International schools where students can learn Mandarin in Singapore, plus languages such as German and French
Language learning at international schools can range from bilingual programmes in French and Spanish, to Mandarin lessons so that students can acquire Chinese as a second language. Some schools also provide support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. Have a read through these to see what’s on offer in Singapore!
Bilingual programmes at the Canadian International School
Learn Mandarin or French at CIS
Every student at Canadian International School (CIS) embarks on a journey to become multilingual as early as pre-kindergarten (three years). Up until grade 6, students can study an additional language – French or Chinese – in the English programme. Or they can enrol in the Chinese-English or French-English bilingual programmes, where they’re fully immersed in both languages in a 50:50 model.
The bilingual programme continues across the Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Grades 7 to 10. Students can participate in international speech contests, bilingual drama productions and overseas trips to France and China, for example. These help develop advanced literacy and critical thinking skills in both languages. Around 25% of the CIS Class of 2025 will graduate with bilingual diplomas.
An inside look – full bilingual programme for language learning
CIS’s approach to language learning is research-driven. It’s also grounded in the understanding that language fluency is incomplete without cultural literacy. CIS students explore the customs, values, and context behind the language. This helps them grow into bilingual, bicultural and biliterate learners.
The school’s bilingual programmes are fully aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme. They include two qualified teachers per class: one native English speaker and one native French or Chinese speaker. Academic records show how effective the school’s approach to language learning has been. These include a 100% pass rate in the DELF French proficiency tests, and consistent outperformance against peers in the Youth Chinese Test.
CIS was the first international school in Singapore to establish a full bilingual programme. The newly launched bilingual education hub on campus is aimed to drive the future of learning. It will also add further to the school’s expertise through innovative language programmes, partnerships with established universities and global collaboration.
Hear from a family:
“We chose CIS because of its Chinese-English bilingual programme, and it has exceeded all our expectations! We’re pleased with how much our 3-year-old’s Chinese has progressed through their culturally immersive approach. When we arrived in Singapore last summer, he could only say a few words in Chinese. Now, he switches effortlessly between both languages.” – Armstrong family
Lakeside Campus, 7 Jurong West Street 41
cis.edu.sg
Learn Mandarin in Singapore at Dulwich College
Chinese as a second language at Dulwich
One of the core Guiding Statements at Dulwich is Intercultural Understanding. This is where the school aims to explore, understand and respect both a student’s own and others’ backgrounds and cultures. Language is a key element of helping the school achieve this Guiding Statement.
As such, children in Dulwich College (Singapore) Kindergarten (DUCKS) are immersed in a dual-language environment from Nursery to Year 2. This is where “purposeful play is combined with a focus on learning to read and beginning to write in both English and Mandarin”. It’s made possible by a Chinese co-teacher who collaborates with the class teacher to deliver a dual-language programme, which covers all aspects of the curriculum. This includes interactions, storytelling and role-playing to develop the children’s listening, speaking and literacy skills in Mandarin. Daily Mandarin lessons in Junior School (Year 3 to Year 6) build upon the foundations of the dual-language approach in DUCKS. This prepares Dulwich students for success in academic qualifications.
An inside look – different language pathways
The College offers three language pathways, ensuring that students at all levels are challenged appropriately. Integral to the Junior School curriculum is a student’s understanding of both the culture that surrounds the language and the traditions that underpin it. These are gained through opportunities such as art, music, drama, dance, stories and celebrations of major festivals.
All Senior School students study Mandarin lessons and a European language – Spanish, French or German – until the end of Year 8. They go on to study the languages of their choice in IGCSE and IB. Year 7 to 13 students also have a First Language French and First Language Japanese programme as part of the curriculum. The school also supports students to achieve the Bilingual IB Diploma, which includes First Language Korean, Spanish, French and Japanese. All First Languages can be studied in the IB Diploma and the school welcomes students from all language backgrounds.
Hear from a parent:
“The kids enjoy learning a language their parents don’t know! But it’s really all about the teachers who transform learning a challenging language into an enjoyable and stimulating experience. They use creative methods to keep the kids engaged, making each lesson fun and interactive. As a result, the children are enthusiastic about their language classes and eagerly look forward to each session, fostering a love for learning.” – Mary N
1 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
Learning languages at Tanglin Trust School
Nurturing a love of language learning at Tanglin
All students at Tanglin learn at least one language in addition to English. In the Infant and Junior schools, all children have Mandarin lessons twice a week and a linguist-in-residence programme operates in Nursery and Reception. The focus is on nurturing a love for language learning and encouraging children to develop confidence when expressing themselves in Mandarin. This moves on to reading and writing as they move through Years 1 and 2. The school also offers French, Mandarin, Japanese and Hindi Mother Tongue programmes for Infants.
