[lg policy] Tara Pattana International School Language Policy

[Harold Schiffman]

Language Policy 	

Philosophy

Language lies at the core of knowledge, culture, and wisdom. It is
through language that we transmit from generation to generation the
essential elements needed to create and sustain society and
civilization. Language allows us the ability to inquire, understand,
evaluate, create, and reflect. It allows us to connect to one another,
seek solutions to problems, resolve differences, and cooperate to
build communities. Language makes it possible for us to learn, laugh,
and love as only humans can.

No single language is superior to another. Each language on Earth
contains within it the knowledge and wisdom of the culture in which it
is used. All languages deserve to be cultivated and preserved to
maintain the rich diversity of the world’s cultures. All languages
deserve equal and unequivocal respect. Schools bear a distinct and
significant leadership role in the maintenance and promotion of the
world’s linguistic diversity. Therefore, Tara Pattana International
School supports and promotes the learning of students’ first languages
to the greatest extent possible.

Sharing a common language is key to developing a global community
where all people can live in peace and prosperity. While widely shared
languages change over time, at this point in history English has
emerged as the de facto world language. This has resulted in a strong
demand for English language learning in Southeast Asia. Tara Pattana
International School supports and promotes the learning of English as
a means to create a world of peace, prosperity, and mutual
understanding for its students.

People learn languages through a wide variety of means and for a wide
variety of purposes. Students at Tara Pattana International School
learn language in both social and academic settings. Students are
expected to become competent users of language for communication,
self-expression, cooperation and collaboration, productivity,
enjoyment, academic achievement, and self-realisation. The school is
obliged to develop and implement curriculum and instruction that
supports the achievement of these purposes. Ultimately, it is through
language that students come to know themselves and the world around
them. Therefore, language development forms the basis for all learning
that occurs at Tara Pattana International School.

Beliefs and Understandings

    TPIS believes that language development forms the foundation for
all learning and education.
    TPIS believes that well-developed language skills are essential to
open, honest, and clear communication between people. Such
communication is, in turn, essential to the development of free, just,
and sustainable societies.
    TPIS understands that English is the most widely used world
language and supports its growth and development. 4. TPIS believes
that students should be fluent speakers, readers, and writers of their
mother tongue languages.
    TPIS understands that a person’s mother tongue is a direct link to
that person’s culture, heritage, and identity.
    TPIS believes multilingualism is a critical component of success
in the modern-day world.
    TPIS believes that all teachers are language teachers and as such
promotes and supports them in this role.
    TPIS understands that language learning is a progressive and
gradual process that requires significant time and support to achieve
success.

Practices

    English is the most widely used internal working language of TPIS;
however Thai, Chinese and to an extent, Russian play significant roles
as additional internal working languages.
    English is the language of instruction at TPIS for all classes
aside from Thai Chinese and Russian language classes. As such, it is
the school’s most heavily studied language. TPIS stakeholders expect
the school’s students to become fluent and able users of the English
language through their studies at TPIS.
    All students admitted to TPIS are offered full, equal, and
unfettered access to the school’s curriculum and programs regardless
of mother tongue.
    English is promoted as the primary language of communication among
students and staff.
    Use of English is strongly encouraged in all classes aside from
Thai and Chinese language classes. If necessary, however, students are
encouraged to use their first language to clarify concepts,
understandings, and vocabulary.
    All students at TPIS study at least two languages. Students either
study their mother tongue (Thai) and English, or English with Thai and
Chinese or Russian as a third language.
    TPIS provides instruction to develop students’ mother tongue
languages to the fullest extent possible.
        TPIS understands its obligation to provide Thai students with
rich and effective instruction in the development of their mother
tongue. Thai students receive a minimum of five periods a week of
instruction in Thai.
        Students who do not speak Thai, Chinese or Russian as a mother
tongue may choose one or both of these languages to learn and are then
provided learning experiences that suit their level and needs.

    The English National Curriculum forms the basis for the TPIS
English language arts program. The Thai national curriculum standards
and benchmarks form the basis for the TPIS Thai language arts program.
    People develop language skills and knowledge at different rates.
TPIS, therefore, uses a range of differentiated learning strategies
throughout the grades to support student language development and
growth.
    TPIS constantly seeks to improve its languages’ curriculum and
instruction through the identification, development, and
implementation of research-based best practices.
    Professional development in the field of language learning is
essential to promote effective language learning. Therefore, TPIS
constantly seeks opportunities for its teachers to engage in
professional development activities which will support their growth as
teachers of language.
    School documents and communications are primarily produced in
English. Wherever and whenever possible, translations of important
school documents and communications are provided to stakeholders in
Thai as well.

Policies

    Students seeking admission to TPIS are subject to entrance
assessments and an interview which measures a student’s ability to
speak, read, write, and listen in English (except those in paragraphs
2 and 3 below). Decisions to admit a student are based on the
assessment scores as well as a holistic evaluation of the student’s
academic and language abilities, attitude, educational background, and
personality.
    Students who may be considered beginning English language learners
are accepted directly into the mainstream curriculum upon admission to
pre-nursery, nursery and reception classes. However, students who are
very weak in English Language may be recommended to take the extra
classes available.
    Students who may be considered elementary English language
learners are accepted directly into the mainstream curriculum upon
admission to years 1 and 2. However, TPIS may recommend that an EAL
programme be followed for those students who have little or no English
language.
    Students entering TPIS in year 3 onwards, who have little or no
English language, must enter the ASL programme.
    The EAL programme may be extra lessons or a more intensive form
where the student joins a full-time English class. Such classes
contain elements of Science, Mathematics and Sports as well.

http://www.tarapattana.com/information/policies/tpis-language.html

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