Bilingual education (TTO) offers students the opportunity to take a large part of their lessons in English alongside Dutch. This program focuses on developing language skills, cultural knowledge, international orientation, and personal growth. It aims to prepare students for a world where English is becoming increasingly important.

Bilingual education (TTO) is suitable for students who are interested in languages, enjoy a challenge, and are curious about the world around them. A foundation in English is helpful but not required; we guide students to quickly feel at home with the English language.

At Haarlemmermeer Lyceum, subjects such as geography, history, biology, mathematics, art, and drama are taught in English. Dutch and subjects like Dutch history are taught in Dutch. For modern foreign languages (French and German), teachers use the target language for instruction. The subject Chinese is offered in Year 1 of havo/vwo and Year 1 of vwo in a Dutch-Chinese format. In Years 1-3 of vwo, this subject is mandatory.

This is not necessary. Our TTO students start with varying levels of English. Thanks to our immersion program, where English is widely spoken, they quickly learn to understand and use the language well.

Dutch remains an important subject in our TTO program. We ensure that all students are as well-prepared for their Dutch exams as those in regular education. Topics such as Dutch culture and history are also thoroughly covered.

Bilingual education (TTO) enables students to become fluent in English, develop an international perspective, and learn essential 21st-century skills. This adds great value to further studies and future careers.

If it becomes clear that TTO is not a good fit, we will discuss the situation with the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) to find an appropriate solution for the student.

Bilingual education prepares students for more than just the final exam. In the lower grades, they learn to speak fluent English and work in an international context. In the upper grades, the focus shifts largely to Dutch, ensuring they are fully prepared for the Dutch final exams. The added value lies in the extra skills students acquire: excellent proficiency in both Dutch and English, critical thinking, collaborating in an international environment, and greater confidence in communicating in a second language. These skills are valuable throughout life, in both further studies and future careers.

Students who successfully complete our bilingual program earn the regular Dutch diploma (havo or vwo) as well as the Cambridge First (FCE), Advanced (CAE), or Proficiency (CPE) certificate, depending on their level. They also receive the TTO certificate, recognized by Nuffic, which certifies that they have completed bilingual and internationally oriented education. This provides significant added value for further studies and the international job market. For English, students in the upper grades of havo and vwo follow the IB-English program, concluding with an IB certificate.

Yes, TTO requires a voluntary parental contribution. On our financial page, you can read about how these funds are used to support the internationally oriented education of students.