IB Chinese Education in BIS

by BIS / 2020.03.30 Monday / Published in news & event

As the ONLY IB continuum school in Wuxi, Boston International School has always been a pioneer of international education and is dedicated to developing future global citizens with international mindedness.

Speaking of an international school, there is always a stereotype of emphasizing English but ignoring mother tongue learning. As an international school, BIS respects and embraces different cultures. We lay great emphasis on the education of students’ mother tongues as well as their second and third languages.

Chinese language has always been a highlight in our education system as we cherish the culture of our host country.

Faculty Team

BIS has a strong Mandarin team with teachers who own years of IB and Chinese teaching experiences. Our Mandarin Coordinator, Ms Tan Wei, owns a bachelor’s degree of Chinese Language and Literature and a master’s degree of Mandarin International Education. She also owns the certificate of high school mandarin teacher. From 2009, she started to teach IB Chinese in an international school after ten years of Mandarin education experience in a public school.

Chinese Language program in Boston International School is dedicated to integrating IB philosophy and framework with high-quality local education resources.

We open Chinese classes to students from EY to DP and group students according to their Chinese language level.

EY period

In EY period, young students are grouped into native speakers and non-native speakers.Play-based learning is the major way of teaching, cultivating students’ language abilities through songs, manual work and games, etc.

PYP period

In PYP period, Chinese class adheres to interdisciplinary philosophy and the six inquiry themes. Students are grouped into Advanced class (mother tongue and near mother tongue), Intermediate class (non-native speaker intermediate level) and Beginner class (non-native speaker beginning level). In Advanced classes, Chinese language learning not only clings to the UOI their homeroom is proceeding, but also refer to local education framework. Selected readings related to UOI theme from local textbooks are used for vocabulary learning, reading comprehension, writing and oral communication. All practices obey to Chinese language features. In non-native speaker classes, UOI theme is followed as well, and students’ abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing are practiced. Their overall language level is thus enhanced.

MYP period

In MYP period, Chinese language is separated into two subjects, i.e. Chinese Language and literature and Chinese Language Acquisition. Chinese Language and literature aims at native speakers and near native speakers. The learning content includes literature in different genres, and analysis of language in non-literary works as well (e.g. public speaking and advertisements). The assessment comes from four aspects, analyzing, organizing, creating texts and utilizing the language. Chinese Language Acquisition is for non-native speakers. Students are grouped into 6 categories according to their levels. Thanks to the theme-based learning approach, students are learning in a virtual environment created by teachers. With practicability as a great emphasis, students’ abilities in listening, reading, speaking and writing are cultivated.

DP period

In DP period, we open Chinese Language A: Language and Literature, Chinese Language B and Chinese Language ab initio. Students have to choose the subject based on their language abilities and IBDP requirements. Both subjects in Boston International School are strictly abided by DP guide. Students’ needs are considered when teachers are preparing curriculum plans. Below is a plan sheet of Language A class:

All classes have limited student numbers and all students are receiving individualized education. In the meantime, we also follow students’ learning progress and regroup them timely.

Culture Evens

Chinese culture is also an indispensable part in language learning. In various kinds of culture activities the school launched, students have great opportunities to learn more about Chinese culture by taking part in traditional festivals, making Chinese cuisines, practicing Chinese Kongfu and even Dragon Dance.

Students also have chances to participate in events organized by local communities, including Chinese competition for foreigners and writing competition for native speakers. We are proud of the results they have received!