Languages - "Nî hâo", "Bonjour"

From the age of 4, students at the Canadian International School (CIS) learn a second language. Students learn both French and Mandarin when they enter Junior Kindergarten and continue the study of both languages until they reach the end of Senior Kindergarten. Once students begin Grade 1, they select one language to specialize in – either French or Mandarin.

As well as language awareness and development, emphasis in the language programme is placed on cultural appreciation and understanding. The aim of the language programme is to encourage in students a respect for, and understanding of, other languages and cultures, and to provide a skills base to facilitate further language learning and acquisition.

In addition to the additional languages offered at CIS, an excellent English Language Learners (ELL) programme is provided for non-English speakers in Early Childhood Education to Grade 7.

When students reach Grades 11 and 12 and enter the IB Diploma Programme, the main emphasis of the modern language course is on the acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes while, at the same time, promoting an understanding of another culture through the study of its language.

In the Diploma Programme, students have the opportunity to study languages other than French and Mandarin, through approved online IB course provider, Pamoja Education (www.pamojaeducation.com).

Learn more about languages at CIS by perusing the Academic section on our school website. For more information on the IB Diploma Programme, please visit www.ibo.org.