Languages at UWCSEA

At UWCSEA, the language of instruction is English. In addition to English or English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons, almost all students take a second language course as part of the Academic programme and timetable. These are referred to as Language other than English (LOTE) courses.

The languages offered depend on the grade and campus. The course that a student is placed in will depend on their proficiency in the language, which includes their experience in learning the language in an academic setting.

Language courses are designed to provide our students with exposure to other cultures as well as to acquire skill in a language other than English. The details of our LOTE courses are outlined below; our K–12 EAL programme is explained on a separate factsheet.

For the most part these lessons take part during the academic timetable; any exceptions are marked and Admissions will be pleased to explain how the programme works.

We admit EAL learners from K1 to Grade 11 on both campuses, and support students whose first language is not English in retaining and developing skills in their home language (mother tongue) wherever possible. In addition to the languages offered via the academic timetable, we also offer a comprehensive Home Languages Programme for students who wish to maintain a level of academic exposure to a language which they do not study during the school day.

This brochure gives information about the K–12 LOTE language learning pathways available at UWCSEA.

Most students joining the College are tested to ensure they are placed in a course that matches their previous experience and attainment with the UWCSEA language course.

Foreign language courses

These are language acquisition courses.

Beginner courses

These are for students with little or no prior exposure to learning the language. In the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), these are the ‘ab initio’ courses. There is at least one beginner language option available for students joining in K1–Grade 8, and Grade 11.

Continuation courses

These courses require students to have had at least a year of prior academic study in the language. There are continuation courses available for students joining the College in K1–Grade 11.

First language courses

When offered as part of the Academic programme we call these ‘advanced’ courses. Students joining these classes also have experience of academic study in the language, and are assessed as part of the formal assessment and reporting process.

Our Home Languages Programme is offered outside the academic timetable and is not formally assessed.

Advanced courses

These are for first or near-first language (includes native or near-native, home language or mother tongue) students who also have prior study of the language. With a few exceptions, these are taught as part of the academic timetable during the school day.

School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) course

This High School programme is for first (home or mother tongue) language learners who would like to continue academic studies of their language but for whom no taught course is offered. To enrol in the course, students need to have had previous study of the language in an academic setting.

In SSST, literary analysis skills are taught in a class which may contain speakers of a number of different languages; students then apply the skills by completing reading and writing assignments in their chosen language, guided by a qualified native speaking teacher.

Home Languages Programme (HLP)

Home Languages are offered through the Activity programme. The aim is to support students maintain a language they speak at home (not necessarily their mother tongue) and to develop literacy skills, particularly in reading and writing. These classes may assist students to join an advanced language class if it is offered in the Academic programme in higher grade-levels.