NATIVE LANGUAGE NATIVE LANGUAGE PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY We believe that... » language is at the heart of human communication, thinking, and feeling » language is a marker of identity and culture, helping us to make sense of ourselves, our perspectives and our world » it is our right to maintain our own language and be empowered to acquire other languages whenever possible (academic language of the school, and additional languages) » multilingualism and multiculturalism are assets in our increasingly interconnected world, leading to higher levels of empathy and risk-taking » native language learning benefit an individual’s emotional well-being, enhances academic success, and promotes the acquisition of additional languages We believe that Native Language Learning happen best when students: » understand the nature of learning and how it connects across and between languages » engage in various aspects of language, literature, and culture » explore a wide range of literary and non-literary text types, writing styles and techniques » actively dialogue with others through effective listening, questioning, and responding » use metacognitive skills in authentic contexts » engage with accessible, meaningful, language-rich learning experiences » have exposure to engaging, challenging and culturally inclusive practice » actively use language to promote global-mindedness » experience a strong home-school partnership
MS NATIVE LANGUAGE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION A native/near native language is generally described as a language that is used on a daily basis with at least one parent. A child with native/near native language is typically orally conversant, and is comfortable expressing emotions in this language. This language also links the child to his or her cultural identity. Literacy skills may or may not be present. On occasion, students who have had extensive prior experience with a non-native language in an immersion setting might exhibit the level of proficiency that we would expect from a near native language learner, and would therefore qualify to take part in the program. In the MS we offer native language classes as part of our regular academic program in the following languages (minimum of 6 students): French, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish in addition to Thai, if there is sufficient enrollment. We offer these particular languages in the MS, as there is a continuous support for study of these native languages in the HS through grades 9 and 10 and the IB Language A program.
All students who wish to take a native language class will need to take an oral proficiency assessment. Literacy skills will also be assessed as determined by the teacher. Our MS native language classes may have a mix of students from grade 6, 7, and 8, and we expect a wider range of levels of proficiency in the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Teachers of our native language program will identify the proficiency level of each student in the four main skills and support each child to demonstrate continued growth and progress through differentiated instruction, and individualized support. Our MS native language classes provide for a combination of independent study, with teacher support, and full group instruction around cultural aspects of the language being studied. There will often be individualized approaches to learning due to the diverse ages and skills of the children in the class. The curriculum and emphasis of the class will also vary based on the needs of the learners in the class. The overarching goal of our program is to support students to make progress with and develop their native language. While the program seeks to guide students toward proficiency at IB language A level by graduation, depending on the level of proficiency of the child when s/he enters the program, we cannot guarantee that the child will achieve the level of proficiency needed to be successful with the IB language A program in the high school. The course content and curriculum for our Native Mandarin, Spanish, French, Korean and Japanese courses have been influenced by the learning goals outlined in the MYP (Middle Years Program) Framework for Language A.
Native Language Standards
As the Native Language Program offers mixed-grade class, the program was designed as a three-year sequence of units. Below you can find the units that make up the three years of instruction.
YEAR 2022-2023 Unit Titles: Friendship
Essential Questions: • Why are friends so important to us? • What is love? What is friendship? • How can we differentiate real friendship from superficial friendship?
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Travel and Tourism
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How are we manipulated by what we see, hear and read? What techniques do advertisers employ to influence our behaviour and decisions? Are advertisements necessarily cultural? Why or why not? How does culture influence advertisement? What kind of tourist are you? How can travel and tourism promote global citizenship? How are the perspectives of those who travel different from those who don’t?
Our Thai native language program is a requirement for all Thai nationals. This program is formally offered during school hours. This requirement does not necessarily exclude a student from studying another World Language. Students interested in this option should speak with their counselor to see the impact that this might have on other aspects of our MS program.
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ISB International School Bangkok
Middle School Program of Studies 2022-2023
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