In the Senior School, students can learn French, Spanish and Mandarin. All are popular and many students choose to pursue them right up to IB and A Level. In Middle and Upper Schools, the emphasis is on acquiring language and enabling students to use it. In the Sixth Form, language becomes the vehicle for further study that covers literature, arts, politics, history and more. Tanglin students can also study French, Spanish and Mandarin at the mother tongue or second language level during language lesson time. Other languages – for example Japanese, Dutch, Hindi, Urdu – can also be studied outside of curriculum time.
An inside look – learning Mandarin in Singapore with cultural immersion
Cultural appreciation at Tanglin appears in the form of trips abroad, a variety of exchange programmes, as well as Beyond Language projects and cross-curricular activities and events that bring learning a language to life. The Languages department has a rich and varied calendar of events for students of all ages. These include the annual French debate and short story writing competition, Y8 Chinese Speaking competition and a Classical Symposium. During Languages Week, students had the opportunity to experience Chinese dance, Chinese calligraphy, a cheese tasting workshop, Flamenco classes, a visit to a Spanish restaurant, as well as beginners’ lessons in Spanish, Catalan, Urdu and Portuguese.
Hear from an educator:
“I love the passion and energy which our students bring to both the classroom and our varied language events. In addition, I work with an amazing team of teachers and leaders from across the globe. It’s very exciting to collaborate with such a diverse and ambitious group of colleagues who all draw on their different experiences when contributing to the Language faculty at Tanglin.” – David Sheppard, Head of Languages at Tanglin
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
Language learning at UWCSEA
German or French streams at the Swiss School in Singapore
UWCSEA’s diverse community includes students from more than 118 countries and 84 languages spoken at home. Reflecting and supporting this diversity are opportunities for students to acquire proficiency in additional languages. They include:
- English for EAL learners
- First Language
- Language Other Than English (LOTE)
- Home Languages Programme (HLP)
Through this approach, students are exposed to a wide range of languages, cultures and perspectives.
An inside look – learning a language from a young age
Almost all students take at least one language other than English as part of the academic timetable. The languages offered can depend on demand and grade.
EAL students are admitted from K1 to Grade 11 on both campuses. For students with no prior LOTE experience, there’s at least one language acquisition option available. For students that have had at least one year of prior academic study, there are continuation courses from K1 to Grade 11. These options include Chinese, French and Spanish. There’s also a selection of ab initio languages for students joining in Grade 11 for the IBDP.
Multilingual students can choose from a range of ‘first language’ classes as part of the academic timetable. These include Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. School Supported Languages courses are for students who can demonstrate proficiency in their family language and/or a language they were educated in, prior to joining UWCSEA.
The unique and highly regarded HLP is available on both campuses, outside of the curriculum timetable. Students can sign up for classes to maintain the language they speak at home and to develop literacy skills, particularly in reading and writing. The HLP aims to support students to join advanced or first language classes in the academic programme. Across both campuses, students in Grades 11 and 12 volunteer their time to support their peers in learning and celebrating their home languages through the HLP-ers Service activity. These student helpers work closely with experienced language teachers, and the activity provides a blend of technical language instruction with personal connection. It offers a unique space where students not only develop language skills but also share culture, hobbies and stories, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable.
Hear from a student:
“After moving between more than six schools, I found that speaking Japanese helped me build incredible connections. Nothing beats the look on someone’s face when they realise you share a home language. That’s the experience I want to share with younger students.” – Yuki, Grade 11, Home Languages Programme volunteer, Dover Campus
Discover language learning at Stamford American International School
English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin lessons
Stamford American International School believes that learning a new language is more than just acquiring vocabulary – it’s about discovering new cultures and building connections.
Perhaps your child is a native speaker looking to deepen their language and literature skills. Or a beginner excited to try something new such as learning Mandarin in Singapore. Stamford American aims to provide personalised, thoughtful instruction that opens minds and broadens horizons. Through literature, discussions, creative projects and performance, students can engage deeply with language.
