When it comes to learning English, it is usually a hurdle for Chinese students and other non-native English speakers, especially those who plan to study abroad. Having a good level of English means that they have the confidence to be able to compete for places in prestigious universities in the future, or that they will have more opportunities in their lives.
The International High School at Ardingly College, Zhongshan understands the importance of developing strong English language skills, so we have tailored our English programme to better suit Chinese students. We do this by combining the best of Chinese and Western education to help them gain excellent English literacy skills during these three important years and successfully manage challenging university courses in the future.
In this article, you will get a first glimpse of the educational philosophy of English language learning at our International High School, and you will be able to discuss the possibilities of English language development with Mr. Nick, the International Head of ACZS, by signing up for the Coffee Corner event at the end of this article.
In China, although the subject of English has long received a great deal of attention from schools and parents, and there are numerous tests of grammar and vocabulary, most of us have inadvertently neglected the most important aspect of learning a language, and that is to start with the language itself.
"Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things."
- Flora Lewis
In the International High School at ACZS, we regard English language learning as one of the core subjects. Not just because as the foundation of most international academic courses it allows you to understand implicit, subtle meanings within texts and speech and communicate clearly and effectively, but because it is the primary medium through which our students will learn to express ideas, exchange opinions, and perceive the world around them during their time in the school and later in world-class universities.
In response to this principle, the International High School offers a comprehensive, balanced curriculum that allows students to develop their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, whilst engendering an appreciation of different global perspectives through the variety and breadth of texts and topics that we cover.
Through dynamic and progressive teaching styles, academic enrichment activities, close learning relationships between students and teachers, and a forward-thinking, student centred curriculum design, the English Department aims not only to improve students’ English ability, but also encourage and empower learners to interpret and affect the world around them in a positive way.
The Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) first published a set of recommended standards (CEFR) in 2001, which clearly classify language levels into six levels: A1 and A2 at basic level, B1 and B2 at independent level, and C1 and C2 at proficient level.
According to its average data, it takes at least 800 hours of immersion learning to reach proficiency level for a beginner.
Therefore, for Chinese students who do not have the advantage of an English language environment, a personalised approach to English language learning and a strong support system are essential.
As a school that inherits the educational genes of one of the world's leading colleges, Ardingly College UK, and has its roots in China, ACZS clearly recognises the challenges and needs of Chinese students in terms of English language development. It is for this reason that the language of instruction in classrooms over the 3-years in high school is well balanced between English and Chinese to support the increasing skill and confidence in students to use English.
Indeed, to promote their English language development, the ability of our students is carefully measured through a series of periodic testing against UK and international standards to determine the student’s current level of English language skill so that we can then continue to provide necessary challenge to help them progress to the next level of English language acquisition and competency.
In addition, relying on English language professionals such as Principal Nick Nightingale, an expert who has 21 years of experience in international education, and worked as the Centre Principal and A-Level Programme Director of Beijing National Day School, one of the four famous schools in Beijing, and Linda Guo, the AP Certified Examiner, Edexcel/ CAIE A-level Certified Examiner, and Head of Year 10 and English Teacher, the International High School is committed to tailoring and delivering a high-intensity English curriculum to meet the needs of every student to ensure each learner acquires the necessary English language knowledge and skills to open doors to further achievement at higher levels of academic study.
English language development is only the tip of the iceberg and a drop in the ocean on a child's long road to higher education. Choosing courses, preparing for exams, completing an application, selecting a university and major are all challenges and decisions that lie ahead for parents and students.
On 27 May from 15:00 - 16:30, ACZS will be hosting the second Principal Coffee Corner, and we invite you to have a drink and talk with us so that we can help you plan a bright future together!
