Language Policy

As SRIS follows the National Curriculum the medium of teaching is English. Moreover, the medium of communication at all times both within the school and in terms of communications with parents is English.

With the exception of Mandarin Teachers,nearly 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.

However, since it is a well-known psychological fact that any second language is more easily acquired when it is linked to a secure first language, we do encourage parents to maintain the family’ s fist language at home. The school offers help through its Dutch programme and its German and French activity sessions and is prepared to offer help with other first languages whenever possible.

Daily Mandarin Chinese lessons are part of the curriculum for all students up to and including Year 9 (aged 13 - 14).

In Year 10, the subject becomes optional but may be taken at IGCSE Second Language Mandarin. It is also offered at 'A' Level. Advanced Mandarin speakers take the IGCSE exam early and move on to AS. Suitably qualified and experienced local staff have been recruited to teach this subject and at all levels the students are set into Advanced, Intermediate or Beginners groups for teaching purposes.

A second Modern Foreign Language is mandatory for 11-14 year olds and is available as an IGCSE and A-level subject from Year 10 onwards. At present most students will study French, although German and Spanish are also offered within the school.

The Head of Section or the Head of English/EAL (English as an Additional Language) 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.

A detailed language policy can be obtained from the school office.