IB Program

Language Policy

Approach for the Teaching and Learning of Languages

At EAS, we make a commitment to our students and parents to provide a learning community that promotes and supports language development where English is the language of instruction.

Currently the school provides teaching for Language and Literature (Language A: Arabic) and Language Acquisition (Language B: English).

Key beliefs

  • Learning languages is crucial to communication for social and academic purposes.
  • Language enables students to learn how to think, learn and act.
  • The mother tongue is a key to maintaining cultural identity
  • Learning languages teaches cross cultural awareness and acceptance of diversity which supports international mindedness
  • Language is key to learning in all subjects’ areas of the curriculum.

Language is a part of every subject taught at our school and as such our Language Policy expresses the school’s beliefs about language, and serves as a guideline to all staff, parents and students. At EAS , the language of instruction and learning for the Diploma program is English thus all teachers are considered to be teachers of language. All students are language learners. English is the language of communication in classrooms, events, activities and assemblies; however, students may communicate together in Arabic in breaks, sports activities like football and basketball matches especially in contests with other schools.

Through schoolwide direct instruction, students develop the fluency and literacy skills necessary to ensure their ability to communicate effectively.

Language Course Outline –DP Program

Group 1: Language and Literature Arabic A(SL & High Level-Ministry Requirement)

Arabic: Mother tongue (High Level & High Level-Ministry Requirement) Arabic is the mother tongue of the majority of EAS students and it is Egypt’s first language. As all schools in Egypt, Arabic teaching in the school is supervised by the Ministry of National Education. The students whose mother tongue is Arabic are required to sit governmental Arabic Exams throughout their school years. Teachers are required to teach the content set by the Ministry of National Education. However, EAS also expects from Arabic language teachers to use the teaching objectives and assessment methods which meet the requirements of the DP program. Arabic language and Literature will be introduced for students in the Diploma program as standard level. The Arabic language includes; Literature, Grammar, Writing, Literary analysis and short stories.

Practices and approaches

  • Standard Arabic language must be used during Arabic language classes.
  • Enhancing the value of Arabic language among students and motivating them to use it.
  • Reviewing the Arabic language rules as much as possible.
  • Improving reading and writing skills through using literacy strategies.
  • Using internet learning sites during the class and obliging students to do home assignments on the site.
  • Making good use of the school library in improving Arabic language through reading and borrowing books.
  • Using modern technology available in classes to enhance Arabic language.

Group 2: Language Acquisition-Language B (English SL-HL)

Language B is an additional language-learning course designed for students with some previous learning of that language. It will be introduced as SL. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development of language skills. These language skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken materials. Such materials will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts, and will be related to the culture(s) concerned. The materials will be chosen to enable students to develop mastery of language skills and intercultural understanding.

Practices and approaches

The procedures followed to improve English language for the school community

  • The teacher and the students must use English language during the class and they must not use Arabic language
  • Enhancing the value of the English language among students and encouraging them to use it to express themselves and do various activities as it is the most common language in the world and the language of science in modern times.
  • Introduce students to a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres
  • Develop in students the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of individual texts and make relevant connections
  • Encourage students to recognize the importance of the contexts in which texts are written and received
  • Encourage, through the study of texts, an appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures, and how these perspectives construct meaning.
  • Encourage students to appreciate the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts
  • Promote in students and enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, language and literature
  • Drama and Movie clubs are established to enhance the students’ fluency and presentation skills.
  • English project-based learning (PBL) is implemented to increase retention of content and improve students’ attitudes toward learning to ensure that students learn best by experiencing and solving real-world problems

Parental Involvement

Parents are considered partners in the learning process and provide tremendous support for language learning at EAS. The school uses many methods to communicate to parents the critical importance of maintaining academic proficiency in the mother tongue. English is the main communication with parents and Arabic is provided when it is preferred by the parent especially in parents’ meetings.

Mother tongue support

Students whose first language is not English have full support from the school to continue developing their skills in their mother tongue and culture.

Procedures

Taking weekly periods to support the students who show weaknesses in the Arabic language.

The teacher in charge defines the period number

Handing in a monthly report from each teacher to be discussed by the evaluation committee to do the required procedures.

Following the suitable methodology for the students’ multiple intelligences and abilities.

Arabic will be the main language used when celebrating the Islamic special days and events like “The Prophet’s Birthday”, “Hijra - Islamic New Year”, and “The Holy Month of Ramadan” celebration, in addition to the special days that give attention to language such as “UN Arabic Language Day” on December 18th. Students will participate in different activities and events showing their skills in reciting famous Arabic poems, writing creative Arabic essays, and performing short Arabic sketches and plays.

Hold a yearly Arabic competition between the students in which students will compete to measure their fluency, knowledge and literary and language analysis skills.

Drama Club is established to motivate students to improve their fluency and writing skills and the student’s production will be presented in:

  • The “Monthly Arabic Magazine” which will be digital and printed to cover all the events, news, and activities of the department.
  • Drama performances on specific occasions.

Involving the parents through their accounts on the school platform and exchanging messages and notes continuously.