Academics
Putonghua and English Mastery
The core of our learning programs is bilingual mastery for our students who come from both Chinese and non-Chinese homes. We have a dedicated Director of Bilingual Immersion Programs who oversees our bilingual programs. Our philosophy is that all teachers are language teachers – for example, a Mathematics teacher teaching in English is both a Mathematics teacher and an English teacher. All teachers undergo the necessary training to equip them to teach in this environment.
We emphasize mastery of written and spoken Putonghua in Foundation Year to Grade 5, shifting the balance in favor of English commencing in Grade 6. All students are encouraged to work, learn, and play together using the primary language emphasized within their year. We aim for mastery in both languages by upper secondary, backed by a deep appreciation for Chinese and other civilizations.
Language and Curriculum by Grade
| Grade | Language Emphasis | Curriculum | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Putonghua | English |
|
|
| Primary Division | Foundation Year to Grade 2 | 70% | 30% | The ISF Academy Primary Curriculum |
| Grade 3 | 60% | 40% | ||
| Grade 4 and 5 | 50% | 50% | ||
| Secondary Division | Grade 6 to 8 | 30% | 70% |
Authorized School for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) |
| Grade 9 and 10 | 20% | 80% | ||
| Grade 11 and 12 | Language ratio subject to individual student's subject selection |
Authorized School for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) |
||
Note: Percentages presented above are approximations.
