Language Learning

We place a strong focus on helping our students to succeed in the classroom and because our primary language of instruction is English, it is important that our students are given the best opportunity to succeed. This is why we offer a comprehensive English as an addition Language (EAL) programme for our non-native English-speaking students.

Students working at beginner English levels will attend additional small group English classes instead of Chinese lessons during the day. Students may also receive additional support within their homeroom if needed. Our EAL programme is designed to support and encourage the best learning outcomes of fluency and understanding within a school year.

As an international school we understand the importance of children being able to effectively communicate and understand during class times and even with friends. This is why we have a carefully thought out curriculum that is implemented in each of our grade levels.

We recognize the importance of learning the language of our host country and many of our parents inquire on how proficient in Chinese their child may become while attending SSIS. In our Early Years and Elementary school every child will have 40 minutes of Chinese instruction daily. These classes are designed to encourage a broader understanding of both the Chinese language and the culture. In our Secondary school, students will have one class dedicated to Chinese as a second language as part of the curriculum if they so choose.

In keeping with the IB philosophy, maintenance of mother tongue is encouraged and supported at SSIS. We recognize that continuing to develop our students’ mother tongue and literacy skills in their home language is imperative in the development of their English language skills.

Presently we offer the following mother tongue programmes as part of the curriculum: German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

Should there be a need and request we are happy to facilitate additional mother tongue lessons by providing classroom space for external tutors to deliver instruction, either face-to-face or online. Tutors are employed and compensated by the parents of the students involved in the program. In the past we have supported languages such as French, Czech, Dutch, Swedish and Latin.