Languages at ISU

It is the philosophy at ISU that language learning is a life-long process that runs through all aspects of teaching and learning. It is crucial in allowing students to develop their sense of personal identity, promoting intercultural awareness and allowing them to pursue multiple forms of expression. Research shows that the level of competency in one’s first language has a direct influence on the rate of one’s second and further language acquisition. We firmly believe that by developing and promoting first language learning we are affirming students’ sense of identity, value in the community and academic achievement.

Core expectations regarding English language learning The language of instruction at ISU is English. A student’s proficiency in academic level English is vital to their successful learning across all curricula in school. Even though admission to ISU requires that the student demonstrate an adequate level of academic English, there will be some students who require English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. This EAL support is provided by various means throughout the Primary and Secondary school.

Overview of the ISU language programme options - Students at ISU are required to study English and one other language while at ISU. This other language may be the students’ mother tongue, another language to which they have had exposure previously or a language that is new to them.

All students study English in non-streamed classes at each grade level. Those who have EAL support needs will receive this support in a variety of ways – with an EAL teacher assisting in the classes of various subject areas; with an EAL teacher providing extra language support lessons during the school day or after classes at the end of the day; or with other forms of pull-out language support.

Students, whose mother tongue is Mongolian, study Mongolian A (mother-tongue level) from Pre-kindergarten to Grade 5. Starting in Grade 6, they may choose from Mongolian, French or Mandarin.

ISU strongly encourages all Mongolian native speakers to remain in their language of study throughout their schooling to strengthen their mother-tongue, as well as making them eligible for a Bi-Lingual IB diploma upon completion in good standing of the IB DP course.

All other students study Chinese B or French B as a second-language from Grade 6 to 12.

Students who enter ISU in Grade 10 and who have not studied either Mandarin or French as foreign languages, have an opportunity to study an on-line language course of their choosing to continue their previous second language studies, to hire a tutor at their own expense to continue a language, or to maintain their mother tongue. Beginning Spanish is offered only as a Grade 11/12 DP course.

All non-English mother-tongue DP students have an opportunity to study their native language as a self-taught option during Grades 11 and 12.

Role of the Library in language learning - The school values the importance of creating a well-resourced learning environment that fully supports language learning and academic achievement. The development of a collection of text and non-text resources for use in and outside the classroom is critical to stimulating learning and to supporting student success. The library plays an important role in language learning and is increasingly well stocked with resources in English, Mongolian, Korean, French, Spanish and other languages. The library houses resources in multiple formats and provides an instructional programme through which information literacy skills are co-taught in the context of unit studies.

Role of parents in language learning - The role of parents is vital in ensuring a positive approach towards the study of languages. Parents are encouraged to promote language learning at home by engaging with their children in their mother tongue and in the languages taught at school.

Parents are encouraged to:

• Let children see that learning a new language is a new and exciting challenge at any age

• Ensure that children are exposed to their mother tongue on a daily basis

• Provide opportunity for children to use English on a daily basis

Spelling - As an international school, we accept both American and British spellings.