As parents, what do we really want out of an international school in Singapore?
Academics, sports and friends aside, we want our kids to benefit from the lucky position they find themselves in as global citizens in this vibrant city. What better way to take full advantage of this critical stage in our kids’ lives while they are little sponges soaking up knowledge than to make them truly bilingual. We want a holistic education for our future leaders of tomorrow, and mastering Mandarin will put them ahead of the curve. The motivational Principal at the outstanding International Baccalaureate (IB) school Hillside World Academy (HWA) just gets it – “To sum up our school in three words: bilingual, bicultural, international.” HWA knows it takes more than a few 30-minute Mandarin classes a week to give students a deep cultural understanding of Chinese culture and language.
Sure, this all sounds great in theory. But how is bilingualism achieved in reality at HWA?
- With a strong bicultural system and culture – half of the teachers speak both English and Mandarin and use it every day across subjects for all students big and small. Immersion is key!
- With strong ties to a group of 60 schools in China. The Beijing student exchange program with sister school Huijia Private School gives students a chance to live, breathe and experience an authentic Chinese lifestyle, and to act as hosts in return.
- With a clever campus design to foster a love of Chinese language and culture – think purpose-built bilingual classrooms, library, audio room and Chinese pond.
- As kids are known by name around this community-minded school, they feel safe, secure and ready to learn.
It all makes total sense!
This post is sponsored by Hillside World Academy.
