That’s why next academic year we’re adding Khmer, French, Chinese and Korean to Kindergarten classes.
With 3 hours of classes per week, we’re helping students immerse themselves in a new language, and responding to the requests from our community to improve language development. All the research shows that learning new languages helps with cognitive development, with a variety of benefits.
Language learning can lead to:
Better academic performance
Improved concentration
A more powerful memory
Stronger communication skills
More creativity
Learning a new language also creates appreciation for cultural diversity, which is important when you consider the more than 35 nationalities we have represented at Northbridge.
“This is an incredible opportunity for some of our youngest students to benefit,” says Aidan Stallwood, Head of Primary at Northbridge.
“All the educational research shows that the younger you start learning a new language, the more proficient you will be later. Not only that, but it also helps with the development of all-round academics. We are very excited to be launching this new programme, and look forward to celebrating the success it will help achieve.”
This new offering for Kindergarten students will launch in August 2024, and all current Early Learning 4 (EL4) students will need to have selected their new language before school finishes on 12 June.
Based on the research, we strongly recommend that parents who aren’t native English speakers should choose their mother tongue (Khmer, Chinese or Korean). The selection can be made on the form that will be shared with all parents.
At Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC) in the heart of Phnom Penh, we take pride in providing a nurturing environment where every child can flourish. In this interview, Yewon Heo, a parent of an Early Learning 4 (EL4) student, shares her positive experiences at our school.
When we champion inclusion and belonging at Northbridge International School Cambodia, we positively impact student wellbeing, and our entire school here in Phnom Penh becomes a safe space for students in all their diversities.
