Language Research Project 2021

Guten Tag! Ni hao!

Multilingualism (the ability to use several languages) has multiple benefits for children such as giving them an academic advantage and improving their employment prospects once they leave school. Moreover, multilingualism gives us access to more than one culture and improves our understanding of our own cultures. 

Multilingual classrooms are a growing phenomenon around the world because of rapid increases in global mobility and migration. Within these classrooms, students may have different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, may speak one language at home and another language at school, or, be learning the language of instruction as an additional language. International agencies such as UNICEF, UNESCO and the European Commission contend that multilingual education can play a significant role in engaging diverse learners. As well as supporting academic success, classrooms that promote multilingualism can foster positive identities associated with their home cultures.

Over the course of this year and as part of Concordia’s ongoing review of our Teaching and Learning programmes, we have undertaken an extensive collaborative research project looking at Concordia’s Language Program from ELC to Year 12. We explored studying additional languages in depth, especially in the context of the PYP but more broadly encompassing the exciting opportunities for students across all year levels at the College as we grow in both population and cultural diversity as an ELC to Year 12 College over the coming years.

Over the course of this year, with the support and direction of Paul Bannister (Director of Student Learning) and Rachel Muldoon (Director of Teaching and Learning /PYP Coordinator) we have collaboratively engaged in research, including connecting with other schools, to identify and develop recommendations for our existing language program that will strengthen the outcomes and opportunities for all Concordia College students. This process also involved investigation into strategies the College could implement to more effectively support our students who require additional ‘English’ language support.

As part of the College’s ongoing exploration of teaching and learning in order to provide rich and comprehensive learning experiences for our students, this project will enable the College to move towards an exciting and diverse future in terms of language learning across ELC to Year 12 whilst celebrating the many cultures joining our Concordia community.

We look forward to communicating future changes with you as we move towards a very special stage for our entire school community.

Vielen Dank und Xie Xie

Jane Graham
German Teacher, St John's Campus

Maggie Gu
Chinese Language Program Coordinator, Concordia Campus