Mother Tongue Programmes
The IBO recommends that from at least the age of 7, all students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) have the opportunity to learn more than one language.
UISZ strongly promotes international mindedness on the part of everyone.
Whilst the school’s medium of instruction is English, we recognise the importance of bilingualism and strengthening our students’ home languages. The school encourages access to different cultures, perspectives and languages.
Research shows that children who have a strong foundation in their home language are more successful at school than monolinguals and enjoy a greater feeling of self-worth and identity. It enriches personal growth and helps facilitate international understanding for both the student and his/her peer. By continuing to have opportunities to engage in a mother tongue, learners are able to build on the language skills they have already established and it facilitates the learning of additional languages.
The ability of our students to speak languages is highlighted year on year with our impressive results in the IB MYP E-assessments and the IB Diploma.
Korean language
The study of Korean language and literature course in UISZC aims to produce independent and academic inquirers. It promotes critical and reflective skills, ultimately providing our learners with the strength to understand the world around them and shape it positively for their future.
Key concepts such as communication, connections, creativity, and perspective broadly frame the curriculum. Related concepts such as genre, purpose, context, and style lead our learners to deeper understanding.
Global issues explored in the study of Korean language and literature course include:
- identity, culture, belief, diversity
- childhood, adolescence, youth, experience
- families, friendships, relationships
- communities, globalization, urbanization
- media, mass communication, technology
- social class, minority, conflicts, alienation
UISZC offers outstanding courses for IB MYP and DP Korean. There are three lessons per week for all year levels. Various kinds of authentic materials are used in the classroom to give meaningful content to our learners, provoke their interest, and fuel their imagination.
English Language
Academic Program
English is the medium language of instruction throughout the full IB continuum at UISZ, and it is also studied as a language for native and near native communicators as well as language acquisition learners. Native and other high advanced English communicators take the English Language and Literature course, exploring the English language and English literature equally. Other learners studying English Language Acquisition will engage in leveled classes that foster growth in speaking, reading and listening, and writing skills. English courses are taught with a holistic approach, are inquiry based and student centered, covering a balanced range of approaches to learning that culminate into real opportunities for service and action.
Lesson Time
Learners have three lessons each week for an English course except for DP High Level classes.
PYP English language (English for proficient/native communicators)
Local materials are used along with inquiry-based materials.
MYP English language (Chinese for proficient/native communicators)
Literary and non-literary materials are used along with conceptual understanding materials.
DP English language (SL/HL) (Chinese for proficient/native communicators)
Literary and non-literary materials are used along with conceptual understanding materials.
Course Assessments
PYP
Local assessment materials and flexible assessment formats are used for PYP Chinese A to guide the teaching.
MYP
Learners will complete various formative assessments, some which serve as diagnostic indicators of their needs and capabilities, and others which build or check the unit concepts and objectives. At the end of each unit, learners will complete a summative assessment to demonstrate their understanding of the unit concepts. Students in Y10 also need to join the eAssessment for English courses.
DP
Assessment will be set in external and internal two ways after two years’ study. Past papers are always used throughout these two years to help students to develop a deeper understanding and skills of the final assessment.
Co-Curricular Activities and School Events
UISZ offers co-curricular activities such as English Creative Writing for students to explore and devote more time to other fun and exciting areas of English. Furthermore, in UISZ celebrates international holidays and organizes fun activities from English speaking countries around the world.
Field Trip
Field Trips and activities off campus are part of the educational program, supporting the learning in the IB programs. Such activities provide an extra dimension to classroom learning.
Chinese Language
Academic Program
As the host language, the Chinese program at UISZ offers opportunities for students to develop their mother tongue according to IB’s programme’s rigorous framework. The Chinese mother tongue program covers the six skill areas of speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing, and representation. It develops the students’ ability to use and understand Chinese through a range of literary texts, promoting a life-long love of literature and sensitivity towards other cultures. It also encourages students to recognize that proficiency in language is a powerful tool for communication in all societies. In addition to academic activities, opportunities including CCA, field trips, and cultural activities are offered, with the aim of providing a balanced and joyful learning experience for all students.
Lesson Time
We offer Chinese mother tongue program from PYP to DP. There are three lessons a week for all grade levels except for DP HL classes:
PYP Chinese A (Chinese for proficient/native communicators)
Local materials are used along with inquiry-based materials.
MYP Chinese LL(Chinese for proficient/native communicators)
Literary and non-literary materials are used along with conceptual understanding materials.
DP Chinese LL(SL/HL) (Chinese for proficient/native communicators)
Literary and non-literary materials are used along with conceptual understanding materials.
Course Assessments
PYP : Local assessment materials and flexible assessment formats are used for PYP Chinese A to guide the teaching.
MYP : Assessment is ongoing and based on a series of tasks completed throughout the year. Students in Year 10 also need to join the e-Assessment for Chinese LL.
DP : Assessment will be set externally and internally after two years’ study. Past papers are always used throughout these two years to help students to develop a deeper understanding and skills of the final assessment.
Co-Curricular Activities and School Events
To help students to develop their personal interests and understand Chinese cultural heritage, UISZ offers co-curricular activities such as Chinese cooking, Chinese history, Chinese philosophy, calligraphy, paper cutting and Chinese painting. Furthermore, in UISZ it’s a tradition to celebrate the Spring Festival as a whole community event. There is also a China booth on International Day to know more about Chinese culture.
Field Trip
Field Trips and activities off campus are part of the educational program, supporting the learning in the IB programs. Such activities provide an extra dimension to classroom learning.