An inside look – more languages on offer
Stamford American’s World Languages Program immerses students from as young as 18 months in daily Mandarin or Spanish. The programme helps spark curiosity and communication from the earliest years.
As students grow, so do their language learning journey. In Middle and High School, students are introduced to Japanese, Korean and advanced English language pathways. These pathways meet learners where they are and take them even further.
At the high school level, students who wish to challenge themselves linguistically can pursue the IB Bilingual Diploma. This is a prestigious distinction awarded to students who demonstrate academic proficiency in two languages. This pathway recognises their multilingual capabilities, as well as their commitment to intercultural understanding. It helps prepare them to excel across borders.
Hear from a parent:
“The bilingual programme at Stamford American exposes our children to something we were never exposed to while growing up. The bilingual teachers have been very supportive. They’ve been able to work with children at an individual level, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and help them grow into better students.” – Sameer, Elementary parent
1 Woodleigh Lane
6653 2949 | sais.edu.sg
Language programmes at Singapore American School
Spanish, French and Mandarin lessons at SAS
Singapore American School (SAS) students are able to study languages including Chinese, Spanish and French as part of the school language programme. Chinese and Spanish are available from the early years while French is offered from sixth grade. Students have language opportunities integrated into every moment, allowing them to gain high-level mastery of the language and become engaged global citizens.
The school also has a Chinese Immersion programme to enable students to learn Mandarin in a Singapore school. It operates using a sliding scale model, starting with full immersion in pre-kindergarten with an 80-20 instruction model to a 75-25 instruction model in kindergarten and first grade. Around 75 to 80 percent of a student’s day is delivered in Chinese through core classes, while lessons in English, music, art and PE constitute 20 to 25 percent of English instruction. A number of parents who have taken their families to China have great tales to tell of their five- and six-year-olds helping with bookings, ordering meals and more!
An inside look – immersion classes for Chinese as a second language
The immersion classes participate in the same annual excursions as the other grade level classes; kindergarten classes visit a nearby nursing home as part of their service learning. All classes will visit Chinatown just before Chinese New Year, as part of Social Studies and learning about important festivals. Opportunities abound in after school activities including calligraphy, paper cutting, wushu, martial arts classes and even Junior Journalists where students produce their own trilingual magazine in English, Chinese and Spanish.
Hear from a parent:
“We didn’t set out to look for a Chinese as a second language immersion programme for our younger kids. After seeing it in action however, we were very impressed. It’s amazing to see our elementary school child read chapter books in Mandarin and write her own realistic fiction series using Chinese characters.” – Aisha Oravec
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Language learning at International French School (Singapore)
French, English and Mandarin lessons at IFS
Multilingual competence is woven into every aspect of student life from ages three to 18 at the International French School (Singapore) (IFS). The school has a bilingual French–English framework, support for Mandarin, and options in German, Spanish, and Latin.
Learners in Kindergarten begin their journey with immersive French, English and Mandarin exposure. They progress to Elementary streams tailored to their goals: the French-anchored Classic track or the balanced Anglais+ bilingual route.
From Middle and Upper School onwards, students can dive deeper via the Classic, International (British), Mandarin or SELO pathways. Non-native learners benefit from tailored support through FLSco, EFL and the French Passerelle. The journey culminates in globally recognised credentials such as DELF, Goethe-Zertifikat and YCT/HSK.
An inside look – language learning beyond the classroom
Language education at IFS extends far beyond textbook exercises. Real-world connection, creativity and collaborative energy shapes the programme. This equips students to thrive in global settings with cultural empathy and communication confidence.
Languages are brought to life at the school through dynamic, student-led programmes:
- Peer-led Spanish workshops: Grade 7 and 8 students become the teachers, crafting and delivering sessions to Grade 1 learners. This transforms teaching into powerful learning.
- Interlanguage karaoke: Mandarin, Spanish and German learners unite for musical showcases that boost confidence, cultural awareness and linguistic agility.
- Daily plurilingual immersion: Kindergarteners spend over 20 hours a week across three languages. This creates a natural, context-rich environment for language acquisition.
