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.
Technology is a part of everything we do at OWIS. Sophisticated digital tools not only optimise student learning; they also increase the safety. 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.
French Teacher
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French Teacher
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Maelle hails from Noumea New Caledonia in France and has joined OWIS as our Full-time French teacher.
She has a Post graduate Certificate in Education (International) with Distinction from the University of Nottingham and a Master's Degree in Environmental Technology from the University of Manchester. She has several years of corporate experience in engineering, management and consulting roles. For the past few years, she has taught French at international schools in Singapore.
Mandarin Teacher
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Mandarin Teacher
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Stephanie is originally from China. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Teaching from Heze University, Certificate of 'Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages' from Confucius Institute, Certificate of 'Inquiry in the Chinese Language Foreign Classroom' from Innovative Global Education and a Certificate of 'Making the PYP Happen in the Classroom' from IBO.
Stephanie is a passionate Mandarin teacher who has more than 7 years of IB PYP and IGCSE teaching and guidance experience in international schools in Singapore and HongKong. She also has one year of Mandarin teaching experience for pre-schoolers.
Stephanie is a native Mandarin speaker who can speak English fluently. She believes that each student learns in their own unique way and uses multiple methods of teaching (linguistic, visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to reach students so that no one is left behind. Her favourite foods are dumplings and the special HongKong dimsum!
When she is not busy teaching her students Mandarin, Stephanie likes traveling, doing various handcrafts, collecting coins and stamps.
Mandarin Teacher
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Mandarin Teacher
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Wendy holds a Bachelor of Chinese Literature degree from Singapore University of Social Sciences. Prior to joining OWIS, Wendy taught for 5 years in Singapore schools as an MOE Registered Instructor.
Wendy believes Mandarin can be a good communication skill in today's global world. Besides developing language skills in her students, she places equivalent focus on the overall development of a student. Wendy loves to challenge students, build up their inquisitive minds through active inquiry based learning and prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
Wendy enjoys spending time reading, travelling and participating in different self-enrichment and improvement activities.
Head of Mandarin Department
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Head of Mandarin Department
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An expert in Chinese and international languages, Daisy Jin adds her own personal touch to the OWIS ecosystem. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as an International Language and Bachelor of Arts in Translation of Chinese and English.
Experience is the key to teaching students to speak a foreign language. Daisy is a native Mandarin speaker and fluent in many languages. She has extensive experience as a translator and educator. She is certified to teach Mandarin Proficiency in National Grade 1B, and has experience teaching Mandarin at international schools as well as training in HSC, IGCSE, and IB curricula at the National Institute of Education.
Teaching isn’t just a career; it’s a life-long passion. Daisy was drawn to teaching because she loves the curiosity most young children demonstrate. Teaching gives her the chance to open their minds to new cultures and languages.
OWIS’ values align with Daisy’s goals as a teacher. She promotes student-oriented pedagogy that’s tailored to meet each child’s individuality. By providing a curriculum that takes every student’s interest and academic level into account, she is able to reach more individuals and help them achieve their goals.
As a language expert, Daisy enjoys learning languages and cultures of various countries. Furthermore, she loves to take key elements and flavours from her cultural experiences and bring them into the classroom.
For more information about the learning Mandarin and the multiple-language curricula at OWIS Singapore, contact us today.
