As an international school, many of our students hail from countries around the globe. Naturally, many of our students speak another language in addition to English. We have developed a language programme that allows students to immerse themselves in a new language while simultaneously learning about the culture of the people who speak that language.
Our authentic language instruction is designed to allow students to become fluent in a language other than their native tongue. We believe that by speaking another language effectively, and by learning how to write and communicate using that language, students will be well-prepared for success in an increasingly global economy.
At OWIS, students have the opportunity to learn Mandarin as a second language. Mandarin is the predominant language spoken in China and also the second language of our host country, Singapore, which is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world. Our Mandarin Studies programme includes the following elements:
For many, the first step in learning a new language is understanding how to speak that language out loud. Fortunately, young children are able to acquire oral language skills much faster than adults, which is why we begin our authentic language instruction as part of the early childhood and primary years programmes at One World International School Singapore. It's important to note that oral communication skill development at OWIS goes beyond memorising words and phrases. The goal is to help students become fluent in the language through dynamic activities, such as storytelling, games, songs and rhymes. Students quickly become confident when learning Mandarin and other languages, and they are unafraid to showcase their new language development skills.
The authentic language instruction in the early childhood and primary years programmes provides students with a solid foundation of oral communication skills, which leads to an opportunity to dive into reading comprehension and writing skill development. In the secondary IGCSE programme, students are able to begin advanced studies of Mandarin. They are able to apply their oral language skills to the written word. Their instruction in Mandarin goes beyond simply speaking to one another, and extends into reading and writing the language in the classroom setting. This additional level of instruction allows Secondary School students at OWIS Singapore to be uniquely prepared for professional life in a global economy.
Learning a language and developing an appreciation for the culture of the people who speak that language go hand-in-hand. At OWIS Singapore, we incorporate cultural awareness into every aspect of our authentic language instruction. Students in the early childhood, primary years and secondary programmes have an opportunity to participate in cultural and linguistic events. These activities give students an opportunity to apply their language skills in a conversational setting while simultaneously learning more about the culture of the Chinese people. From celebrating the Chinese New Year to hosting an International Day, OWIS Singapore makes cultural immersion a high priority.
Whilst we are committed that all students at OWIS study Mandarin we understand that children who transition from other schools and educational backgrounds may wish to continue with the second language they have been learning. We therefore offer French and Spanish CIAE IGCSE in addition to Mandarin and our IB DP students have the option to take these languages at the DP level.
We also encourage mother tongue learning by offering Hindi and Tamil CCA.
Mandarin Teacher, OWIS Suntec
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Mandarin Teacher, OWIS Suntec
education
bio
Jacqueline Khoo is a Singaporean. She graduated from the National Institute of Education, Singapore, with a Diploma in Education. She earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Jinan University, China.
Jacqueline worked as a teacher with the Ministry of Education, Singapore, for seven years. During this tenure, she was chosen for the Outstanding Contribution Award for a project that she initiated to boost the confidence of young learners through speech, drama and stage performances. Before joining OWIS, she taught Chinese as a first, second and foreign language to students of various age groups.
When asked about her teaching philosophy, Jacqueline quoted Dr James Comer: “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” At OWIS, Jacqueline looks forward to interacting with all her students, and she hopes to help foster a bilingual mindset in them. Her most memorable experiences during her teaching career have been when she successfully trained her students for stage performances.
In her free time, Jacqueline enjoys going to the gym.
Mandarin Teacher
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Mandarin Teacher
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bio
Serena has a Master's Degree in Teaching Chinese as an International Language from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and she has also earned the Chinese Test Administration Certificate. Over the many years of her career, she has taught in China, Thailand, the UK and Singapore.
Serena believes it's important to know students well to understand how they learn. She uses this knowledge of her students to adjust her teaching style to their needs, to keep all students engaged. She also considers a positive learning environment to be essential for students to realise their full potential.
At OWIS, Serena looks forward to applying her academic knowledge to practical situations in the classroom. She loves to teach students about Chinese culture, history and other interesting facts. She also looks forward to meeting teachers from different cultural backgrounds.
Serena feels that kindness and respect go hand-in-hand. Kindness is best taught to students through example. All children learn better in a safe and kind environment.
Serena enjoys travelling, playing Chinese zither, and doing Pilates in her free time.
Mandarin Teacher, OWIS Suntec
designation
Mandarin Teacher, OWIS Suntec
education
bio
Li Wei hails from the People's Republic of China. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Arts, specialising in Preschool education from Shenyang Normal University and a Montessori Diploma from Beijing Montessori Bilingual.
Li is an experienced and dedicated educator who has been teaching for 14 years. She has taught in local Singapore schools for 9 years and in an IB school for 5 years.
Li loves to inspire her students in their learning through the use of online learning tools and interactive games. She caters her lessons according to the student's individual needs and believes that differentiation in teaching based on student needs will further foster her students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing.
Li plays the piano, loves doing art-work and has a special love for spicy Chinese food!
Learn more about our child-centred teaching methodology. Discover why our rigorous and holistic curriculum successfully prepares your child and see how we raise internationally-minded and confident lifelong learners.
*Proposed site for an international school that will open in 2023 subject to regulatory approvals
OWIS Nanyang is accredited for the IB PYP, Cambridge IGCSE and IB DP. OWIS Suntec is a Candidate School for the IB PYP.
CPE Registration Number: 200800495N | Validity Period: 24 February 2019 - 23 February 2023
