Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual Program
The CBE first started the Mandarin Bilingual Program in 1998 at King Edward School. The Mandarin Bilingual program initially began with one grade four class and through the years steadily progressed into a full elementary program. Since then, the elementary program has moved to King George School, and this year to Highwood School where for the first time since its conception, the Mandarin Bilingual program has its very own school.
The Mandarin Bilingual program is based on the principle of learning both the English and Mandarin languages simultaneously. For half of the day, students in grades 1 through 6 are instructed by native English speaking teachers in English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Health. For the other half of the school day, students are instructed by native Mandarin speaking teachers in Mandarin Language Arts, Math, and Science. Students are instructed in Physical Education for 30 minutes each day, and Art is integrated into all subject areas. At Highwood School, students will receive regular classes with a Music Specialist and Technology Specialist, as we believe in also building student capacity, personal interest and developing a wide variety of intelligences such as musical, technological, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal and interpersonal intelligences through these classes.
An integral component of the Mandarin Bilingual Program is learning language through authentic learning experiences. Cultural celebrations such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn festival have been very powerful language learning tools and have been great ways to build a sense of community with all of the students, parents, and community members.
