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 Bilingualism
What
is a bilingual programme?
A
bilingual programme is a school project that is developed
taking into account that all the school activities are contemplated
and articulated in both languages. In our case, in English
and Spanish, with a similar number of hours in both languages.
The
bilingual programmes at San Joaquin were conceived according
to the following objectives:
- The
needs of each age group, their interests, rhythm and individuality.
To create a learning environment where students live the
experience as an attractive one, which they are pleased
to form a part off, and where they feel rewarded by their
efforts.
- Our
aim is that students use the second language naturally on
a permanent basis in the school environment, discovering
the benefits of their progress and been trained in the four
skills in this order; understand, speak, read and write.
In this way they will be able to use one or other of the
languages indiscriminately to express themselves, look for
information, study or work.
During the first years, the focus in on the teaching of
the language itself, to later pass on to the teaching of
content in either of the languages.
In
the initial stages of EGB subjects such as Geography, History
and Mathematics are the medium used to put into practice the
language. After incorporating and acquiring the language,
this then turns into the medium to learn content knowledge.
Mathematics or any other subject can be learnt in English,
as the language becomes the instrument for learning.
In
the higher levels of EGB, the focus is on grammar, phonetics,
oral and written expression, comprehension of texts and study
methods, exactly the same as in Spanish.
The technical language of business is also studied.
The
Importance of Articulation.
It
is indispensable that there is a fluid and constant communication
between people, projects and programmes in both languages
so that they may complement each other and thus create one
harmonious project with the same values, sharing strategies
to achieve them.
Professionals who integrate a stable group of peers, within
a permanent academic framework and who supervise each student's
progress with personalised assessment and evaluation, guide
our students.
Our
work in English is assessed and supported by an official plan
the same as in Spanish. It is supported by International Examinations:
(LCCI Examination board and the London Chamber of Commerce).
All this ensures a serious learning of the language that may
also be evaluated at any stage of the learning process.
Other
Languages:
-
Italian: From pre-school and the first years of EGB we have
incorporated Italian as a third language. In the higher
grades the workshops are guaranteed by the Coascit-con (The
general Italian consulate in Buenos Aires).
- Portuguese:
This option is open to students as from 8th grade. Official
Lenguas Vivas exams. Cultural exchanges with Don Bosco School,
Brazil.
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