Language Selection - Australian Curriculum Years 6-8

The primary aim of Foreign Languages at AIS is to encourage students to gain competence in a modern language other than their mother tongue, with the long‑term goal of balanced bilingualism. Proficiency in a second language gives students access to a broader range of input, experiences and perspectives and is believed to raise achievement in other subject areas, as well as giving the student the enjoyment of being able to communicate in a language other than his or her mother tongue. The study of a foreign language aims to encourage in the student a respect for and understanding of other languages and cultures and to provide a skills base to facilitate further language learning.

In compliance with our school requirements for Years 6-8, all students undertake a mandatory study of LOTE, unless they choose to study their Mother Tongue Language or choose to follow a Learning Enrichment pathway, where students are supported in their academic studies.

At AIS, students select one LOTE course and that course of study is maintained as an uninterrupted course of study until Year 10. Students are not recommended to change languages once they commence.

Students may select from French or Mandarin for their LOTE course. It is hoped that when making language selections, parents and students consider the linguistic demands of each language as well as opportunities to use it in the wider environment, in future relocations or perhaps even post-school.

Please note that Foreign Language (Languages Other Than English - LOTE) does not support Mother Tongue / Background Speakers. For example, students who speak Mandarin at home will not be able to study Mandarin as a Foreign Language. Chinese Mother Tongue students will maintain the study of their mother tongue in place of studying a foreign language. Years 6-8 students who have a different mother tongue other than Chinese or English may have the option to continue the study of this language outside of school hours.

For further information on LOTE and Mother Tongue, please contact 

Ms Michelle Mcwilliam: Head of LOTE

E: michelle_mcwilliam@ais.com.sg   T: 6319 3744


My Details

Name of Student *
Year level *
Student's Mother Tongue Language *


Name of Parent/ Guardian *
Parent/ Guardian's email address *

My Preference

My choice *
I would prefer my child to study their mother tongue language (other than Chinese or English)


Starting date to commence at AIS *


List prior languages studied, please *
For each language, please list;
1. How many hours per week was the language studied?
2. How many years was the language studied?
3. In which country was the language studied?

e.g. French- 2 hours per week for 2 years in Australia *

Thank you for providing us with this valuable information.

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