Interested in the VBS? Learn more...

Basics
- Mainly pupils with either German or English mother tongue
- Working knowledge in the second language required
- Vienna Bilingual Schooling concept
- Austrian Curriculum
- Austrian teacher and native English speaking teacher work together
 
Program
- Two language groups in each class
- Reading and writing in the first language during the first year
- Additional reading and writing in the second language in years two, three
   and four
- System immanent flexibility allows individual support for highly motivated
   children
- Bilingual teaching in most other subjects

 Criteria
- Classes of 50% German speaking pupils and 50% English speaking pupils
- Team teaching

 Enrolment and orientation
There is a special enrolment procedure for the VBS schools which involves an "orientation talk" with pupil and parents.
This attempts to determine the aspects mentioned below.
 
Information for Parents / Guardians:
- Registration: Vienna Bilingual School – VBS/Primary
- Orientation talks take place in November - please check our "Termine"   for exact dates.
- Appointments will be given personally or over the telephone  
   (01) 4000 56 37 20,   (01) 4000 56 37 22 from the school´s Open
  Day onwards.
- Important conditions for acceptance into the VBS:
* Language competence (with a solid foundation in either German or English)
* willingness to communicate
* home address as near as possible to school
* general school maturity
The results of the orientation talks will be sent electronically on Friday of the VBS enrolment week.

Information für Eltern / Erziehungsberechtigte 
Anmeldung: Vienna Bilingual School – VBS / VS
Die Orientierungsgespräche für die Aufnahme in die 1. Schulstufe unserer VBS finden im Jänner des vorhergehenden Schuljahres an der Schule im Rahmen der Schuleinschreibung statt. Die Terminvergabe erfolgt ab dem Tag der offenen Tür persönlich oder per Telefon ().
Wichtige Kriterien für die Aufnahme in die VBS:
* Sprachliche Kompetenz (Deutsch oder Englisch als solide Erstsprache)
* Kommunikationsbereitschaft,
* Wohnort möglichst in Schulnähe
* allgemeine Schulreife
Am Freitag der VBS-Einschreibungswoche werden die Ergebnisse der Orientierungsgespräche elektronisch zugestellt.
 
Ausführliche Information finden Sie auf den Seiten der Bildungsdirektion Wien /Additional information online at https://www.bildung-wien.gv.at/

How we work
Teachers
We currently cater for approximately 100 children in four classes, grade 1 - 4 with four German speaking class teachers and two English-speaking teachers (native speakers). There are always two German speaking teachers to one English speaking teacher.
First language
Each class is divided into two language groups. To teach literacy the German-speaking teacher takes the German-speaking pupils and the English-speaking teacher the English-speaking pupils.
Second language
The children start any formal work (reading or writing) in their second language in year 2. They are however encouraged to do so if they are considered ready for it, and some classes may start earlier when ready.
Bilingual teaching
The rest of the teaching time is devoted to bilingual teaching in subjects such as music, crafts, art, PE and social studies. In grades 3 and 4 the language groups spend approximately 50% of the language teaching time with the other language teacher and learn to read and write in their second language.
Special features
- Musical presentations at special events eg Christmas
- "Open Days" on various topics when children of grade 1 and 2 as well as grade 3   and 4 mix and work on numerous activities on their level
- Cross-cultural learning as the VBS classes are made up of children from variety of nationalities. Tolerance, respect for each other, an open mind and a broad world view are key issues. Children learn to appreciate each other's cultural background through "Nationality Days" during which parents and children present their countries and cultures through language, pictures, music, dance, food etc.
- Children are encouraged to work on projects of their choice either as
   individuals   or in a group
- Individual reading scheme which conforms to the aptitude and ability of
  each child (E: Oxford Reading Tree)
- Inter-action between mixed age groups through co-operative team-
   teaching
- Each teacher brings in her/his strong points and enthusiasm for various
   subjects which all the VBS children benefit from.