Language Policy

Promote inquiry‐based authentic language learning

We shall carefully design various forms of student-led language learning opportunities and provocations according to students’ interest and their stages of learning, such as role-play, collaborative play, creative play, imaginative play, etc. We aim to provide a range of authentic experiences and play scenarios where students will feel free and confident to inquire, explore and develop their abilities to communicate, express, read, write, act and listen.

Focus on the cross curricular nature of language learning

We shall layout real and enjoyable language learning opportunities for students across all areas of the curriculum. The nature of language learning in an authentic context in all areas will enable students to develop meaningful language, for example using language tools for querying, through the integration of literature in the inquiry-based classroom. This will include early years counting stories that strengthen mathematical development, discuss a various media such as newspaper articles or biographies to front-load research etc. this experience supports students in making connections that apply their learning, and transfer their conceptual understanding to new things, by encouraging student inquiries and sharing their learning while listening, talking, reading and writing their way, helps children develop and use language.

Incorporate the teaching and learning of language into the EYFS framework

Teachers will plan intentionally to incorporate a rich language environment throughout the early years. Children will hear an appropriate level of non-simplified vocabulary spoken by the teacher. There will be opportunities to engage in a wide variety of activities that includes listening and stimulates speaking as the learners start to develop complex language skills.

Develop the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and media literacy

We strive for a balanced programme acknowledging both the receptive and expressive aspects of the language strands, including opportunities to listen to ideas, express orally, interpret visual language, and create one’s own work. We shall include various learning opportunities in different contexts, to encourage and support students to express themselves using different language skills. 

Interrelate the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and media literacy

Students will be given wide exposure to language according to the context. This will be achieved by ensuring there is a constant flow of intentional language that is both relevant and useful in the learning environment and supports the transfer of language skills across the curriculum.

Provide for the teaching of additional languages

For most children in the school Mandarin / Cantonese would be an additional language. The approach to learning would be inline and relevant to the children’s inquiry and acquired through access to play based activities and the opportunity to listen and speak to the teacher using this language.

Promote consistency of practice in the teaching and learning of all languages where more than one language of instruction is used. 

Planning for language development for more than one language will be planned collaboratively between both parties to ensure consistency in both content and opportunities provided to the children.