Did you know there are eight key things to look out for when selecting a Chinese-English programme? Find out what they are at CIS’s upcoming coffee talk with expert Huali Xiong…
Raising bilingual children is definitely a challenge, more so if your second language abilities aren’t too stellar. Fortunately, it is possible with the right Chinese-English school bilingual programme on your side. If you’re wondering exactly what that looks like, Canadian International School (CIS) is here to help! The school will be hosting a coffee talk with Huali Xiong, Vice Principal and Head of Chinese at CIS, as she shares eight essential factors to consider when choosing a school Chinese-English bilingual programme.
Here are some key pointers Huali will be elaborating on during the talk.
- Teachers: Are they native speakers? What experience and qualifications do they have?
- Post- programme learning opportunities: What opportunities are available to students to continue their Chinese learning at a higher level once they finish the programme?
- School commitment: How committed is the school to delivering the programme? Is the senior leadership team knowledgeable and supportive of the goals and design of the programme?
- Homework support: What support does the school provide for non Chinese-speaking parents in helping them do their homework?
After the session, you’ll get the chance to visit CIS classrooms, and observe first-hand what their popular bilingual Chinese-English programme looks like in action. Check out their video below for a little sneak peak!
And what makes its programme so popular? Possibly the fact that CIS was one of the first international schools in Singapore to introduce a Chinese-English bilingual programme. Currently they have over 30 bilingual classes for students from junior kindergarten to grade 6, at both its Lakeside and Tanjong Katong campuses. All subjects are taught in each language by native speaking teachers, with students attending lessons in English one day and Chinese the next. This rotating teaching model ensures students communicate with their teachers in both languages, not just the one they feel more comfortable in.
Classes are also fully aligned to the International Baccalaureate PYP, with no limit on the number of classes available per grade. To ensure students maintain their bilingual prowess once the program ends, a specific pathway is put in place so that their Mandarin-speaking ability continues during Secondary School.
The CIS Coffee talk with Huali Xiong
When: 22 November 2017, 9am -11am
Where: CIS Lakeside Campus, 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414
Cost: Entry is free, but RSVP to secure your place here.
To find out more about CIS’s bilingual program, visit www.cis.edu.sg
