Students don’t just learn the language in Singapore American School’s Chinese Immersion Program, they use the language for learning.
When it comes to raising bilingual students, many educators favour the immersion method. This is a learning experience where students are exposed to the usage of languages in their most natural and authentic manner in relation to everyday context. Not only does this work towards a native-like proficiency in the language, but it also helps students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for it.
Singapore American School (SAS) has a Chinese Immersion Program that does just this. On top of having high academic achievement goals, the program is designed to raise truly global citizens. It has a strong focus on promoting bilingualism, biliteracy, and sociocultural competence in its students. The outcome? Students who can confidently communicate in both English and Mandarin; as well as possess the ability to understand two different cultures, value systems, and ways of life.
What happens in the Chinese Immersion classrooms?
SAS’ Chinese Immersion Program is available for students as young as preschool level. Why start young? Because research shows that children have the innate ability to pick up a new language at a young age. Students at SAS’ Early Learning Center start with a 80:20 percent immersion model, where they’re exposed to Mandarin most of the time. This allows them to learn Mandarin the same way they learn English, as well as develop the ability to reflect on both languages. Students also have the opportunity to apply their linguistic knowledge during service learning visits to nursing homes, and see the language ‘come to live’ during school excursions to Chinatown during the Chinese New Year period.
The immersion model progresses to 50:50 percent from 2nd Grade onwards till 5th Grade. Students will be guided by highly experienced Chinese immersion teachers, assisted by Chinese-speaking teaching assistants. Technology is also utilised in the immersion classroom, where students can use iPads to access fun Chinese learning apps to further master the language. Aside from these, students can soak in the culture through SAS’ annual schoolwide Chinese New Year celebrations and after-school cultural activities like calligraphy, paper cutting, wushu, and more.
Raising students who can create bridges between communities
Just how effective is SAS’ Chinese Immersion Program, you ask? The school is heartened to hear from parents that their kids are able to converse fluently in both English and Mandarin. Some parents who have brought their families for holidays in China even reported that their five or six-year-olds could even help with ordering food, making sense of bookings, and more!
The school also has an avenue for immersion students to express themselves through creative writing. Students can join SAS’ Junior Journalists, an after-school club where passionate students come together to create a quarterly trilingual magazine in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Interested parents can find out more through SAS’ upcoming virtual event
Want an immersive language-learning experience for your child? Join SAS’ upcoming Admissions Virtual Event on Chinese Immersion on 23 November 2022, 9-10am, to learn how your child can benefit from the immersive model. There’ll be a short expert talk on how this model can help children gain high level mastery of the Chinese language, followed by a panel discussion with SAS’ faculty members.
Register for a slot today!
This post is in partnership with Singapore American School.