Foreign Language Studies

Overview

To learn a foreign language can be hugely beneficial both by way of immediate learning and long term application. At DBIS Mandarin is our selected compulsory language. Mandarin because of it's global significance and because of our place in China.

Our Mandarin Studies department comprises a staff member based within our Kindergarten to work with our Reception year students along with two Mandarin teachers to meet the Primary and Secondary School needs. We also have the support of two education assistants to further enhance the language study programmes. Lessons are held within our two Mandarin classes and include a rich array of oral work, mime and role play, character development and thematic studies.

French is offered as an optional subject within our Secondary School programme.

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten Mandarin programme begins in the Reception year. The lessons are short, frequent and focus on an introduction to Mandarin in a fun and inclusive way. Our Kindergarten classroom teachers participate in the lessons to ensure reinforcement of the new learning is woven into the ongoing classroom programme. All learning at this level is oral.

Primary

Our Primary School lessons build on the introduction given in the Reception year. Our younger students participate in three 30 minute lessons during a week, whilst our older students attend two 45 minute lessons each week. Our Mandarin teachers carefully assess student development and group for instruction to accommodate all learning levels. Our Mandarin curriculum is built around a number of learning themes that allow for the gradual development of oral and written skills. Our teachers look for ways to accommodate a variety of learning styles within their lessons and make the most of opportunities to celebrate festivals and special occasions with our students.

Secondary

Our Secondary School language studies build on the strong foundations established throughout the Primary School years.  All Students participate in compulsory Mandarin studies, along with optional French studies.  Learning other languages gives our students opportunities to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing confidence, independence and creativity.

At the Key Stage 3 level there are a number of key concepts addressed within both the Mandarin and French language programmes of study, these concepts include:

•      Linguistic competence

•      Knowledge about a language

•      Creativity

•      Intercultural understanding

To see the National Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum in detail, please click on the links below:

Please note: Modern Foreign Languages is not a National Curriculum strand at the Key Stage 1 level.  

          Key Stage 2

          Key Stage 3