Languages
Leading Asia Myanmar believes that language is fundamental to learning, communication, and inquiry; these values help develop international mindedness. All teachers at LAMIS are language teachers, and promote language and literacy through inquiries that relate to all subject areas. In our constructivist classrooms, students develop their language while exploring concepts across all of the subjects taught.
Languages of Instruction
At LAMIS, English is the primary language of communication within the community. This includes all formal school communications, and the majority of interactions between teachers, students and parents. English is the language of instruction for all classes with the exception of Myanmar classes. In Myanmar classes, teachers and students use a combination of English and Myanmar. Use of Myanmar, the target language, increases and becomes more complex as student’s progress in their proficiency.
At LAMIS, Myanmar is taught to all students, either as an Additional Language or as a Mother Tongue, according to the needs of each student. Students in Nursery and Pre K learn Myanmar within the main classroom, in a bilingual model, from co-teachers fluent in both English and Myanmar. Students in Kindergarten and above receive timetabled lessons in Myanmar.
At LAMIS, Mandarin is taught to all students at levels adjusted for different abilities. Our teachers are bilingual Mandarin/English speakers and focus on both oral and written forms of the language.
LAMIS offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support according to students’ needs, ensuring equal access to the curriculum and other aspects of school life. The program provides support in listening, speaking, reading and writing, and is based on an inclusive model.
For students with Mother Tongues other than English and Myanmar, LAMIS provides philosophical and logistical support. Philosophical support comes through the recognition that Mother Tongue development is important, and through communicating this idea with all families. Logistical support for Mother Tongue development is offered by helping families find appropriate Mother Tongue teachers, providing classroom space for after-school classes, providing technology for after-school classes, to name a few.
