Language Philosophy
At the American School of Antananarivo, we believe that language is central to teaching and learning. Our vision is for our students to be successful, productive, and positive members of their local and global communities. Language is not only a means of cultural expression, but also a tool allowing all members of our school to enhance open-mindedness and citizenship at a national and international level. We believe that the maintenance and development of the mother tongue as well as the acquisition of more than one language are key to cognitive growth and cultural identity. Language is at the core of all areas of our curriculum and the interconnectedness of all members of our school community.
We believe that:
in order to attain their full potential, all students need strong language skills
in order to be connected with their own cultural identity and heritage, all students have the right to develop their mother tongue
learning more than one language helps students to become world citizens, respectful of others and adaptable to diversity
additive bilingualism has many advantages for the student, socially, psychologically and cognitively
all teachers are teachers of language
Language of Instruction
The Language of Instruction (LOI) at ASA is English: throughout the school, all subjects, except French A, Malagasy A and Language Acquisition/Language B are taught through the medium of English.
While we are an American School, we recognise that there is no one international English. Teachers and students at ASA come from different countries and speak and write a number of different Englishes. Students will hear different accents and dialects, and a part of their learning experience in the LOI will be to appreciate and differentiate between the varieties of English worldwide. We also recognize the changing nature of English, both oral and written, which means that our LOI is dynamic, not static.
We believe that:
the LOI is more than merely a tool of instruction; it is important for reflection, metacognition and social interaction
our LOI gives students a point of entry into the global community in which we live, and provides a myriad of opportunities for students beyond the classroom and beyond their time at school
learners learn both the content of their subjects and the language itself through the medium of language, both written and oral
students for whom the LOI is not their best language may require, and should be provided with additional support
English Language Learning (ELL)
In order that all students gain equal access to the curriculum, as well as have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of school life, ASA will provide English language learning (ELL) support throughout the school for students whose first language is not English.
ASA will ensure that the objectives of the ELL Program are met by:
Teaching the basic skills for effective listening, speaking, reading and writing in English
Providing necessary accommodations, particularly in terms of assessment, to allow an ELL student to succeed at his/her level
Modifying the skills, content and/or assessment of regular classes to make them more accessible to ELL students
Helping students to understand cultural differences and adapt to the culture and expectations of an American international school
Supporting students in transition from ELL classes to mainstream classes
Assisting students to become socially integrated.
ELL teachers working alongside the mainstream subject teacher to make accommodations and/or modifications for the ELL student.
Additional (Foreign) Languages
The aim of the ASA Language Acquisition program is to help the students to gain competence in a language (or languages) other than their mother tongue/s or English, with the long-term goal of multilingualism. At ASA we believe that additional language learning contributes in an enjoyable, active and productive way to the holistic development of the student by improving personal skills and fostering an attitude of openness, respect and understanding in a complex and multicultural world. All students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 take both French and Malagasy (unless they are in pullout ELL classes). Students in High School require two Language credits and .5 Malagasy credit to graduate.
The overarching aim of teaching and learning languages is to enable students to become critical and competent communicators. At ASA we aim for students to:
develop a respect for, and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages
develop communication skills for a variety of audiences and purposes
develop multi-literacy skills through the use of a range of learning tools in the various modes of communication
develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts, and critical and creative techniques for comprehension and construction of meaning
recognize and use language as a vehicle of thought, reflection, self-expression and learning in other subjects
understand the nature of language and the process of language learning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components
be aware of and understand the perspectives of people from own and other cultures, leading to involvement and action in their own and other communities
foster curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning.
You can read our complete Language Policy here.