What is CLIL?
CLIL stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning. It means studying a subject (such as Geography or Maths) in a foreign language, and therefore learning the language at the same time. Some people might refer to CLIL as "content-based instruction" or "bilingual education".
CLIL recognises that infants and young children acquire their first language without focused study and CLIL courses aim to provide a similar situation for the acquisition of a second language. Learners get lots of exposure to the language as well as lots of opportunities to use it as they learn about other subjects.

Why is the CLIL approach beneficial?
As multilingualism becomes more and more important in Europe, teachers are looking for ways to encourage long-term learning of languages and to promote high levels of proficiency in foreign languages. CLIL helps students to become academically proficient in a foreign language, while also increasing their cultural awareness, motivates them through the choice of relevant and interesting topics, and prepares them for work and further study.

How does a CLIL lesson work?
In a CLIL lesson, the subject defines the language that is used. Language is used both to learn about the subject and to communicate. Students acquire the language through exposure and use, rather than through focused instruction.

The 4Cs Curriculum (Coyle 1999) suggested that a successful CLIL lesson should focus on:
• Content: learning new knowledge and skills
• Communication: using language to learn while learning to use language
• Cognition: developing thinking skills
• Culture: learning about your own and other countries' cultures

Santillana Publishing and CLIL
Although CLIL continues to become more and more popular around the world, teachers often find it hard to find suitable material to use with their classes. However, Santillana is one of the first publishers to provide a range of CLIL books. These exciting and innovative titles will inspire, motivate and educate your students.