Uplands is an international school with a multicultural student body. We are proud of the diversity of our origins and home languages. Uplands students have the opportunity to explore the multilingual aspects of the world in their first and second language classes. The International Baccalaureate believes “[t]he study of additional languages . . . provides students with the opportunity to develop insights into the features, processes, and craft of language and the concept of culture, and to realize that there are diverse ways of living, viewing and behaving in the world.” Cambridge International offers First Language qualifications in over 10 languages. It is clear that in our contemporary global world, being able to communicate in more than one language is valued.
That is why Uplands is so proud of our Dual Language IGCSE Qualifications and our IB Bilingual Diploma recipients. In years 10 and 11 we offer First Language Chinese and Malay in addition to English for students who want to explore texts at an advanced level. In years 12 and 13, students can study the literary texts of their home language with support from knowledgeable first language teachers on campus. In 2021, in addition to our outstanding overall results, we had seven students graduate with the distinguished IB Bilingual Diploma.
When asked why they pursued a dual language pathway, students responded with a wide range of reasons. Most found it a way to engage with their home culture and to better understand their own place in the world. Some recognized the potential future opportunities it might open up. Kirttna in Year 12 said that “the benefits of multilingual proficiency will allow me to communicate effectively in my future career choices.” And many students simply see the value in expanding themselves as a person, not just receiving an easy grade. Mike, also in Year 12, was hesitant at first, but then realized the goal of school is to create “a more exciting and challenging life.”
All in all, we know that communication is a key to empathy and understanding, something our world can always use. With many members of our community being bilingual (or tri or quad), we want to celebrate the linguistic diversity on our English medium campus. Being able to communicate academically in more than one language is an accomplishment worthy of commendation.
Shannon Kerry
Head of Language A Faculty
