VWO and HAVO, and at least thirty percent for MAVO, are taught in English. In addition, we pay a lot of attention to internationalization, which fits our global society. This is not only done during lessons but also through regular exchanges and study trips that take place with and to other TTO schools.

Students gain significantly more insight into the world around them and master the English language at a high level. Dutch universities of applied sciences and universities are also becoming increasingly bilingual, and a large part of the study material in many further education programs is in English. A student from Portus Groene Hart who has completed the bilingual education program has, in addition to the vwo, havo, or mavo diploma, also obtained other certificates/diplomas.

Research by the European Platform has shown that students who follow bilingual education often master other languages more quickly, are able to think more critically, have a broader perspective, and often experience an overall advantage over fellow students in further education.

In the lower years and in mavo 4, students can obtain Anglia certificates. This allows Dutch students to demonstrate their level of English, which is beneficial for their CV and an advantage for the student as a future employee.

Upper-year vwo and havo students can also obtain an IB diploma (International Baccalaureate) 'English A: Language and Literature'. This is not only advantageous for the CV, but also opens doors to colleges and universities both in the Netherlands and abroad. With the IB diploma, you are welcome at more than two thousand universities worldwide. It is proof that you have an excellent command of the English language and are able to approach, analyze, and interpret cultural issues from context, which is also useful for further studies.

The entire program, from the first year up to and including the final exam year, is bilingual. In the lower years, more lessons are taught in English than in the upper years. In the upper years, it is mandatory to offer the exam subjects, except for English of course, in Dutch to prepare students as well as possible for the exams. Only the non-exam subjects, such as physical education, social studies, and cultural and artistic education (CKV), are taught in English. European and international orientation (EIO) is a continuous focus in all year groups.

Research by the European Platform has shown that students are not affected by this change. The students have learned the same material in a different language. The Dutch terminology has also been introduced in the lower years, and our own experience shows that the transition for students is very quick and smooth.

Yes, the subject English is also included in the standards of the Dutch final exam.

No, at the beginning the level is not really important, because that is exactly what we will work on at school. It is much more important that a student is motivated and also willing to invest extra time and energy in bilingual education.

A student who wishes to qualify for bilingual education (tto) must, of course, meet the regular admission requirements. In addition, strong motivation, an excellent work ethic, and perseverance are important. A ‘bilingual attitude’ (that is, the willingness to always speak English during tto lessons or activities) is also essential.

No, this has never been shown or established. In addition, the European Platform checks whether the students' results remain at least at the same level as those of students in Dutch-speaking classes.

Of course, that possibility exists. The TTO coordinator, Mrs. van Rijswijk, is happy to answer any questions, so feel free to email j.a.van.rijswijk@cvo-portus.nl or call Portus Groene Hart (0180 390393).