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 OWIS 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 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 IBDP 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
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Mandarin Teacher
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Kara is a native of China. She holds a Master's Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Sichuan University, Bachelor's Degree in English Education from Sichuan Normal University and a Certificate in Making the PYP Happen in the Classroom Cat 1 from IBO.
Kara's undergraduate degree in English has given her an invaluable experience in enabling her to speak English fluently and without much stress in an international environment.
She believes that a Chinese teacher in an international school needs to break through the traditional Chinese teaching mode and make creative use of advanced teaching methodologies to teach Chinese and cultivate international-mindedness.
Her EAL and Chinese (as a native language and foreign language) teaching experience helps her to have a better understanding of these two languages and cultures, which enables her to guide her students to explore Chinese language and Chinese culture with international thinking.
Kara is a big fan of painting and calligraphy and loves spicy food!
French Teacher, Grade 6 Tutor
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French Teacher, Grade 6 Tutor
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Helani is originally from Sri Lanka and has a PGDE from the University of Colombo, and a BA from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. She also has a CELTA from the University of Cambridge and a Diploma de Langue Française from Alliance Française de Paris.
Helani believes in the development of the whole child and that every child can succeed given the necessary guidance and care. Helani was inspired by her parents and teachers to begin a career in teaching and hopes to continue to be an enthusiastic, passionate and a loving teacher for all her students.
She identifies with OWIS’ philosophy of kindness and believes that by showing kindness and praising her students’ acts of kindness in the classroom, she can help build a community of kind children.
Helani is married with two children and enjoys reading, travelling and watching French movies in her spare time.
Mandarin Teacher, Head of Mandarin Department
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Mandarin Teacher, Head of Mandarin Department
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As a 2016 graduate of Towson University’s Masters program, Chang is a world language teacher with Mandarin specialisation, from the state of Maryland. Chang has worked in US public schools and the Baltimore Chinese School for over 3 years.
Chang has always been passionate to inspire students’ interest in creativity and innovation, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. She believes learning should be student-centered and has composed different types of Mandarin teaching material as per various curricula and students’ feedback.
She hopes to guide students and change their future for the better. She looks forward to creating a positive learning environment for children, helping them become self-motivated, independent and confident human-beings.
Chang appreciates biological chemistry, architectural design, music, foreign languages, script writing and travelling. Among all these, travelling is her favourite thing to do. She has been to over 30 countries, mostly by herself! She enjoys the process of travel planning and understanding the local customs in each place.
Mandarin Teacher
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Mandarin Teacher
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Joanna holds a Master's Degree in Teaching Chinese from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Liao Ning Normal University in China.
Joanna has been teaching Mandarin language in schools in Singapore and China for almost 11 years before joining OWIS in 2018.
Joanna believes that education is the key to success for young students. As a teacher, she hopes to motivate students in ascertaining their inner strengths and abilities and discovering what truly inspires them. Joanna aims to provide a stimulating learning environment that encourages students to trust their own opinions while fostering confidence in order for students to realise their full potential.
She has learned that if students construct their own learning experiences they will not only retain information longer, but they will also become more confident in their abilities. Joanna loves working with children and wants to continue to strive to be a positive influence in their lives.
Joanna likes being part of the OWIS team to develop independent, inquiring, lifelong learners whilst fostering internationally minded individuals within the school and wider community. She believes that these are the essential qualities needed in the 21st century and are consistent with her educational philosophy.
Joanna likes traveling, cooking and gardening.
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.
