World Languages in Primary

What is our aim?

Our program is designed to equip students with strategies to become life-long learners. They will be able to transfer the understanding, skills and knowledge they acquire in WORLD language classes into other learning experiences.

In addition, we aim for our students to enjoy their learning experience and to develop curiosity and enthusiasm towards languages.

At the end of the Primary Years Program, students will be able to communicate using basic interpersonal communication skills

How are WORLD languages taught in the primary school?

The learning process involves learning language - as the students learn to communicate with others; learning about language - as the students develop understanding of how different languages work, similarities and differences and learning through the language - as the students discuss and reflect on information, ideas and issues as well as learning about different cultures.

We believe that students learn best when engaged in learning within meaningful contexts rather than series of skills. In the classes, teachers work collaboratively and are committed to:

• providing meaningful contexts within which a wide variety of teaching strategies and learning styles can be accommodated
• using an inquiry-based approach with open-ended tasks that incorporate a range of skills
• developing strategies to allow students to be independent learners when learning a new language
• providing foundation for life-long learning by planning learning experiences that enable the students to make connections, and be aware of how they learn best
• creating engagements through which the students develop their language skills; listening and speaking, reading and writing, viewing and presenting.

EAL in the PYP

The primary EAL (English as an Additional Language) department uses a range of assessments to determine placement in and exit from the EAL programme. Students placed in the EAL programme receive support from the EAL teacher in the homeroom classes on a regular basis. In P3 and P4, EAL students who would benefit from additional support, attend EAL classes during the foreign language class time. From P5 to P8, EAL students attend three classes per week outside the homeroom where they are provided with English language instruction instead of attending a foreign language class.

The EAL teacher works closely with the homeroom teachers to plan the units of inquiry. In-class language support ensures that EAL students have equal access to the curriculum and are active participants in the homeroom class. During the EAL classes, language is taught in the meaningful context of the PYP units of inquiry to reinforce knowledge and skills required for the homeroom programme.

The homeroom and EAL teachers assess students individually on an ongoing basis using a variety of assessment tools and strategies. Students exit the EAL program when they have reached a level of English language proficiency that allows them to access all areas of the curriculum without EAL support. This can occur at any time throughout the year.