Shrewsbury Introduces Thailand’s First Dual-Language British Curriculum

Hanqing Bilingual Pathway blends Mandarin and English, shaping globally equipped students with multilingual skills and cultural awareness.

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus has launched the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway, the first dual-language programme by a British-curriculum international school in Thailand.

The pathway offers families the choice of a British curriculum taught solely in English or a bilingual option combining Mandarin and English. This programme, starting from Early Years 1-2 for children aged 3-4, builds a solid foundation in both languages, fostering global perspectives and cultural adaptability.

Amanda Dennison, Founding Principal of Shrewsbury Bangkok City Campus, highlighted the institution’s innovative approach. She noted the pathway’s balance of instruction in both Mandarin and English, reflecting the school’s vision to meet the demands of a changing global landscape. This bilingual option aligns with Shrewsbury’s commitment to providing opportunities tailored to student and parent goals while honoring its long-standing British curriculum legacy.

Luna Cao, Principal of the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway, emphasized the programme’s holistic design. Students receive instruction split into 45% Mandarin, 45% English, and 10% Thai.

Classes are led by native-speaking teachers with qualifications equivalent to the UK’s Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The programme aims to prepare students academically and linguistically for senior school, university, and future careers. Graduates of Year 6 achieve HSK 3-4 Mandarin proficiency, readying them for IGCSE and A-Level curricula.

The pathway integrates Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) techniques, enhancing language acquisition through subject-based instruction. Combining Mandarin, the most spoken language globally, and English, the dominant language in business, it equips students with the tools needed for global success.

The launch included a panel discussion, “The Transformative Power of Bilingual Education,” featuring speakers like Dr. Lu Jia, Director of Bilingual Pathway; Asst. Prof. Dr. Apiradee Charoensanee from Chulalongkorn University; and Shrewsbury alumna Patricia-Tanchanok Good. Attendees also enjoyed Chinese cultural performances by musicians and Shrewsbury students.

To learn more about the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway or register for the Open House on Tuesday, 28th January 2025, visit https://hanqingatshc.paperform.co/ or https://www.shrewsbury.ac.th/city-campus/hanqing-bilingual-pathway/