Skip To Main Content

Languages

Languages

Our international school community is enriched with students from diverse cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities who embrace a global focus. All our students should be allowed to develop their home language. We recognise the strength and the great benefits of learning one’s home language and deepening the understanding of one’s own culture. The home language is integral to the student’s identity, and a strong connection to a home culture leads to better self-esteem, intercultural awareness, and international-mindedness.

We also strongly believe that students in an ever-changing linguistic world should endeavour to achieve a high level of competence in two languages. This is shown through the continued study of the home language and an additional language.

Not only does the study of two languages enable our students to communicate effectively in an increasingly global context, but it also empowers them to understand the cultures of other people. Through language learning, we expose students to various societies and people who speak and use these languages, thereby providing students with a more holistic understanding and appreciation of other languages.

For our Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents, we comply with the Singapore Ministry of Education’s Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Requirements.

 

Chinese

In all Grades, we offer Chinese on three different pathways (as a 1st, 2nd or foreign language) according to the varying needs of our students. Within each pathway, students are placed in ability sets that are best suited for their level of language competency.

Grade 7 Chinese Experiential Learning

During their annual Chinese lessons, the Chinese Department organises a visit to the Tea Chapter for our Grade 7 First and Second Language classes. Students participate in a Cultural Immersion — Tea Appreciation Workshop.

The objective of this workshop is to support the learning of Chinese tea culture and appreciation. Students gain an insightful understanding of the history of Chinese tea, its variety, and the art of tea appreciation. Our students learn more about Chinese dining etiquette through the instructors' explanation and demonstration of tea.

The Grade 7 students from Foreign Languages classes have a cultural immersion experience on a lunch trip to a Chinese restaurant where they experience Chinese cuisine being served formally. Students are also given opportunities to order their food in Mandarin, to identify and use Chinese cutlery, and to observe the preparation of traditional Chinese food such as Lamian (hand-made noodles). Such hands-on experience enhances what they have learned during lesson time.

 

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme

The EAL Programme offers specialised, tailored support for students whose English is not their first language and who require additional support in order to access the curriculum and prepare them for the demands of a rigorous academic programme.

The EAL Programme is designed to provide a dynamic and evolving level of support that enables students to access lessons and find success as their English language proficiency grows. Some students may only require support for 1 year, and others may need support over a longer period. Students who join SJI International admitted in the EAL Support Programme in Grade 9 and Grade 11 will be required to remain in the Programme for 2 years, the duration of the 2 year IGCSE and IB Diploma respectively.

FAQs

  • Can I choose to not participate in the programme?

    Students placed in the programme have been assessed as requiring this additional support to provide the foundational language skills required to meet the demands of the curriculum. This is not an optional programme that can be subscribed to. It is a requirement of admission.
     
  • How do we assess if a student needs the programme?

    We use a number of assessments to help identify and track the progress of EAL students. There is the Oxford Placement Test to help identify the general ability range of a student. From this general assessment, we can follow up with further assessments which analyse reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary. These are carried out through the Paul Nations Vocabulary Size Test, a programme called Read Theory, and CEFR aligned diagnostics.
     
  • When can students move out of EAL withdrawal support?

    Students can transition out of EAL withdrawal at the end of Grade 7 or Grade 8 if they demonstrate sufficient development. Movement decisions will be based on the assessments mentioned above.

    Unlike the Grades 7 and 8 course, students in Grades 9 and 10 will only be able to move at the end of IGCSE. Learners follow EAL lessons in place of English lessons, preparing them for an IGCSE examination in English as a Second Language at the end of Grade 10. It also includes preparation for English Language B HL of the IB Diploma English course.
     
  • What is the pathway through to the IB Diploma?

    Students learning English as an Additional Language must study a first language as they move through school. We offer Chinese and Indonesian as mainstream first languages, and many others are offered on the Home Language Programme. Please be aware that if your child has sufficient proficiency in their first language, only then will they have a pathway through to the IBDP. Therefore, a clear language pathway must be decided upon admission into SJI International.

 

French

French is offered as a part of the Parent-Funded Home Language programme.

Francophone Cultural Event at Alliance Française Singapour

On 'Francophone' Day, we celebrated the rich tapestry of the French language spoken across the globe. SJI International’s French language students actively engaged in various exciting activities. This event provided a captivating window into Francophone history and culture with interactive quizzes and games. Notably, Diya from Grade 11 received a prestigious award for her outstanding achievements in the French language.

