First Language and Foreign Language

At UWCSEA, we offer First Language Courses for students whose language is typically learned from birth and is usually their strongest or dominant language. The following options are available:

• Dual Campus: Chinese, French, Japanese, School Supported Languages (SSL)
   
• Dover Only: Dutch, German, Korean
   
• East Only: Hindi, Spanish

School Supported Languages (SSL) is designed for students who wish to study their first language but whose numbers are too small to form a dedicated class (e.g., Lithuanian, Shona). These mixed-language classes meet two times per week during the school day. Students work with a professional tutor in their first language and are supported by a UWCSEA language teacher who provides literature instruction and supervises study time. 

Respect for diversity is at the heart of the UWC mission. Linguistic diversity is an important component of diversity. Bi/multilingualism brings cognitive, linguistic, socio-cultural and emotional benefits. English may be the lingua franca (adopted common language) of our community and we are an English-medium international school, but we have an extremely diverse linguistic profile and are committed to supporting bi/multilingualism.  

We know how important it is for students to have a strong first language for learning and wellbeing, so we have a first language-inclusive ethos and where possible capitalise on first language proficiency. The benefits to a student from first language development are distinct from those arising from foreign language acquisition.

The curriculum is organised into: 

Receptive: 

• Read widely, both for their own enjoyment and in order to develop an appreciation of how writers achieve their effects. 
• Explore literary themes and contemporary issues through a range of texts. 
• Develop skills in interpretation, analysis and evaluation, including critical thinking.
• Develop active listening skills in an integrative way. 

Productive:

• Communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively in a range of writing formats including literary commentary, character and plot analysis, imaginative and personal writing; factual, argumentative and persuasive writing. 
• Learn the importance of planning, drafting and redrafting as part of the writing process.
• Employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed. 
• Participate in a wide variety of discussions, debates, interviews and presentations.

At UWCSEA we offer language acquisition in Chinese, French and Spanish for students who have limited to no prior experience of the target language.

Learning an additional language is a powerful, lifelong tool that enables communication across locations and cultures. Language learning empowers individuals to engage meaningfully with others using both receptive and productive skills in a variety of contexts. Because language and culture are deeply interconnected, students are invited to reflect on their own language(s), culture, and learning while exploring those of others. When language learning is grounded in acquisition and intercultural understanding, it equips learners to communicate effectively, whether in everyday interactions or complex cross-cultural dialogue.  

The curriculum is organised into: 

Intercultural Understanding: 

• Develop awareness of cultural traditions and practices, both within and beyond their own cultures, in order to facilitate effective cross-cultural communication. 
• Integrate personal cultural experiences with understanding of other cultures, enabling the development of a nuanced sense of identity.

Receptive: 

• Understand spoken language through listening and making meaning of written texts through reading and visual means.  
• Engage in active reading enabling individuals to comprehend the meaning of texts and visuals effectively. 
• Expand vocabulary to help interpret texts more accurately and understand nuanced meanings.
• Listen to grasp the purpose and meaning of communication, which varies depending on the context. 
• Interpret language according to the situation and intent of the speaker.

Productive: 

• Create and express language, either orally or in written form.  
• Write using predictable structures, varied language, and grammar to clearly convey meaning.
• Use specific letter and punctuation patterns to represent sounds and flow, enhancing communication.
• Develop the ability to adapt communication for diverse audiences and contexts through consistent practice and purposeful application.
• Communicate using appropriate listening and speaking strategies with varied language to convey ideas and create shared understanding.