Benefits of multilingualism

At ISP Schools, we help students, regardless of the language they speak, to make friends with local students, better understand the local culture, and  interact more effectively with their peers. As English continues to be the language of global trade and commerce, an English-speaking school gives our  students an important edge when it comes to career advancement. Furthermore, ISP Schools, support them further with the learning of other foreign  languages such as French, German, Russian or Chinese.

Through our EAL programmes, we help non-English speakers understand and master English language concepts more quickly, allowing them to keep up  with the pace of the English-speaking classroom. EAL programs can help these students develop a greater sense of self-worth in their new  environment, as they become more proficient in the language of the school. By immersing themselves in an English-speaking school, students gain a  greater understanding of local culture and customs, helping them to fit into their new home more easily.

THE FOCUS OF MULTILINGUALISM AT ISP SCHOOLS

The focus of multilingualism at ISP Schools lies in the following 5 cornerstones:

• Improved Academic Performance: Learning a second language can help to  improve academic performance in other subjects. This is because multilingualism  helps to develop enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as  improved memory, concentration, and mental flexibility.
• Broader World View: Being able to communicate in different languages gives  students the opportunity to experience different cultures, languages, and  perspectives. This can help to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for  different people and cultures.
• Improved Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that learning a second  language can help improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration,  problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Enhanced Communication Skills: Being able to communicate in multiple  languages can help to improve communication skills overall. This is because it  helps to develop a better understanding of grammar and language structure, as  well as improved pronunciation and listening skills.
• Increased Employability: In an increasingly globalized world, being able to  communicate in multiple languages is becoming a must-have skill in the job  market. Employers often look for candidates who have an understanding of  different cultures and can communicate in multiple languages for global roles.

HOW DO ISP TEACHERS SUPPORT OUR EAL STUDENTS?

Skilling teachers to support their work with EAL students is very important and ISP has  been funding places for colleagues to attend courses led by Across Cultures. Across  Cultures has a clear framework that guides schools to ensure they have a secure  approach to supporting EAL & Multilingualism in their schools.

The 9 areas focus support ISP’s ambition of integrating multilingualism across all  aspects of learning and teaching.

As a Region, we recognize that it is key to support teacher development, and over the  next few years we want to:

Train  teachers  in  planning  for  language  learning  challenges  alongside  content  learning outcomes

• Develop a clear and accessible, easy-to-use scaffolding resource for staff
• Develop differentiation strategies for EAL students – train class teachers in these  and in the use of substitution tables, and provide templates
• Provide strategies for pre-teaching including research in mother tongue learning

All schools will be using the EAL & Multilingualism Roadmap to help evaluate where  they are in terms of their provision and approach.