Language Policy

1、English

The school follows the National Curriculum and therefore the medium of teaching is English. Moreover, other than with local suppliers, the medium of communication both within the school and in terms of communications, interviews, examinations etc at all times is English. With the exception of Mandarin Teachers, all school teaching staff are native speakers of English. It is therefore imperative that all students become as fluent as possible in writing, reading and understanding English in order to cope with and benefit fully from the curriculum offered by the school.

All students, even if they are first language English speakers, will be tested in English before registration. For very young students (Foundation Years, aged 3 –5 years and Years 1 & 2 Primary, aged 5 – 7 years) this may be a simple oral test conducted by the Head of Section. Please note therefore:-

• It is highly desirable but not a necessary condition for students registering for Foundation Years and Key stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) to have some skills in speaking and understanding English.
• Those wishing to register for Year 3-9 inclusive MUST have competent level of written and spoken English. From the initial diagnostic test, the school will be able to advise parents in respect.
• For Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11, i.e. 15-16 year olds) a very good standard of written and spoken English is absolutely essential. Since these years determine the external examinations (and therefore qualifications necessary for post 16 study and subsequently university entrance) access to the whole examination system is necessary and in realistic terms, no student will be able to follow this programme without appropriate English skills.

As stated in the Parents’ Handbook:

“Since the medium of teaching within the school is English we would respectfully encourage you to speak English a home at times with your children. We do not in any way wish to discourage your own language or culture but feel you will be positively helping your children in this respect in their school work.” The Head of Section or the Head of English/EFL department will always be willing to give you help and advice with regard to your daughter’s/son’s ability and development in reading, writing and understanding English.

2、Mandarin

We believe all students from ages 3 – 11 inclusive should be allowed to study Mandarin on a regular basis. To this end all classes in The Foundation Years Section (aged 3 – 5 years) and in Years 1 – 6 inclusive (aged 5 – 11 years) will have one, forty minute lesson per day, every day of the week (i.e. 5 lessons weekly.) This is an integral part of the curriculum and students may not opt out of these classes. For students in Year 7 and above (i.e. aged 11 +) the subject is optional. Students will have the possibility of gaining a GCSE in Mandarin at Key Stage 4 (aged 16.)

Just as the school recognises different levels of English in its student intake, so it also does with regard to ability in Mandarin. To this end, students in all year groups will be streamed in Mandarin classes and taught in ability groups covering Elementary/Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced levels as appropriate and necessary.

3、Modern Languages

Chinese, French, Spanish or German is compulsory as a third language for all students from Year 7 to Year 9 inclusive (i.e. 11 – 14 year olds.) For students in Year 10 and above, the subject will be optional and GCSE French, Spanish and German and ‘A’ Level French, Spanish and German will be options available to Key Stages 4 and sixth form students respectively.

The school reserves the right to advise parents of early entries (possibly even as early as Year 9) for external examinations for their daughter(s)/son(s) in languages in which they have oral and written fluency. By gaining early examination passes a student may be able to avail her/himself of other optional subjects in Years 10 and/or 11 or in the sixth form.

Although the school will liaise with parents with regard to languages at all times, it reserves the right in all instances to give or not to give support as it deems necessary from its diagnostic screening of students.

4、Mother Tongue Programme

SRIS is the only international school in Shanghai combining a British Curriculum with an Integrated Mother Tongue Programme in Chinese, Dutch, French, German and Spanish.

Primary school students (5-11 years old) have the opportunity to study their mother tongue one afternoon per week. Students study in small goups with native speaking teachers. Primary language Activities are offered to a mixed ability class (i.e. students of different ages).

Secondary school students (11-18) study their mother tongue 5 lessons per week and are taught by native speaking fully qualified teachers.
The Mother tongue programme leads to first language IGCSE exams (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) offered by Cambridge University Exam board and the Edexcel University of London Exam Board.