Immersion English

Work and Write in English, Think Globally

From August 2027, Gymnasium Bäumlihof will offer an immersive English-language programme. The programme leads to the German–English Multilingual Matura qualification and equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed at university in an international academic environment.

At Gymnasium Bäumlihof, immersion means engaging deeply with the language and culture of the English-speaking world. English will become second nature, a language for working and thinking, both academically and creatively. A globally oriented, broad perspective shapes teaching and learning, providing a good foundation for higher education and professional life in an international context.

Immersive Learning in the GBplus Model

In Biology, History and Mathematics, which will be introduced progressively as immersion subjects, students in the immersion classes explore subject content in English while developing their subject specific language skills.

A particular emphasis is placed on academic research and writing in Biology, German, English and History. Academic and creative projects and writing assignments foster curiosity and enjoyment of experimentation and creative work, as well as students’ independent and critical thinking, methodological skills and writing abilities. The programme also encourages informed engagement with artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary work in STEM subjects and an awareness of global connections.

The immersion programme at Gymnasium Bäumlihof is offered within the established GBplus model. Teaching organised into phases, individual study periods and ongoing personal coaching promote independent learning and students’ sense of responsibility for their own progress.

Bilingual Elective Major and Immersive Elective Minor subject

Students in the immersion classes are free to choose from specific core subjects (ausgewählte Grundlagenfächer), all elective major subjects (alle Schwerpunktfächer) and all elective minor subjects (alle Ergänzungsfächer) and optional courses (Freifächer). These include additional bilingual and immersive lessons that offer further opportunities to develop subject-specific English language skills.

Students of the immersion class can choose any of the seven elective major subjects offered at Gymnasium Bäumlihof. Among them Computer Science is taught bilingually, in English and German, making it an attractive complement to the core immersion subjects.

The immersive minor elective subject “Understanding Science” is taught in English and is available to students in the immersion classes. It explores questions at the intersections of people, technology and identity from the interdisciplinary perspectives of Philosophy, Biology and History. Students thus gain experience in another immersion subject, developing their ability to think abstractly and make connections across different concepts.

The optional course “MindLab”, taught in German or English, provides students with space for personal development. The course explores questions of identity, resilience, and personal growth, and gives students theoretical knowledge and practical tools to improve learning and well-being. Thus, they strengthen their independence and capacity for reflection, and how to take on responsibility.

Students in the immersion classes may write their Matura thesis in either German or English.

Students on the immersion programme at Gymnasium Bäumlihof may choose either French or Italian as a core subject.

Study Trip to Dublin or London

In their first school year, the immersion class takes part in a one-week study trip to Dublin or London. The trip covers historical, cultural and social aspects and provides a unique opportunity to immerse into every day language and life. Furthermore, the students may encounter a local school class and entertain a virtual exchange throughout the school year. Additional individual language stays (“Sprachwochen” or individual exchanges) in the second year further develop practical English skills and intercultural competence. The programme culminates in an educational trip in the fourth year, which may take place in an English-speaking country.

Quality Through Collaboration and Professional Development

Immersion lessons are taught by teachers with subject expertise and language qualifications at C2 level in English. Teachers in the immersion classes also have extensive experience of teaching in the English classroom. Regular professional development in immersion pedagogy, subject-specific exchange and collaborative lesson development ensure the quality of the programme. Central coordination supports the implementation and continued development of the programme in collaboration with school management and teachers.

Who Are the Immersion Classes For?

The immersion programme at Gymnasium Bäumlihof is aimed at curious, motivated students who enjoy the English language and culture, like discovering new perspectives and wish to develop their subject knowledge, language skills and personal competencies. No special level of English is required on entry. What matters is interest, open-mindedness, enthusiasm and perseverance in learning, together with a willingness to embrace new challenges.

The immersion programme at Gymnasium Bäumlihof is open to all students who have qualified for admission to a Gymnasium in the Canton of Basel-Stadt. German language proficiency at B2 level is required. The subject-specific and cross-curricular competencies acquired in the immersion classes are identical to those set out in the general curricula. The programme aims for students to reach C1 level in English by graduation. Students in the immersion classes have access to the school’s own tuition centre, which offers targeted support to address gaps in language (i.e. German, French) and mathematics, and helps students further develop their strengths across a range of subjects.

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