At Clearwater Bay School we use language as a medium of inquiry, providing opportunities to challenge, nurture and develop both first and second language speakers. We understand that the most conducive environment to language learning is a positive and encouraging one, wherein students have the opportunity to engage in authentic and meaningful learning experiences. Language learning occurs in three ways; as the language of instruction, as an additional language and as mother tongue.
All three of the language strands are learned across and throughout the curriculum, and each strand is an integral component of language learning. Within each of these strands there is a balance between the acquisition of knowledge skills and the development of conceptual understanding. All teaching integrates the language strands of:
- Oral language – speaking and listening
- Visual language – viewing and presenting
- Written language – reading and writing
We understand that because our students come with many different language backgrounds, they will all progress at different paces. Clearwater Bay values differentiated and varied instruction, which embraces multiple learning styles.
Clearwater Bay School is a member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) and uses the ESF English curriculum documentation to inform teaching and learning from Years One to Six. In English, there are four strands covered in all year levels throughout an academic year:
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- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking & Listening
- Viewing & Presenting
We consider all Clearwater Bay teachers to be language teachers and the language development of our students to be the shared responsibility of teachers, parents and students.
All teaching and learning is driven by the idea that through language, we are encouraging intercultural awareness and new perspectives, a culture of curiosity, as well as an appreciation of the richness of our world’s diversity. We strongly believe that through this exploration of language, students develop as deeper, independent thinkers; as responsible, understanding citizens of the world; and as better communicators in our multilingual world.
Please click on the links below to view the scope and sequence of each strand:
CWBS Spelling Overview Year 1-3
CWBS Spelling Overview Year 4-6
ESF Language Scope & Sequence Y1-3
ESF Language Scope & Sequence Y4-6
Chinese
With Hong Kong’s international context and location as a part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) we offer Mandarin as our additional language. Chinese is an important part of our language curriculum and studying it will greatly assist students to live and study in Asia into the future. Through the study of Chinese language students also develop an understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. Chinese language learning at Clearwater Bay School is delivered using a range of learning experiences, including; songs, games, labeling and other language rich activities. Where possible, connections are made with the programme of inquiry.
Chinese Curriculum Overview
Chinese POI Timeline 2020-21
Mother Tongue
Clearwater Bay School believes that mother tongue language development is crucial to maintaining cultural identity and emotional stability. While we do not offer bilingual programmes, we do recognise that strength in mother tongue supports students in learning other languages. We offer support for parent-led mother tongue groups. Within the classroom students are encouraged to use their mother tongue as a tool for understanding and as a way of sharing their knowledge with others.
For more information see the Language Policy under Communication/School Documents