At The Hamilton International School (THIS), languages are an essential part of the curriculum. But why? Why is it important in today’s world to know more than one language? Having knowledge of languages helps gain confidence, boost self-esteem and create a better understanding and deeper connections with people from other countries. In addition, it helps widen career opportunities and foster cross-cultural relationships, makes travels easier and more fun, and enables more insight into the way others think and view what’s around them.
Terry Senior, Principal of The Hamilton International School, believes:
“Learning different languages (at Hamilton) can unlock potential and open doors for our learners. Languages are not only a skill, they develop a child’s learning ability, broaden social opportunities and create future career opportunities. Languages in our modern, globalised world are vital and knowledge of languages can help a student to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.”
The Hamilton International School is incredibly proud to offer four of the UN World Languages to its students. Though the language of instruction is English, the school also provides children the opportunity to learn Arabic, French and Spanish. As the school grows there are plans to add additional language options for the students and increase the number of UN languages offered.
The language teachers at the school are handpicked especially for the incredible passion they have for the languages they teach. This passion is then transferred to the students, so they can enjoy the language they are learning.
Mr. Senior explains that the robust recruitment process The Hamilton International School follows:
“ensures that all our teachers have a wide teaching experience, which includes having taught in schools around the world. In the Hamilton language department, many teachers natively speak the languages that they teach, while others have studied them for years. This means that students at The Hamilton International School have expert teachers, who know the language and can support all levels of language learning.”
In the Early and Elementary years, The Hamilton International School’s language teachers engage and excite students about the languages they’re teaching by involving them in practical lessons, songs and games. They are taught everyday phrases so they can gain more confidence in the language. This enables them to start enjoying what they’re learning and also communicate in that language.
When it comes to the International Middle Years Curriculum, teachers at The Hamilton International School have the freedom to build a learning programme for students. In this way, they can learn practical language skills that can be used, rather than getting them to follow a rigid and content-driven curriculum.
The Middle School languages programme prepares students for the more advanced language learning that they will take on during their High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate, for those choosing languages in Grades 11 and 12.
There are also competitions and international days at The Hamilton International School which are purpose-driven to showcase the language learning skills of the students and give them a taste of some of the other languages they can find within their school community
At Hamilton, the Language Leaders Programme allows students to put their language skills to use by supporting the younger learners in the school. In other words, the older students are able to practise the language they’ve been learning, as they teach the younger students some of the things they’ve learnt. This mentorship also helps the older students develop their skillset in leadership, mentoring, and teaching skills.
In addition to the classroom teaching, there are different language clubs and competitions for students to take part in within Qatar and outside the country, too. The Hamilton International School is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), which runs programmes that encourage the school’s students to engage in International Learning Opportunities.
These programmes give students the opportunity to interact with their peers around the world, many of whom speak the languages that The Hamilton International School’s students are learning. These interactions allow them to practise the language and develop a better understanding of some of the cultures that are connected to that particular language.
Cover image credit: The Hamilton International School
Which language do you speak at home? Would you like your child to learn new languages? If yes, which language would you want your child to learn? Do let us know your thoughts in our comments section. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!
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