TES Annual Report

Chinese Language and Culture In the Primary Section, the Chinese department has significantly enhanced its curriculum this year by aligning learning materials and topics with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). This strategic integration has strengthened students' cross-curriculum thinking and developed their Chinese reading comprehension and written expression through authentic source materials and carefully designed questioning techniques. By connecting learning across subject areas, we have fostered higher-order thinking skills while refining students' communication and presentation skills. A key initiative this year introduced students to diverse literary genres, creating truly immersive language environments. The department effectively utilised narrative contexts to deliver instruction on Sustainable Development Goals principles, including 'Good Health and Wellbeing for People' and 'should be before,' promoting environmental stewardship, economic sustainability, and social responsibility throughout students' learning journeys. The Chinese Enrichment Programme (CEP) continues to excel as an innovative dual-language instructional model delivering the English National Curriculum. Students in the CEP classes benefit from an enriched Chinese language curriculum that integrates logical reasoning development, mathematical linguistic skills, and complementary English language reinforcement—all designed to cultivate advanced bilingual proficiency. Building on its successful implementation in Years 1-5, we are pleased to report that the programme has now expanded to include Year 6 for the 2025-2026 academic year. At the Secondary Campus, the Chinese Language and Culture programme continues to embrace the Middle Year Programme (MYP) framework with intentionality and innovation. Rooted in concept-driven learning, our teaching practices are designed to connect students’ language development with real-world experiences, encouraging deep thinking, meaningful reflection, and intercultural understanding. A Garden of Ideas: The Concept Wall: Inspired by Tania Lattanzio’s professional learning workshops in September 2024, our team introduced a Concept Wall—a dedicated space to showcase students’ evolving conceptual thinking throughout the year. Through reflective writing, sketching, character analysis, photography, and cultural interpretation, students expressed their personal growth and creative insights. The wall has become more than a display—it is a living gallery of thought, expression, and identity. Conceptual Enrichment Through Chinese Masterclasses: The Chinese Masterclasses invited distinguished experts to deepen students’ conceptual understanding across various themes. Dr. Lin, 林昇誼 from Médecins Sans Frontières shared her experiences in Afghanistan with Year 7 students, addressing global issues of human rights and equality. Renowned children’s author, Ms. Chang, 張友漁 led workshops exploring the concepts of community and creativity, while travel writer 凱西女孩 engaged Year 8 students with reflections on cultural exploration. Professor Yen, 顏國明 offered philosophical insights into 'Journey to the West' for Year 8 and Year 9, enriching their understanding of culture and creativity. As part of the Chinese Poetry Festival, acclaimed poet 宇文正 provided feedback on Year 9 students’ original poetry, further inspiring their creative expression. Year 7: Connection in Action: In addition to the Chinese Masterclass with Dr. Lin 林昇誼 , locally, students explored connections in their immediate surroundings through a “Concept Walk” to a neighborhood breakfast shop, where they interviewed staff and observed daily routines. These everyday interactions became opportunities for inquiry, revealing how community roles are interwoven into the fabric of society. Year 8: Exploring Culture Through Stories and Flavours: As well as the Chinese Masterclass with Professor Yen 顏國明 , to extend their learning into culinary culture, students participated in a field trip to Din Tai Fung ( 鼎泰豐 ) and the Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry ( 郭元益糕餅博物館 ) on 19 June. Through engaging with menus, conversations, and tastings, students applied their food-related vocabulary and cultural knowledge in authentic contexts, while reflecting on Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage. Year 9: Culture, Creativity, and Community: Students expanded their understanding of sustainability and global citizenship through several integrated units. On 15 November, the 'Sustainable Dream House' project brought together Chinese language, design thinking, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students combined their language skills with creative design, receiving peer feedback and participating in a friendly competition that highlighted the power of student voice and collaboration. Other trips included: On 5 December, students visited the Taipei City Police and Fire Departments, engaging directly with public service professionals to explore the concepts of community and connection. On 8 May, students visited the Nangang Pouchong Tea Mountain ( 南港茶葉製造示範場 ) to observe the tea farming and harvesting process. The trip offered not only a sensory experience but also a lens through which to examine the relationship between culture, tradition, and sustainability.

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