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.
Grade 6 Tutor, Spanish/French Teacher
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Grade 6 Tutor, Spanish/French Teacher
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Rachel hails from Lorraine, in the North-East of France. She has a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Master’s degree in Teaching from France.
Rachel is keen on a holistic approach to teaching and believes in engaging students with independent activities and collaborative learning in groups. Her passion to teach comes from having worked with students for many years and enjoying her teaching experiences with them. She thinks of herself as a devoted, funny and friendly teacher and remembers all her students very clearly. She looks forward to interacting with her students each day and says, “Every teaching day is a memorable experience for me”.
Rachel looks forward to the multicultural environment at OWIS, where kindness is embedded in the culture of the school. She aims to live up to OWIS’ philosophy of kindness by being kind to her students.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys yoga, dancing and climbing.
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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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.
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!
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.
