Our Approach （我们的办学理念）

Our Chinese Language Program is an indispensable aspect of the ISA curriculum.

The CLP adopts the latest theories of the world’s prominent researches in the realm of teaching Chinese as a second language.

By taking into account the general principles of second language instructions coupled with the unique features of our local learners, we consistently put into practice ISA’s distinct perception in the implementation of the CLP: “Using Chinese characters as the basis, let listening, speaking, writing and translating pivot around reading” （以汉字为基础，以阅读为中心，听说写译围绕阅读展开).

Our CLP starts from Nursery and culminates in Grade 12. For transferees who do not have a Chinese language foundation, we arrange special Chinese classes for them for the first 2 years, before they join the regular classes.

Evaluation and Feedback （测试和回馈）

For more than a decade now, HSK has provided objective evaluation and invaluable feedback on the Chinese language proficiency of ISAers from Grade 2 onwards.

Year-end evaluation is crucial to gauge the progress of our learners’ knowledge and skills. Learners from Grades 2 to 12 take the HSK at the end of every school year.

HSK stands for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi. It is an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency that assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives.

Learning Materials and Resources （教学资料）

As the saying goes, “巧妇难为无米之炊 (Even the cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice or make bricks without straw.” We believe that the textbooks we use is another determining factor that would lead us to our goal. After years of painstaking selection, we have incorporated the materials that most suit our CLP.      

Choosing the right learning materials is important in attaining our academic goal. We’ve tried various textbooks published in and outside of the Philippines before finally settling with the Easy Steps to Chinese series.

Published by the Beijing Language and Culture University (北京语言大学), this series is also designed for learners who are taking other standardized Chinese exams, such as GCSE/IGCSE/AS (U.K.), SAT II/AP (U.S.A.), IB Chinese Language B Standard Level. This explains why it has been widely adapted internationally.

In line with the principle of making reading the center of the four other skills, namely, listening, speaking, writing, and translating, starting from grade 7, learners are trained to engage in independent reading.

The main materials used to meet this end is the graded book series published by Peking University (北京大学). The series has nearly 70 learner-friendly titles categorized in 8 grades. The learners’ reading comprehension having been enhanced, they practice speaking by responding to the mentors in the Q&A sessions. 

Exchanges （交流）

Cultural and academic exchanges widen our horizon and deepen our perspective. Exchange programs create opportunities for our learners to understand other communities (both local and foreign), their people, and the rest of the world. Exchanges build empathy and understanding. They develop individuals who appreciate the value of international collaboration.

In recent years, our school has established friendly relations with schools here and abroad, notably with Huaqiao University (华侨大学) in Xiamen City.

In January 2021, ISA signed a sister school agreement with Gulou Experimental School (福州鼓楼实验小学) in Fuzhou City, the seat of the provincial government of Fujian Province, China. With the opportunities that come with these exchanges, we are exploring more avenues to help improve the Chinese proficiency of our learners, and broaden their understanding of the rich Chinese culture. 

Your journey with ISA begins here. View our application process or contact us to learn more about our programs.