Languages at UWCSEA
Beginner foreign language courses
For those with little or no prior exposure to learning the language there is at least one beginner language course available in each grade for students joining in K1–Grade 9, and Grade 11. In the IB Diploma, these are called ab initio courses.
New and existing students have the opportunity to join the offered beginner language class from the start of the academic year.
Beginner language offerings differ by campus, and are offered subject to demand. There are beginner courses available for students joining the College in K1–Grade 11, in Chinese, Spanish or French, however these courses are not offered for all languages in every grade; generally there is a single beginner language course offered in any one grade. Details are outlined by campus on the brochure linked below.
If no beginner language course is available for students joining UWCSEA in Grade 10 Foundation IB, we are happy to discuss an alternative course.
Continuation foreign language courses
These courses require students to have had at least a year of prior academic study in the language.
There are continuation courses available for students joining the College in K1–Grade 11, in Chinese, Spanish and French. Entry to the continuation level course is not available for all languages in each year.
Most students joining the College are tested to ensure they are placed in a course that matches their previous experience and attainment with the UWCSEA language course.
Language options differ by campus and are subject to demand.
First language courses
To support our multilingual students, we offer a range of advanced and home language (mother tongue) courses. When they are part of the academic programme we call them ‘advanced’ courses and classes generally take place during the school day.
Advanced courses
These courses are for first or near-first language (includes native or near-native speaking) students who also have prior academic study of the language.
Most advanced courses are part of the timetable and delivered during the school day, with the exception of Dutch in the Dover Middle School which is offered after school in Grades 7 and 8.
Our World Literatures Programme (previously called School Supported Self Taught Language, or SSST) is offered for High School students during the academic timetable in place of a LOTE course. The SSST course is for home language (mother tongue) learners who have also previously studied the language in school and plan to continue studying the language in the IB Diploma in Grade 11.
If you intend to apply to study a language in the World Literatures Programme (SSST), please contact Admissions prior to making an application to ensure that we are able to support the language you plan to request.
To be placed in any first language course, students need to have had previous academic study of the language, as well as it being their home language.
Available languages options differ by campus and are subject to demand.
Factsheet: UWCSEA Languages ProgrammeDover Dutch Language and Culture Programme
Home Languages Programme
The Home Languages Programme, which takes place after school during the Activities programme, is not assessed in the same way as an academic subject. It supports learners who may not study their home language as an academic subject but want to maintain and/or develop literacy skills. Learn more