Learning Languages in Hong Kong
With the introduction of the International Baccalaureate – IB syllabuses in Hong Kong by the ESF (English Schools Foundation) it is now a requirement that all students doing the IB diploma study two languages. Along side English, the languages which are most often studied are Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Italian, French and Spanish. ITS Tutorial School provides support in these languages for students undertaking the IB. Languages can be studied from beginner level or at a more advanced level.
For the introductory language student, the language can undertake as an IB Ab Initio subject. Only beginners may do language subjects at this level. The judgment is made on the basis of how many hours of that subject have previously been studied. The next option is to study the Language as a B option. This is where purely the language is studied and no literature component in that language is undertaken. The A2 option is for second language speakers who wish to study literature in the language they are undertaking. The final option is A1 Literature. This option is for first language speakers wishing to continue their studies in their native language. There is a large literature study component when studying a language as an A1. It should be noted that the student’s actual mother tongue is not necessarily taken into consideration when choosing making a decision about A1. For example, in Hong Kong, a number of students who might be mother tongue speakers of Cantonese actually study English as their A1 language.
Many students find the study of language very difficult. The tutors at ITS are native speakers and qualified in the languages that they are offering support in. Another popular language that is studied at ITS is Latin which is usually studied by more junior students. For many top English public schools basic Latin is a requirement for entrance into those institutions. There are a number of reasons to study Latin. The Latin tutor at recently wrote an article on this How is Latin useful in the Modern World? ()
ITS also runs language classes for people interested in learning a language just for fun. These classes can be one to one or in small groups. The school has found that a family group learning a language together is a very popular way of studying a new language. The family members can practice what they learn together. This also can be a good way of bringing families closer together and giving a common shared interest between parents and children.
ITS also provides counseling and advice for parents and others wishing to undertake language immersion holidays or study tours. ITS works through a variety of third party quality providers of these services throughout the world. There is no extra cost for booking these holidays/study tours through ITS. The school will provide independent advice to help people choose the best provider and package for their needs. More information can be found about these holidays here: Language immersion and holiday study programmes.
The ITS website is now available in both English and Chinese. For the Chinese language version of the website visit ITS?????????????????????????.