Languages Other Than English
QSI Shenzhen students are offered Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German, or French language classes. The focus of these courses is to learn and enhance language skills, as well as being introduced to the culture, history, and customs of the language's countries of origin.
QSI Shenzhen provides professional, native Chinese language instructors. Courses are offered to students at all levels of proficiency, from beginners to native speakers. The Chinese language program is divided into Heritage and non-Heritage language learning groups, depending on the student's proficiency level and background knowledge.
In the 5-7 year old classes, all students have at least one Chinese class each week. Students who are 8-13 years old choose between Chinese or Spanish classes as their foreign language.
At the secondary level, students have many choices about the type of Chinese language course they want to study. The Secondary courses are related to the different diploma programs offered to the students. There is a general Chinese course option which includes Chinese class levels 1-4, or Chinese Heritage classes 1 and 2. There are also Chinese IB course offerings including Mandarin Ab Initio, Chinese B, and Chinese Language A (Literature). The Secondary school also offers a one-year AP Chinese course for students taking classes in the AP program.
QSI Shenzhen Secondary School also offers advanced Korean classes at the Heritage level and IB Korean A courses. Through these classes, students will be able to broaden their understanding of Korean history and culture and improve their Korean proficiency. In the Heritage Korean class, students will learn literature works that Korean middle and high school students basically read and learn, along with non-literature texts such as newspaper articles, columns, etc. In the IB Korean A class, students study various non-literary texts, such as newspaper articles, columns, speeches, advertisements, and interviews dealing with international issues, along with literary works selected by the IB. In this course, students build up their skills so they can analyze literary content from a creative and analytical perspective.
QSI Shenzhen offers Japanese as an additional language option, providing a seamless and enriching learning experience from elementary through secondary school.
At the Main Campus, the curriculum is structured into four levels: Pre-Introductory, Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced, catering to students aged 8 to 13. The program focuses on practical communication skills with an emphasis on everyday language use. Grammar is taught through speech patterns, complemented by engaging activities such as songs, role-play, and educational games that enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students participate in group reading and writing exercises while exploring cultural aspects of Japan. This interactive approach not only builds a solid language foundation but also fosters an appreciation for Japanese culture.
In August 2024, we expanded our Japanese program to the Secondary School, allowing students to continue their studies without interruption and build on the skills they have acquired at the Main Campus.
The Spanish department was established as an additional language option for our students at QSI. Being situated in a multicultural city and considering that Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, QSI International Schools made the decision to provide third language options to our students. This initiative aims to enhance their language abilities and simultaneously break down communication barriers worldwide.
The primary goal of the Spanish department is to give students the chance to be exposed to a third language. They achieve this by engaging with native speakers who immerse our students in the cultures and customs of Spanish-speaking countries.
For students at the PLE campus, the Spanish program aims to introduce them to the basics of Spanish, such as phonics and basic vocabulary. This is facilitated through games and songs that not only make the learning process enjoyable but also provide students with a positive initial experience.
At the Main campus, we adhere to a curriculum divided into three levels: introductory, intermediate, and advanced. This program is designed to establish and reinforce the fundamentals of Spanish while fostering the development of communication skills necessary for speaking, writing, and reading in Spanish. Each level is covered annually, with students expected to master each level before progressing to the next. This structured program focuses on building students' grammar skills, leading to a better understanding of the language and enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
In secondary school, the Spanish department aims to continue developing the necessary skills for students to speak fluently and master the language. The program includes a strong focus on grammar, pronunciation, and conversational expressions.
Ultimately, the Spanish program is structured within our Schoolwide Learning Outcomes (SO) competencies and aligns with the knowledge outlined in the QSI program. This ensures that we create the appropriate environment for everyone to succeed in learning the language.
Recognizing that German is the most widely spoken language in Europe and among the top 12 languages globally, QSI International Schools has chosen to offer German as a third-language option for our students. Additionally, the robust economies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, along with their strong engineering, technology sectors, and prestigious universities, make this language a valuable asset for future opportunities. The German program begins at age 8 at the Main Campus, where we follow a structured curriculum divided into four levels: Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, and Heritage (native). Each level is covered annually and consists of various units, with students expected to master each unit before advancing to the next level. In secondary school, the curriculum is further divided into German A and German B courses. Our German program aligns with the Schoolwide Learning Outcomes (Success Orientations - SOs) competencies outlined in the QSI program. This alignment ensures an environment conducive to success in language learning, embodying our motto of "Success for All." Through this program, students will not only develop their language skills but also gain a profound understanding of German culture and society.
Our objectives begin with "The student will" (TSWs):
Speaking Skills: Students will acquire fundamental German skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They will expand their vocabulary and grammatical knowledge to enhance communication skills and break down global language barriers.
Cultural Awareness: Students will explore German culture, history, and traditions by celebrating events like Carnival, Oktoberfest, Christmas, and Easter during class. The primary goal of the German department is to immerse students in the language and customs of German-speaking countries.
Practical Application: Active communication skills will be promoted through role play, drama, discussions, poster presentations in Canva, and group projects such as creating a weather forecast or performing a play based on Grimm's fairy tales like "Little Red Riding Hood." Real-life applications of the language will build confidence in speaking, including field trips to local German restaurants and bakeries.
Integration of Technology: We utilize digital resources and platforms to keep learning interactive and relevant. Students will have access to online homework exercises and materials such as Deutsche Welle, Duolingo, and die Tagesschau (German daily news) to encourage self-study and independent learning, key components of our Success Orientations.
The French language program at QSI offers comprehensive courses for both elementary and secondary students.
At PLE, the French Pre-Introductory course caters to ages 5-6, emphasizing practical communication skills through engaging activities like songs and role-play, while grammar is taught through speech patterns. At the Main Campus, French Introductory I serves students aged 7-13 at the beginner level, focusing on everyday language use and enhancing listening and speaking skills. French Introductory II builds on this foundation for those with prior experience, while French Intermediate I continues to develop communication skills and cultural understanding for students aged 8-13.
In the secondary program, QSI provides IB (ab initio) for beginners, concentrating on holistic communication skills, and AP (Advanced Placement) French, which prepares students with some proficiency for standardized exams that assess listening, reading comprehension, and written production.