Third Languages

Enriching Global Perspectives: A-School's Multilingual Offerings

At A-School, we are committed to empowering our students with the linguistic and cultural competencies needed to thrive in our interconnected world. In addition to English and Chinese, we offer a diverse range of Third Language options from Grades 5 to 8, including one Asian Language (Japanese) and three European Languages (French, German, and Spanish).

We believe that language proficiency is essential for effective communication and a deeper understanding of diverse global communities. Through our Third Language curriculum, students develop the skills, knowledge, and cultural awareness that are integral to our holistic approach to personal growth and active global citizenship.

Objectives of the Third Language Department:

Communicate and interact effectively in a variety of social settings using the target language
Gain insights into the cultures associated with the target language
Appreciate the interconnectedness and interdependence of the global community
Take ownership of their language learning, working both independently and collaboratively
Employ effective language learning strategies
Cultivate a lifelong passion for language learning and engagement as world citizens

Curriculum Framework

Our Third Language program is designed to align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the holistic English language curriculum, focusing on the development of four key skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Starting from Grade 5, students have four years to reach a level of essential fluency, enabling them to:

Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and fundamental phrases
Introduce themselves and others
Ask and answer questions about personal details
Interact with speakers who communicate slowly and clearly

Two Streams: Regular and Advanced

Regular Streams: French, German, Japanese, and Spanish

Students in the regular stream receive two lessons per week. After four years of study, they can attain the first level of their respective proficiency tests: DELF A1 (French), Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (German), DELE A1 (Spanish), and JLPT N5 (Japanese). We strongly encourage students to take these proficiency tests upon completion of Grade 8.

Advanced Streams: French and German

In addition to the regular stream, A-School offers advanced streams for French and German, with five lessons per week. By the end of Grade 6, students will complete the A1 level, and by the end of Grade 8, they will finish the A2 level of the respective proficiency tests. We encourage students in the advanced streams to take the proficiency tests at the end of Grades 6 and 8.

Engaging the School Community

To foster a vibrant multilingual environment, the Third Language Department organizes various events throughout the academic year. These include the annual "Language Week" celebrations in both the Primary and Secondary schools, featuring cultural showcases, language workshops, and interactive activities that engage the entire school community. These events aim to promote language learning, cultural exchange, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our global society.

The department also actively engages with the broader community by participating in external events and competitions. Students have the opportunity to visit other local schools and exchange letters and postcards to build cross-cultural connections. They also compete in prestigious language competitions, such as the Hong Kong French Speech Competition and the Hong Kong Primary and Secondary School Students Japanese Speech and Verse Speaking Contest. These experiences allow our students to showcase their linguistic abilities, gain exposure to diverse perspectives, and further develop their confidence and communication skills.

Furthermore, the department organizes excursions to the countries where the target languages are spoken, allowing students to immerse themselves in the language and culture firsthand. These excursions provide participants with the chance to practice their language skills, explore historic sites, and engage with local communities, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the chosen language-speaking world.

Regardless of the stream or results, our goal is to equip the students with a more international perspective, providing them with an additional tool to thrive in the global economy while cultivating a deeper understanding of the world's diversity.