Spring 2014
Primary Chinese Speech Competition
Students rise to the challenge
The Discovery College Primary Chinese Speech Competition took place during the week of 27 January. The competition saw more than 50 participants from the Primary school in both nearnative and non-native groups. These students demonstrated their talent and hard work, as well as the impact of Chinese language learning. Awards of Excellence were offered to 12 outstanding speakers. Though some adults may see Chinese as a difficult or impossible language to master, our students are rising to the challenge. With practice, determination and motivation, our courageous Primary students challenged themselves to give their speeches in a language they are still learning. Some students recited ancient poems or told stories; some presented a two-person talk show or a rap song. Here students do not just learn the language, but also learn about the language and learn through the language. Students have integrated Chinese learning together with communication skills and a culture-rich curriculum. Students acquire confidence in speaking in Chinese, and a learning community exists for language development. Our students see speaking Chinese as part of their regular curriculum and activities like the speech competition help them further develop their skills. Though learning a language cannot be achieved overnight, DC Primary students are already making a great start. Debbie Tai Primary Chinese
say what?
Chinese debate team thrives in its fourth year Hong Kong International Schools Chinese Debating provides an opportunity for students to improve their Mandarin and to develop public speaking skills. The Discovery College Chinese Debate team has been competing for four years. Their hard work has paid off, with the team earning first runner-up in the 2014 inter-school competition. In 2010, the team started off alternating six students in the Year 10 Chinese Language A class. By 2013, a new team was formed because many of the Chinese debaters are graduating this year. After gaining experience in the first year, the team won second runnerup in the next two consecutive years and had the opportunity to go to Taipei to participate in the first Bilingual Chinese-English Debate Competition organized by ESF and Taipei European School in 2012. Their continued success has left a legacy for future teams. Joanne Li Head of Lanuage B
PRIMARY CHINESE SPEECH COMPETITION
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