Language Skills as the Foundation
One of the key factors contributing to our success is our language policy, which gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and express themselves confidently in both Dutch and English. This approach allows students to keep their options open and work towards either a Dutch diploma (VMBO-TL) or an English-language diploma (International Baccalaureate – IB, at Dutch HAVO/VWO level).
This has also become one of DENISE's defining characteristics: students work towards clear learning goals, acquiring the knowledge and skills they need for the next stage of their educational journey. They work towards meeting the national core curriculum objectives and developing the skills and knowledge required to be ready for a diploma programme.
Newcomers and Language programme
To give every student the best possible opportunities, we have developed a separate, intensive language programme. This programme is designed for students aged 12 and over who do not yet have sufficient proficiency in Dutch to follow one of our other mainstream programmes.
We distinguish between four language groups:
Group 0: Students with no knowledge of Dutch (CEFR level 0–A1).
We call this our Newcomer Group. Here, students learn the basics of Dutch, while their academic level and learning potential are assessed. Based on the outcomes, students are placed either at Mundus College (VMBO-B/K or practical education) or at DENISE (from VMBO-TL up to HAVO/VWO level).
The Newcomer Group is based at our location at Van Hallstraat 621 in Amsterdam and is a joint initiative of DENISE and Mundus College.T0: Students with very limited knowledge of Dutch (CEFR level A0–A1).
T10: Students who are nearly ready to join a programme in Group 9, 10 or 11 (CEFR level A2–B1, ages 12–15).
T11: Students who are nearly ready to join a programme in Group 11 or 12, or who wish to progress to MBO (senior secondary vocational education) (CEFR level A2–B1, aged 15 and over).
The faster students acquire Dutch, the sooner they can progress to the next language group. Students can move up to the next group every six months. This means there is always room for newcomers in Amsterdam, and plenty of opportunities for students to find their place and succeed in the Dutch education system.