Language Learning
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How Is language learning defined at ISP?
We believe that...
international education requires exceptional language learning through which students are able to communicate effectively, develop their cognitive abilities, discover their own identity and share that of others.
the IB curriculum emphasises the importance of multilingual communication skills, taking into account each student's unique language profile.
What happens on a typical day at ISP?
Every day, all our students learn language, learn about language, and learn through language. Language is divided into four continuums: reading; listening and speaking; writing; and viewing and presenting.
French language learning at ISP
At ISP, French is a required subject from Early Learners to Grade 10. Language level differentiation begins in Kindergarten, supporting all French language levels and needs.
Primary Years (PYP)
Nursery to Grade 5
Early Learners (Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten)
Twice weekly, 45 minutes each
*Early Learners receive French language learning in an inclusion model in their homerooms.
Kindergarten
3 periods weekly, 2 hours 15 minutes total
Grade 1 to Grade 5
5 periods weekly, 3 hours 45 minutes total
*Kindergarten to Grade 5 students are grouped according to their prior experience and knowledge of the French language. At each grade level, there are differentiated groups ranging from complete beginner to French mother tongue.
Middle Years (MYP)
Grade 6 to Grade 10
Grade 6 to Grade 10
4 periods weekly, 3 hours
*All Grade 6 to Grade 10 students receive a minimum of three hours of French language learning per week, differentiated according to prior experience and knowledge of the language.
*Grade 6 to 10 students may also opt into additional French language learning as part of their 'world language' option for a period of two years during the MYP; this options adds an additional 4 periods and 3 hours of French per week (total = 6 hours).
Diploma Years (DP)
Grade 11 to Grade 12
Grade 11 to Grade 12
Standard Level course - 4 periods weekly, 3 hours
Higher level course - 6 periods weekly, 4 hours 30 minutes
*All Grade 11 and Grade 12 students have the option to pursue French as one of the two languages studied as part of their IB Diploma Programme. This can be at either a standard or higher level, supporting complete beginners in AB Initio through to mother tongue speakers choosing Language A Lang/Lit or Lit.
Acquisition & mother tongue language learning at ISP
Beginning in Grade 6, MYP students may add a third language (world language option) to their IB curriculum. There is the possibilty to study a mother tongue supported internally by ISP or through individual, external tutors.
Primary Years (PYP)
Nursery to Grade 5
Nursery to Grade 5
After school learning
*Each year, the Primary School organises a range of language lessons to maintain mother tongue. These generally take place in parallel to our Extended Curriculum Programme (ECAs).
Middle Years (MYP)
Grade 6 to Grade 10
Grade 6 to Grade 10
4 periods weekly, 3 hours
*All Grade 6 to Grade 10 students may choose to learn either Spanish or Mandarin at an acquisition level through our world language option.
*ISP may support students in Grade 6 to Grade 10 with mother-tongue Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Mandarin or Hindi through our world language option.
*Mother tongue language learning in other languages may also continue via external tutors (fee paying arrangement between family and tutor) with lessons in small groups or individually.
Diploma Years (DP)
Grade 11 to Grade 12
Grade 11 to Grade 12
Standard Level course - 4 periods weekly, 3 hours
Higher level course - 6 periods weekly, 4 hours 30 minutes
*ISP may support students in the IB Diploma with mother-tongue Japanese or Korean, as well as (depending on availability), Spanish, Mandarin or Hindi.
*ISP may support additional mother-tongue languages in the IB Diploma through the self-study programme, which links external tutors (fee paying arrangement between family and tutor) with the student.