Around the World Exhibition at Alliance Française de Singapour

This exceptional exhibition showcased groundbreaking French innovations that have transformed how we travel on land, by sea, and in the air. Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne's iconic novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days", the exhibition allowed our students to appreciate his work's modern interpretations deeply.

German

German is offered as a part of the Parent-Funded Home Language programme.

Hindi

Grade 11 Hindi experiential learning

In 2021, Grade 11 Hindi students worked with RBK International Academy in Mumbai. Students expressed their thoughts regarding our respective countries' cultures, languages and customs. The RBK students asked many questions about Singapore's multiculturalism, and we explained how this is reflected in the many facets of life here. From this conversation, we have learnt the value of courage and the importance of participation: after all, the more you put in, the more you get out. We hope that the students of Hindi in other Grades will have a similar opportunity in the future.

 

Indonesian

 

Japanese

A journey to Waseda Shibuya Senior High School, an esteemed institution affiliated with Waseda University in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Our students explored various aspects of Japanese culture while conversing in Japanese within authentic, real-life settings. This unique opportunity allowed them to apply their language skills in a practical context and gain a deeper appreciation for the culture they are studying.

Korean

Korean is offered as a part of the Parent-Funded Home Language programme.

Malay

Grade 12 Experiential Learning

In April 2022, the Malay / Indonesian Languages department initiated a Grade 12 Collaboration Virtual Lesson with IBDP Yr1 Jerudong International School (JIS), Brunei. The initiative's objectives were to experience a learning environment with students from an overseas IB school and embed possible ATL / CAS / ToK into lessons. Both classes managed to carry out the shared lessons using shared resources on the theme of Autism since April was World Autism Acceptance Month.

Spanish

A Trip to Spain 2023

Twenty students from grades 8 to 12 embarked on a two-week educational trip to Spain, immersing themselves in the language and culture. Their adaptability, independence, and resilience grew throughout the journey, while their language skills significantly improved.

Their experiences ranged from lively salsa and flamenco sessions to indulging in tapas tours and paella dinners, exploring iconic landmarks, engaging in sports activities, and immersing in nature. The students actively participated in Spanish lessons and staying with host families provided them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Throughout their time in Spain, the students were excellent ambassadors of SJI International showcasing their curiosity and willingness to learn from the experiences presented to them.

Grade 7 Music Workshop

Grade 7 students of Spanish participated in a Cumbia dance workshop led by a Colombian musician. This brings to life the unit called Passions Around the Globe. The students learn about the history and origins of Cumbia's Afro-Indigenous rhythms in Central and South America, and they deepen their understanding of the interplay of indigenous American, European, and African cultures. The students learn the four main steps of Cumbia and have the opportunity to wear some of the traditional customs. The workshop concludes with participants creating a choreography. This performance integrates all the learned steps, highlighting the profound connection between these movements and their indigenous origins. The students also immerse themselves in a percussion session.

Grade 8 Dia de los Muertos Workshop

As part of a workshop dedicated to Día de Muertos, Grade 8 students explored the symbolic universe of one of the most syncretic traditions in the Spanish-American world. Día de Muertos combines pre-Columbian beliefs surrounding the honouring of ancestors with Hispanic and Catholic elements drawn from the celebration of All Saints’ Day.

During the workshop, students examined how this cultural synthesis crystallises in the creation of a traditional altar. Each element placed on the altar carries a specific symbolic meaning, such as remembrance, guidance, nourishment or protection for the departed. By analysing and recreating these elements, students gained a deeper understanding of how syncretic traditions communicate identity, memory and cultural continuity.

This year, students designed their own Día de Muertos altars, interpreting the values expressed in this tradition and reflecting on the cultural significance behind each symbol they selected.

Grade 9 Día de Muertos Workshop: 3D Alebrije Design

During this workshop, Grade 9 Spanish students engaged with the CAS strand of Creativity through an exploration of Día de Muertos, a deeply rooted Mexican tradition that blends pre-Columbian, Hispanic, and Catholic beliefs. This cultural context allowed students to discover the rich symbolic universe behind the celebration.

As part of their learning, students examined how traditional symbols, particularly the vibrant and imaginative alebrijes, express themes such as remembrance, protection, and guidance. Building on this understanding, they designed and created their own 3D alebrijes, thoughtfully selecting colours, animal features, and symbolic elements to represent cultural values and personal meaning.

