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Languages
Bilingual education lies at the heart of YCYW schools, where students engage in a dynamic linguistic journey. English and Chinese are mandatory subjects, shaping their cognitive landscape. Beyond these essentials, students benefit from exploring additional languages, whether their mother tongue or a third language that piques their interest. Language serves as the foundation for learning, thinking, and communication, providing an intellectual scaffold for conceptual development.
Language's significance extends beyond academics. It plays a pivotal role in fostering critical thinking, nurturing international-mindedness, and sustaining personal growth and cultural identity. It empowers responsible participation in local, national, and global communities. The ability to converse in multiple languages is not only a skill but an integral part of YCYW’s mission and principles. This intercultural competence enriches the educational experience, allowing students to appreciate diverse ways of living, behaving, and perceiving the world.
At YCYW schools, our educational approach is meticulously designed to equip students with mastery in both Chinese and English. Through a balanced study of genres and literary texts—spanning local and world literature—students engage in rich interactions with diverse content. These interactions yield profound insights into moral, social, economic, political, cultural, and environmental dimensions.
But language proficiency extends beyond mere comprehension. With their high level of proficiency in Chinese and English, students adeptly:
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Use language as a vehicle: It becomes a conduit for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, self-expression, analysis, and social interaction.
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Develop multifaceted skills: Listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and presenting—all honed across various contexts.
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Embrace critical, creative, and personal approaches: They delve into both literary and non-literary texts, exploring diverse historical periods and cultures.
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Navigate personal, host, and other cultures: Literary and non-literary texts serve as gateways to understanding cultural nuances.
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Explore language through diverse media and modes: From traditional texts to digital platforms, they engage with language in multifarious ways.
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Apply linguistic and literary concepts: These skills find authentic contexts for practical application.
Recognising that each student embarks on a unique journey toward mastery, we acknowledge their diverse entry points. Some students also explore third modern languages, enriching their cultural perspectives. Their interim goals include:
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Proficiency in an additional language: Simultaneously supporting the maintenance of their mother tongue and cultural heritage.
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Respect for linguistic and cultural diversity: Understanding and appreciating varied heritages.
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Communication skills for further learning, study, and work: Equipping them for a globalized world.
Link to YC English Language Curriculum Guide