Language News

2025 ASEAN Bridge Program – Year 10 Chinese Students Connect with Malaysian Partner School

As part of the 2025 ASEAN Bridge Program, our Year 10 Chinese students recently participated in their first live video conferencing session with students from our partner school, SMK Raja Shahriman in Malaysia. The session aimed to introduce both classes to one another, explore cultural and learning differences, and share ideas to make language learning more engaging through the use of IT tools.

Over 40 minutes, students from both schools connected in a series of fun and interactive activities. They began by introducing their teachers and schools, sharing interesting facts and displaying photos of their campuses and cities. A lively “What Do You Know?” survey followed, where students shared their assumptions about each other’s countries, sparking laughter and fascinating cultural clarifications. The conversation then moved to hobbies and interests, with students discovering many common activities they enjoy despite being in different countries.

In the later part of the session, students discussed their school curriculums, how they learn English and Chinese, and the challenges and highlights of learning a new language. Both groups enthusiastically exchanged ideas about digital tools such as Quizlet, Duolingo, and Kahoot, reflecting on how these tools could make language learning more interactive and motivating.

The session wrapped up with both teachers encouraging students to experiment with different IT tools in their language classes before the next video conference. This first online interaction not only fostered intercultural friendships but also marked an exciting step toward enhancing student engagement and motivation in language learning across both schools.

Year 8 German: Puppet Show Experience

Last week, our Year 8 German students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in an engaging puppet show presented entirely in German. The performance brought language learning to life, allowing students to experience authentic pronunciation, intonation, and cultural expressions in an entertaining setting.

Students not only enjoyed the humour and storytelling but also practiced their listening and comprehension skills in a fun, interactive way. Many students commented on how much easier it was to understand German when accompanied by visuals and gestures from the puppets.

A big thank you to our German teachers and the visiting performers for creating such a memorable experience that inspires our students to continue their language-learning journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

Year 8 Chinese Excursion – A Cultural Journey at Chungtian Temple

Our Year 8 Chinese students recently embarked on an enriching excursion to Chungtian Temple, where they immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture through a range of hands-on activities.

Throughout the day, students participated in Tai Chi sessions, learned the art of the tea ceremony, practiced calming meditation techniques, and explored Chinese calligraphy. Each activity allowed students to gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage and philosophies that underpin Chinese traditions.

The experience was not only educational but also highly engaging, with many students expressing excitement about trying something new. To complete the cultural journey, the group enjoyed a delicious lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, sampling authentic dishes and practicing their language skills in a real-world setting.

This excursion provided an invaluable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with authentic cultural experiences, enriching their understanding of Chinese language and traditions.