Bilingual Program

Why Bilingual?

Daily instruction is not sufficient for some students for their language development objectives. Our bilingual program develops excellent communication skills in both languages across the curriculum for the highest possible proficiency and confidence in both languages. The bilingual program at Stamford follows the same curriculum as the mainstream classes and is offered from Pre-primary to Grade 5.

What is the split of Mandarin and English teaching time?

The Bilingual Program at Stamford is a 60-40 English/Mandarin dual-immersion model using simplified Chinese characters. Students spend approximately 40% of their time fully immersed in Mandarin and about 60% in English.

Subjects taught in both languages:

  • Math
  • STEMinn (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math & Innovation)
  • Inquiry
  • Second Step

Is the curriculum different from the non-bilingual stream? Q & A

Do Students Still Take Other Specialist Classes?

Yes, but physical education, drama, art, and music are conducted in English.

Is The Bilingual Program More Difficult?

The English/Mandarin Bilingual Program is rigorous and demanding for many students. Language learning requires considerable concentration as a student watches, listens, and actively participates in understanding both the language and the content. However, the level of difficulty depends on the student.

Do Students Still Attend Daily Mandarin Language Classes?

Yes, students also participate in daily Mandarin classes with a Mandarin teacher to help develop specific skills and learn through subject-based immersion.

Can Students In The Bilingual Program Choose The Daily Spanish Option?

Students also participate in daily Mandarin classes with a Mandarin teacher to help develop specific skills in addition to learning through subject-based immersion.

Does My Child Need To Know Mandarin To Join The Program?

No, children do not need to be native speakers to participate in the Bilingual Program but recommended that students have some prior exposure to Mandarin studies. Students must, however, have proficient academic, self-management, and social skills. Students in the same grade can have different language proficiency in Mandarin. Students are grouped according to their ability to personalize their learning journey for Math and Inquiry class.

Do Parents Need To Provide Additional Support At Home?

The school does not require support at home but parents are encouraged to support their child’s English reading growth by exploring books together at home daily. To provide extra support in Mandarin at home, playdates with Mandarin-speaking friends, Apps, cartoons, etc. may also be beneficial. Parents should be open to providing these opportunities for their children.

What Are The Benefits Of The Bilingual Program?

  • Learning a language positively impacts the structure and cognitive functions of the brain.
  • Bilingualism can lead to the respect of multiple cultural heritages that build friendships that cross-class language boundaries.
  • Bilingualism increases marketable skills in a global society.
  • Dual-language students have somewhat higher test scores and seem to be happier in school. Attendance is better, behavioral problems fewer, parent involvement higher*.
  • Bilingual education helps improve students’ sense of belonging and increases parent involvement in their children’s education.

Should you have any questions about Stamford’s Bilingual Program or any other aspects of our curriculum, our Admissions Team would be happy to speak to you. E-mail us or call (+852) 2500 8688.

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