IB students at Gjøvik videregående skole have many different backgrounds. 

Many students speak Norwegian as their first language, but increasingly we have students with first languages such as Russian, Polish or Urdu. 

Students may speak their first language outside of class unless they are in a group of students where some do not understand the language.

The language of instruction in all classes, except Norwegian, is English. We therefore recognize that all teachers are not only subject teachers but also language teachers. 

Still, we also recognize that all teachers may not be at expert level in English, but then expect all IB teachers to continuously work on improving their English skills. IB-teachers are encouraged to take language courses to improve their English skills.

English is the language of instruction in our classrooms (except for Norwegian). It is expected that all teachers and students will always use English, including in group work where all the members are native Norwegian speakers. 

Using Norwegian (or other languages, such as Russian) on occasion for clarification purposes is acceptable, as long as the shift back to English is swift. 

In one-to-one student-teacher meetings outside the classroom, the teacher will decide which language is best to use, but English is also recommended in these out of class contexts.

We never use language to exclude others, so if a group speaking in Norwegian is joined by a student who does not know the language well, the group should automatically switch to English. To simplify this, we encourage students to always use English even outside of class.

The working language in the IB program is English for both teachers and students. That means that written and oral information from the school staff to both parents and students is in English. 

However, we also recognize that we are a Norwegian school with many Norwegian students and, in certain situations where we know that everybody understands Norwegian well, we may therefore choose to communicate in Norwegian with parents and students (for example on parent-teacher nights). 

As Norwegian is the host language of the school, it is important that students whose best language is not Norwegian are provided with good opportunity to improve their Norwegian skills. 

The school therefore offers Norwegian B as an option. Completing Norwegian B at Higher Level will qualify non-native speakers for admission to Norwegian universities, as well as for many jobs. 

In addition, the school offers many opportunities for non-native speakers to participate in activities in which they can practice their Norwegian. These include sport and leisure clubs, communal breakfasts, guest speakers, music jams, and so on. 

We also encourage students whose first language is not Norwegian to take part in activities in their spare time that allows them to practice and develop their Norwegian language. This is especially important for students who aim for above average marks in Norwegian B. 

We recognise that an increasing number of students have another first language than Norwegian and English. To promote their first language the school offers Language A SL as school supported self-taught language, provided we can get a tutor in the language in question. 

The school may use an external provider (such as Pamoja) to supervise and tutor the SSST students. The SSST course can be organised in various ways:

• the student can be placed in a language A SL class of the school’s language of instruction
• offered support outside the school timetable
• offered the course as a one-year anticipated SSST course
• offered the course as a two-year course

Language is important when delivering academic content, both orally and in written texts. Also, in non-language subjects we therefore correct language in assignments if the meaning is obscured by incorrect language. 

However, if it is clear what the students have meant, poor language use is not penalized in assignments in non-language subjects.

English is used in class assemblies. 

Exceptions to this rule may be made when a guest (such as an academic advisor or health advisor) addresses the class if that guest is not comfortable with English. 

All information about the IB programme on the web pages of our school must be in English. If students in an IB class use social networks to discuss IB-related issues, they should always use English. 

Even if most or all students have Norwegian as their first language, this will contribute to enhancing their writing skills in English. 

Books at our school library are available in English, Norwegian, German and French. We continue to buy books in different languages, as the need arises. 

Books in foreign languages are also available through the State Library in Gjøvik. Our school library can also order books from other libraries without cost for the student.