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!
Mandarin Teacher
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Mandarin Teacher
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Serena Liu XiuRen holds a BA in Education, majoring in Preschool Education and Lower Primary Teaching from Shenzhen University (China) and Certificate of Music Teaching from Ministry of Education (China). After graduation, she remained in her Alma Mater, teaching in the University’s Kindergarten for 3 years before moving to Singapore with her family. While teaching in Singapore, she has attained teaching certification from ECDA (Early Childhood Development Authority) as well as IB Certification from IBO in both Category 1 and Category 3.
Serena is an experienced teacher who has been teaching in Shenzhen and Singapore for many years in both international and local schools. Serena strongly believes in the philosophy of learning through play and interaction, and has fostered many friendships with students to teach them Mandarin and share Chinese culture with them. She believes in encouraging her students to be self-motivated learners and to ask questions when in doubt. She believes she is a passionate and patient teacher and is constantly exploring new ways to ensure her students enjoy Chinese.
Out of school hours, she enjoys reading and spending time with her young family. Travelling is also one of her passions.
Mandarin Teacher
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Mandarin Teacher
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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!
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.
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.