The workshop offered students a hands-on opportunity to connect creativity with cultural appreciation, resulting in unique pieces that reflect both artistic expression and a deeper understanding of this meaningful tradition.

Grade 11 MasterChef Workshop: Exploring Health, Wellbeing, and Hispanic Cuisine

As part of their final unit on Health and Wellbeing, Grade 11 Spanish students participated in a MasterChef-style workshop designed to deepen their understanding of nutrition and cultural diversity. Building on their learning about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and the variety of culinary traditions across the Hispanic world, students explored how food reflects both health principles and cultural identity.

To make this learning meaningful and hands-on, students prepared a selection of Hispanic dishes, applying their knowledge of ingredients, preparation techniques, and nutritional value.

Throughout the workshop, they developed collaborative skills and engaged in thoughtful reflection on the similarities and differences between Hispanic cuisines and their own cultural food traditions.

This activity not only strengthened their understanding of healthy eating habits but also fostered appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of the Spanish-speaking world.

Grade 11 Language B "Human Rights and Social Engagement"

Our Grade 11 Spanish B students' study “Human Rights and Social Engagement” as part of the IB curriculum. Students, therefore, engage in dialogue with the president of an educational scholarship fund that supports indigenous women in rural Oaxaca, Mexico. Our guest speaker interacts in Spanish with our students on various highbrow topics related to human rights. This provokes personal reflections on the rights they enjoy, such as education, and the importance of safeguarding such rights for everyone as part of our school’s commitment towards Service Learning.

 

Tamil

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, takes on a nuanced educational significance at SJI International, where Grade 7 and Grade 8 students comprehensively explore this Hindu festival. Beyond the celebratory aspects, the curriculum emphasises the historical and philosophical dimensions, framing Deepavali as a victory of light, goodness, and knowledge over darkness and ignorance. Students from Hindi and Tamil classes contribute to this understanding by crafting and decorating traditional lamps, integrating artistic expression into their cultural education. The arrangement of these meticulously adorned lamps within the Lasallian block creates a tangible representation of the festival's essence, fostering a festive ambience that resonates throughout the school community.

In a scholarly extension, students go beyond immediate celebrations by producing an educational video. This multimedia presentation delves into the significance of Deepavali/Diwali, exploring regional variations in its celebration across India and highlighting its relevance in Singapore. By participating in this project, students deepen their understanding and contribute to the broader cultural awareness of the school community. Further enriching the cultural curriculum, a group of teachers and students present the traditional folk dance of Dhandiya, originating from Gujarat. This performance serves as a living expression of cultural heritage, allowing students to connect with the dance's historical roots and the vibrant traditions of Gujarat, fostering an appreciation for the richness of global heritage.

 

Russian

Russian is offered as a part of the Parent-Funded Home Language programme.

 

Vietnamese

Vietnamese is offered as a part of the Parent-Funded Home Language programme.

 

Home Language Programme

We are very proud of our culturally and linguistically diverse community. In order to help our community to maintain ties to their home language and culture, we run a parent-funded Home Language Programme. The Home Languages that we currently offer are French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese; however, we are not limited to these.

Our goal at SJI International is to create an environment in which students can experience Additive Bilingualism by maintaining and developing their Home Language in conjunction with developing their English skills. To achieve this, we integrate experiential learning opportunities into our Home Language Programme. For example, visiting the Francophone Cultural Event or the Around the World exhibition at Alliance Française de Singapour, engaging in Japanese cooking classes and other school visits. These experiences provide a more immersive and interactive language learning experience, fostering a deeper connection to their home language and culture.

The Home Language Programme is for:

  • students whose home language is not currently taught as part of our school curriculum

  • students who have a strong linguistic or cultural connection to another language, perhaps through family members or spending an extended amount of time in another country; and for

  • students who are studying a MOE Mother Tongue-in lieu language

Exciting New Third Language Opportunity (Home Language Programme)

Starting in 2025, we are thrilled to offer an exciting new opportunity for students in Grades 7 to 10 to expand their cultural and linguistic horizons through our Home Language Programme. This unique course will allow students to study a third language, deepening their connection to their heritage while gaining valuable skills that prepare them for success in the IB language course and beyond.

Open to dedicated students, the programme includes personalised guidance to ensure a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities. While additional fees apply, the benefits are immense, providing a well-rounded, enriching experience.

For more information or to enrol, please contact our Admissions team.