English

The goal of the K-12 English program at Koç is to develop students who can communicate fluently in both written and spoken English, who can engage in a variety of contemporary and traditional English language texts/media, and who can display independent, creative and critical thinking.

We believe that in English classes at Koç, learning should be active, student-centered and experiential. Students must voluntarily internalize the English language as part of their identity; we cannot imprint English on them. We will provide ample opportunities for students to interact in English with both teachers and peers. The English classroom will be a safe environment where students can take risks to develop confidence, competence and self-esteem. Errors will be recognized as intrinsic to language acquisition and treated as opportunities for learning. English will be taught as a tool for communicating, broadening experience and learning in other subjects. The English curriculum will be organized around themes and topics, rather than a decontextualized series of discrete grammatical items. Students should have the opportunity to develop as individuals through creativity in expression and choices in reading and writing. English classes will also promote the development of healthy study habits, the use of effective learning strategies, and the practice of academic honesty.