Language Pathways

 

Mulgrave offers a dual-stream programme for students who speak Mandarin at home (‘Mandarin A) as well as language learners (‘Mandarin B’). In both programmes, students develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, as well as an appreciation of Chinese culture and heritage.

All preschool students are introduced to Mandarin through regular lessons with a specialist teacher. Starting in Kindergarten, students may choose to pursue French (at beginner level) or continue with Mandarin (A or B). Both Mandarin A and B are offered at every grade level from K to 12. 

Mandarin A promotes the development of true bilingualism, with a strong emphasis on reading and writing skills. In Mandarin B, the focus is on language acquisition through the development of listening and speaking skills, with an increasing focus on reading and writing as they move into Middle School and the IB Middle Years Programme. 

Mandarin A students who enrol in Chinese Language and Literature in Grades 11 and 12 can earn the IB Bilingual Diploma, an impressive and highly-regarded accomplishment. 

For students looking to transfer into Mandarin from a different additional language of study (at Mulgrave or from another school) later in their Junior School years or beyond, assessment is done on a case-by-case basis.

 

Starting in Kindergarten, students may choose to study French as an additional language. Students develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, as well as an appreciation of French and francophone culture and heritage. French B is offered at every grade level from K to 12, culminating in DP French B SL or HL in Grades 11 and 12.

Please note that French B is a language acquisition course and is not appropriate for students who already have a high level of proficiency in the language.  French B may not offer the appropriate level of challenge for students who transition from French Immersion programmes; the Admissions team is happy to discuss this with prospective families.

Students who are bilingual in French may choose DP School-Supported Self-Taught Literature SL in Grades 11 and 12, leading to the IB Bilingual Diploma; please see below for more details.

 

In Grade 10 or 11, students can opt for an introductory language acquisition course in Spanish. In Grades 11 and 12, students may take DP Spanish Ab Initio SL, an advanced-beginner level course that develops students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, as well as an appreciation of Spanish and Latin American culture and heritage. 

Students who are bilingual in Spanish may choose DP School-Supported Self-Taught Literature SL in Grades 11 and 12, leading to the IB Bilingual Diploma; please see below for more details.

Students in Grades 11 and 12 who are fully bilingual in a language other than English and Mandarin may opt to take DP School-Supported Self-Taught (SSST) Literature SL. SSST Literature is offered in over 50 modern languages; the most common languages for Mulgrave students in recent years have been Persian, French, and Korean. Families interested in pursuing this option need to do so with the support of Mulgrave’s Mother Tongue Coordinator.