Bilingual
Bilingual Department at Institut Sankt Joseph
A unique combination of international curricula within a Danish school
Imagine a school in the heart of Copenhagen. A Catholic school built on Christian, humanistic values, where every child is welcomed with openness and respect. A school that embraces families from all corners of the world, reflecting a diversity of cultural-, religious-, and social backgrounds.
Picture a place where the Danish Ministry of Education’s Fælles Mål curriculum forms the academic foundation, taught by dedicated and highly skilled teachers. A place alive with creativity, where learning extends beyond the classroom. A school where community thrives, where morning assemblies, celebrations, concerts, theatre productions, class trips, and gatherings with parents help bind us together.
That school is Institut Sankt Joseph.
Now, imagine adding to this environment three core subjects; English, Mathematics, and Science, taught by native English-speaking teachers following the internationally recognized Cambridge curriculum. This blend of Danish and international academic traditions creates a unique educational journey.
This is the Bilingual Department at Institut Sankt Joseph.
We are proud of this highly sought-after program, one that truly offers the best of both worlds for international and Danish families living in Copenhagen. Our approach prepares students not only to thrive in Denmark but also to engage confidently with the wider world.
Most of our students continue into Danish secondary education after 9th grade, fully ready for the next step. Others choose international programs, and they too are well-prepared.
We believe the success of our program stems from three key elements:
- A daily school life fully integrated with our Danish parallel classes
- A strong bilingual teaching team working closely with Danish colleagues
- And a shared mission to care for each child, nurture their confidence, and guide them in contributing positively to their community and supporting one another.
Institut Sankt Joseph is a Danish school. We have our bilingual classes, but structurally and culturally we are a Danish school.
If you are an international family with school experience from other cultures, you may find some of the customs at ISJ different from what you are used to. But don’t worry, you will soon feel at home in the Danish School Culture. The other parents in your child’s class, as well as school staff, are happy to help you understand specific traditions or customs as well as explaining whatever makes you wonder.
If you are not yet part of our community, we warmly invite you to join us.
Kindest Regards,
Samina Kjærbo, Head of Bilingual Department
Institut Sankt Joseph
Requirements
We warmly welcome you to join the ISJ community when we have availabilities. Below are the requirements set for students in the bilingual section of the school.
To be eligible for admission for the bilingual program your child must meet the following criteria:
- Must turn 6 in the calendar year to enter our Grade “0” (Nulte) Klasse.
Eg. Child born in 2020 will be 6 sometime during 2026 and can therefore apply for “0” Klasse - Grades 0-2: Must be at a native level in either English or Danish, but at the very least in one of the two languages
- Grades 3-9: Must be bilingual in both English and Danish
The admission process takes into account both the amount of spaces available, and the sex of the child, in order to secure an even proportion of male and female students.
Screening Interviews for grade 0 take place November the previous year by the grade 0 teacher.
When we get openings in other years families on the waiting list will be invited in for a screening Interview with the Head of Department.
School Structure
Classes and average age of children
Majbørn - 6 years
Børnehaveklassen - 6 years
1. klasse - 7 years
2. klasse - 8 years
3. klasse - 9 years
4. klasse - 10 years
5. klasse - 11 years
6. klasse - 12 years
7. klasse - 13 years
8. klasse - 14 years
9. klasse - 15 years
10. klasse - 16 years
Academic Structure & Integration
The timetable for our bilingual classes varies slightly from that of the Danish section classes, primarily due to an increased amount of English and Mathematics lessons.
Despite these differences, we prioritize student integration. Bilingual- and Danish class students are combined for several subjects, including:
- Physical Education (PE)
- Modern Languages (French/German)
- Creative Arts (Art/Music)
Furthermore, all school traditions and events are fully integrated, ensuring a unified community for all students regardless of their primary language of instruction.
Teacher-Parent Communication
In Grade 0, each class is assigned one class teacher. From Grade 1 onwards, all classes are supported by two class teachers.
These teachers are responsible for:
- General academic planning and student well-being initiatives.
- Conducting parent-teacher evaluation meetings.
- Organizing class trips and informal social gatherings.
Your class teachers should always be your first point of contact for any questions or concerns regarding your child’s school life.
Language Policy
While our primary language of administration and communication is Danish, we strive to be inclusive. We frequently translate messages and utilize English during meetings with non-Danish speaking parents.
However, please note that certain school functions remain exclusively in Danish. These include:
- School Board meetings
- Parents’ Committee meetings
- Specific parent presentations
Whenever possible, we will provide translated materials to support your involvement in these areas.
Curricula
In our bilingual department, students work toward the Fælles Mål learning objectives established by the Danish Ministry of Education across all subjects. For Mathematics, Science, and English, our teachers specifically design lessons that integrate both the Fælles Mål and Cambridge International standards.
You can explore these learning objectives via the following resources:
Our educators employ a diverse range of learning materials and assessment tools to support student growth. Formal examinations occur following the 9th grade, including the compulsory Danish FP9 Exams and optional IGCSEs in English, Mathematics and Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).