Language
Arts
Language
Perspective
We
recognise that language, our major means of thinking and communicating,
is fundamental to learning, underpinning and permeating the whole
curriculum. It is not only learning language but also learning
about language and through language. We should nurture an appreciation
of the richness of language and a love of literature.
While
the four communication strands of listening, speaking, writing,
and reading can be observed separately, they are interrelated
and interactive, with learning in one strand supporting learning
in another. This is of particular relevance for international
schools, where every teacher is a language teacher, as success
in every subject area relies upon an understanding and application
of subject specific language.
Language does
much more than promote cognitive growth:
We believe
that:
* Mother
tongue language development is crucial for maintaining cultural
identity and emotional stability.
* Acquisition of more than one language enriches personal growth
and helps facilitate international understanding.
* International schools have a special responsibility to recognise
and support each and every aspect of language development.
Language
Aims
* An understanding
of the internal structures of language.
* An awareness of the complexities of language and meaning.
* An understanding of the reading process.
* An understanding that the effective use of language is an essential
life skill.
* An understanding that communicative competence comes before
emphasis on accuracy.
* An awareness of language as our major means of reflection.
* An awareness of circumstantial effects/changes (style, audience,
purpose, register).
* An awareness of the various influences on language.
* An awareness of the importance of literature as a way of understanding
one's self and others.
* An awareness of the importance of literature as a cultural heritage.
* An awareness of the importance of literature as a cross-curricular
research tool.
* An awareness of differences/similarities in literature (structure,
purpose, cultural influence)
* An awareness of and respect for differences/similarities between
languages/dialects.
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