Home Languages Programme

While the main language of instruction at UWCSEA is English, we are a multilingual community with a complex language profile. Our mission-driven admissions policy aims to bring together as diverse a community as possible with the aim of promoting intercultural understanding.UWCSEA offers a highly regarded Home Languages Programme (HLP) on both campuses, as well as the extension of the English as an Additional Language Programme in our Primary Schools.

The HLP is available to students from K1 to Grade 12 and provides a way for students  to maintain and develop literacy skills in a language spoken at home, but who do not study this language as part of the academic curriculum. Is not assessed in the same way as an academic subject.

HLP lessons are delivered by qualified native-speaker teachers in small group classes where students are taught with other learners of a similar age and ability. Our bespoke curriculum is written based on the learning objectives of our language curriculum

Classes support students to maintain and develop their literacy skills in their home language at age appropriate levels. Some home languages are offered until a 'home language' level course becomes available as part of the academic programme. 

In K1 to Grade 1, the focus is on maintaining or expanding exposure to a home language in an environment other than home. 

From Grade 2, we introduce a particular focus on developing the literacy skills of reading and writing. For older students, the programme is intended to assist them in maintaining a level of proficiency that may allow them (if desired) to move into academic classes in Middle or High School, including the option of School Supported Self Taught Language courses from Grade 9. It may also assist students who aim to study for a bilingual IB Diploma to maintain a level of language learning to access a relevant IBDP course.

Although the intent of the programme is the same, there are slight differences by campus, including the languages on offer, as these are subject to community demand. HLP classes are an additional cost.

For information on which languages may be offered as part of the Home Language Programme, and when these languages become part of the academic curriculum, please refer to our Languages information or contact Admissions.