Stamford American International School has a robust language programme that starts on the very first day a child arrives on campus. The school’s aim is for students as young as 18 months to become world citizens who create their own unique future. Learning Spanish or Chinese language and English as an Additional Language (EAL) at Stamford American is supported by staff, facilities and resources like an iPad for each student that comes loaded with learning apps to support language acquisition.
Here are four ways the school supports language learning for its students.
#1 Daily Spanish and Chinese language lessons
The Stamford American team believes that being multilingual is a key element of global citizenship and should be fostered from a young age. So, starting in Pre-Nursery, the school offers daily instruction in Spanish or Chinese language taught by native speaking education specialists in a dedicated language learning environment. There’s also a variety of cultural activities and celebrations at school to foster an early appreciation and tolerance of cultural diversity.
#2 Bilingual English-Mandarin
Unique to Stamford American, the bilingual English/Mandarin programme employs a one-bilingual-teacher model – the same teacher conducts classes in both English and Mandarin. This allows for seamless transition during learning, while also providing the opportunity to explore content more deeply in both languages. Students have the opportunity to develop two sets of linguistic codes simultaneously, and experience seamless “translanguaging” between two languages, which is essential in constructing understanding.
#3 English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school’s EAL programme matches its commitment to being inclusive. All of its English language learners, regardless of their English proficiency, are integrated into homeroom and subject classes across the school.
While Stamford American maintains high learning expectations, the school also works to provide support at gradeappropriate levels so all students can meet those expectations.
#4 Preparatory Course for Secondary (PCS)
PCS is a rigorous programme that aims to improve a student’s academic English in 20 weeks. Students learn English in an innovative and exciting way through core subjects, with over 150 graduates from countries such as China (including Taiwan), Israel, South Korea, Japan, Czech Republic and Kuwait.
Hear from Stamford American students and parents
“Being in the bilingual class allows me to learn more languages and be more creative when it comes to learning. Whenever I go somewhere with my parents, they encourage me to speak in Chinese language to Mandarin speakers and it always makes their day.” – Cristina, Grade 5
“Within just one year in EAL, our son has improved so much. It’s been a joy seeing him develop his overall English skill and becoming more comfortable with using English.” – Grade 3 parent
“With PCS, I’ve met new people from other places like China, Korea, Italy and Denmark. It’s a good programme to help me to improve my English level and to get to the mainstream.” – Nicole from Spain
Stamford American International School is at 1 Woodleigh Lane. 6653 2949 | sais.edu.sg
This article first appeared in the November 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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