Bilingual Programme

XCL World Academy Enhances
English-Chinese Bilingual Programme
For Multilingual Students

Our English-Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual programme aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to Chinese (Mandarin) for both native and non-native speakers during their foundational years. It focuses on developing skills in speaking, reading, writing, listening and communicating in both English and Chinese while also adapting to the individual needs and readiness of each student. Unlike other bilingual programmes that use both languages in isolation, our programme is based on the translanguaging model. It ensures that students have integrated learning experiences in both languages.

The curriculum of our bilingual programme aligns with the IB PYP framework, which is followed by all XWA Early and Primary Years students. This ensures that students receive a high-quality education that meets international standards while promoting bilingual proficiency.

In our Pre-K to Grade 1 classes, bilingual homeroom teachers and teaching partners work together to deliver instruction in both English and Chinese, creating an effective learning environment for our young students. Establishing profound and meaningful connections with our students is paramount to us, as we place significant emphasis on personal, social, and emotional development. That is why we create a caring and nurturing learning environment where our students feel at ease and familiar with the adults around them, fostering a sense of trust and confidence.

Since August 2023, our Grade 2 students have benefited from enhanced instruction provided by two homeroom teachers—a native English language teacher and a native Chinese language teacher—accompanied by a teaching partner. This initiative aims to bolster pronunciation and fluency in both languages.

* In the academic year 2023-2024, the programme is offered to Pre-K through Grade 2 students. In the following year, 2024-2025, it will expand to include Grades 3-5.

Our Co-teaching & Co-planning Educational Model

Identify each student’s strengths in language and literacy development

Analyse patterns in both language and content learning for groups of students

Generate possible explanations for student performance, from multiple point of reference

Identify the most appropriate instructional approaches to respond to student needs

Our new educational model fosters strong collaboration where teachers, teaching partners, and native-speaking language teachers work together to design and deliver lessons.

By merging their distinct skill sets and embracing multiple perspectives, our educators are better equipped to identify each student’s unique linguistic, experiential, and cultural assets. With intentional co-planning, co-teaching, co-assessing, and co-reflecting, they can engage with our learners in a meaningful way, providing additional instructional support and reinforcing language skills.

This collaborative approach leads to a more enriching learning experience for students and provides improved instructional support, effective communication, diverse perspectives, heightened engagement, and personalised learning opportunities for bilingual learners.

The Foundation of the Programme

Equity for multilingual learners

Ensuring that all students, regardless of their language background, have equal access to high-quality education.

Teach language and content together

Integrating language instruction with subject matter content allows students to learn both simultaneously.

A functional approach to language

Focusing on the language skills that are most relevant and useful to students, rather than simply teaching grammar and vocabulary in isolation.

Collaboration among stakeholders

Educators, administrators, families, and community members work together to support the success of multilingual learners.

Key Facts

To learn a variety of subjects and skills in both languages

To participate in engaging and creative activities and discussions

To provide a solid foundation for higher grades

Where Next

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