Hear from a student:
“When I arrived at IFS, I didn’t know how to speak English. Now, not even one year later, I’ve learned how to speak it! My main English teacher and the English as a Foreign Language teacher support group both helped me, and I got better. Now, I can make new friends at school in English!” – Louis, 8, English+ section
3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
6805 0000 | ifs.edu.sg
Learning languages at Chatsworth International School
Diverse options through a unique Mother Tongue programme
Chatsworth encourages students to develop an appreciation of literature in its many forms through language and learning about language. Kindergarten 1 and 2 students receive one weekly lesson in Mandarin. In primary school, the school nurtures an appreciation of either French or Mandarin in students. Students who lack proficiency in English take EAL. When they exit the EAL programme, they can then choose to study either Mandarin or French.
Chatsworth aims to provide as much diversity in language instruction as possible, allowing students to inquire in their mother tongue and aspire to multilingualism. At secondary school, students can study their mother tongue within the existing school system. To join the mother tongue programme, students studying their mother tongue must possess a high degree of skills and accuracy in their language and complete an assessment as well. Chatsworth supports them by providing logistics, teaching space, training of tutors and time within the school’s timetable (for non-EAL students).
Framed by the MYP and DP principles and requirements, the school’s mother tongue programme aligns with progressive objectives, skills and understandings to address students’ language and cognitive development. It’s an inquiry-based, project-based and concept-driven programme. It allows students and external mother tongue tutors to decide on the content of the units, while following the required skills and understandings.
An inside look – language learning at school
Language ‘LAh’ is an annual event celebrating French, Mandarin and Spanish Language Acquisition at the secondary school. Students across the year groups showcase their knowledge of language and culture by emceeing, singing and narrating short stories in the respective languages.
Hear from a student:
“In the DP School-supported self-taught Language (SSST) programme, every class is a new adventure. It’s a journey that deepens our knowledge and connection to the language we call home.” – Nils Carballieir, Year 12 student (Year 2024/25)
72 Bukit Tinggi Road
6463 3201 | chatsworth.com.sg
Mandarin lessons at EtonHouse International School
Two programmes of Mandarin lessons at EtonHouse
EtonHouse has nurtured cohorts of fluent bilingual speakers, many of whom are non-native Mandarin speakers. The school offers different tracks in English-Mandarin bilingual education from preschool to high school to suit different learning styles and goals. To help students build a strong Mandarin foundation in preschool, the preschool offers two programmes of Mandarin lessons. The bilingual programme has two qualified teachers – one Mandarin speaker and one English speaker – delivering it. This offers children the opportunity to listen and communicate in both languages over time. The EtonHouse ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion Programme is an intensive Mandarin language education in the early years that exposes children to the language for an extended period in school every day. This exclusive Mandarin-speaking environment, which many do not have at home, is essential in giving children a sustainable language foundation from a very young age.
Moving into Primary, children can join EtonHouse Broadrick’s award-winning Mandarin Immersion Pathway. It’s designed to cultivate truly bilingual, culturally competent and internationally minded students by Year 6. This pathway is highly commended by WhichSchoolAdvisor (Singapore) for the Best Bilingual Programme Award and was awarded Best Language Programme (Gold) at HoneyKids Singapore Education Award 2023.
The curriculum places equal emphasis on developing essential reading, writing and speaking skills, as well as helping children grasp the broader applications of language. EtonHouse students achieved a passing rate of 100% in the Youth Chinese Test (YCT), with students scoring an average of 84% for YCT4 (the highest level offered). The school notes that this is a strong testament to the bilingual programme’s effectiveness. With the strong foundation built, students can then continue to pursue Mandarin as a subject in the IGCSE and International A-Levels.
An inside look – learning Mandarin in Singapore
Besides Mandarin, selected EtonHouse campuses also offer Japanese and Hindi for preschool and primary. Spanish is offered at the Orchard campus from Secondary and above and can be taken as an IGCSE and International A-Levels subject. The school also has a successful EAL programme to support non-native speakers to integrate into an English-medium environment.
Hear from a student:
“The best part about the Mandarin Immersion Pathway was hosting the Mid-Autumn festival assembly in Chinese. Our class performed kung fu and a dragon dance during Chinese New Year, and my parents were impressed. I can now communicate fluently with native speakers, write long letters in Chinese, and scored well in my YCT4 test!” – Aryaman, Year 6
Three international schools and 10 preschools islandwide
6746 3333 | etonhouse.edu.sg
Want to know more? Read our huge guide to international schools in Singapore, or discover the best things to do in Singapore with the family. Planning to live in Singapore or new to our sunny island? Be sure to read the digital edition of our latest City Guide.
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