Languages - Mandarin
At Overnewton, we are proud to offer a unique language immersion experience that blends Science curriculum with Mandarin for students from Prep to Year 4. The approach of Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) focuses on teaching a subject content through a second language. Overnewton Junior School students are provided with the privilege of learning their Science curriculum through the use of Mandarin, delivered by expert Junior School and CLIL Mandarin teachers.
Why We Chose the CLIL Approach
The College introduced this innovative program in 2014, after 18 months of research and collaboration with the University of Melbourne, making Overnewton the first independent school in Australia to launch a CLIL Mandarin program from Prep. Our younger students take part in daily 25-minute Science Mandarin sessions, and from Years 3 and 4 they enjoy an additional 50-minute lesson each week to further enhance vocabulary, literacy and Chinese character recognition. For our Junior School students, this is simply the way they learn Science.
A Unique Learning Experience
Through the internationally recognised CLIL approach, our students explore Science via such topics as weather, life cycles, changes in states of matter, and Earth’s resources, while learning to understand and speak Mandarin. Lessons are hands-on and engaging, using songs, visuals, experiments, and gestures to support students to make meaningful connections and confidently express their learning in another language.
Hands–On Science, Taught in Two Languages
A key feature of the Junior School Science Mandarin program includes regular visits to the Junior School Science labs, where students are guided through experiments and investigations in Mandarin, with English support. Students receive instruction from their Mandarin teacher and our specialist Science Lab Technician in parallel. Particular Science units are also supported with additional guidance from their Home Group teachers, as required. This specialised approach builds both Science content understanding and Mandarin language skills, and ensuring that every student is fully supported in their learning.
Lifelong Benefits of Early Language Learning
Learning a second language at a young age brings a host of benefits. It strengthens memory, concentration, problem-solving and creativity, and supports students to become adaptable, confident learners. Mandarin is a part of daily life at Overnewton, and our students are proud to use their language skills in class, at Assemblies and even in competitions. With strong foundations in both Science and Mandarin, they also gain a deep appreciation for other cultures and the skills required to thrive in a global world.
Watch a Year 4 Student Speaking Mandarin with Confidence
