Additional Language
Additional Languages at JIS
At JIS, language learning is an essential part of our educational experience. Many of our students are exposed to multiple languages from a young age, and all staff embrace their roles as language teachers and role models in English, Japanese, or Mandarin.
Aligned with the PYP framework, all students study an additional language alongside English. Mandarin and Japanese are taught by native-speaking teachers in four 45-minute sessions each week for P1–P6 students, while Reception students attend two sessions per week starting from Term 2.
The Additional Languages programme is closely integrated with the school’s Programme of Inquiry, with Units of Inquiry often linked to Mandarin and Japanese studies. This approach provides meaningful contexts for language learning, ensuring students make connections between their language skills and the broader themes of their education.
Classes are differentiated to meet the needs of learners at different levels, with students working in either 'first language' or 'additional language' groups. Mandarin and Japanese educational assistants support differentiation within the classroom by working with different group levels. At times, mixed groupings are used to enhance learning engagements. Differentiation is applied through content (e.g., vocabulary expectations), process (e.g., how students learn), product (e.g., how students demonstrate their learning), and environment (e.g., resources and activities).
Students also receive homework tailored to their level, which may include revising vocabulary, practicing sentence structures, reading, keeping a diary, or completing creative writing tasks.
Mandarin Language
Mandarin classes focus on developing the four core language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. For beginners, the main goal is to build a strong vocabulary foundation that enables basic conversations in Mandarin. Students learn practical and useful phrases for everyday situations, with lessons designed to match their age and ability levels.
In addition to language skills, students gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through classroom activities and celebrations of cultural festivals, aligned with the Chinese cultural calendar. This cultural immersion enhances their appreciation of the language and its context.
Japanese Language
For non-Japanese speakers, the Japanese programme focuses on sparking curiosity and building foundational skills in the language. Lessons emphasize oral participation, using pictures, cards, models, and objects to support understanding. As students advance, more reading and writing activities are introduced in the upper primary years.
For Japanese-speaking students, the programme’s primary goal is to strengthen their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Lessons often incorporate the ‘KOKUGO’ textbooks used in Japanese schools, along with a variety of additional resources to enhance their learning experience.