Language Policy
Language Policy Philosophy
The language policy is a working document developed by the Academic Council Team Members from our
schools (i.e., Boys’ and Girls’ Sections). This document summarizes our school’s linguistic and academic
goals and defines the programme designed to help our students attain these goals.
The main purpose of this policy document is to provide an overview and guiding principles for language
learning at AIS which runs through the entire school curriculum through authentic contexts in a culturally
rich and diverse environment. Our policy is a statement of agreement – one to which the staff and the AIS
community are asked to commit to so our school can achieve its mission.
The language policy stimulates life-long learning. Developing language learning skills gives students the
capacity to solve problems, think critically and act creatively. Language empowers students to
understand, interpret and respond to ideas, attitudes and feelings. Information literacy and technology
also provide a gateway to life-long learning and a rich range of language learning opportunities.
The language policy recognises the transfer of cognitive skills from the mother tongue to English and vice
versa and the acquisition of additional languages. This process encourages the acquisition of higher order
thinking skills and development of multiple perspectives. The policy also recognises the importance of all
teachers differentiating instruction for students at different levels of language acquisition
BELIEFS AND AIMS
AIS aims to nurture an appreciation of the richness and diversity of language. Language does much more
than promote cognitive growth; it is crucial for maintaining cultural identity and emotional stability. The
acquisition of more than one language and maintenance of the mother tongue enrich personal growth
and help facilitate international understanding. As language, by its very nature, is integrated into all areas
of the curriculum every teacher within the school is considered a language teacher.
At AIS, the aim is to foster in students the ability to think and express themselves with precision, clarity,
confidence and imagination in at least two languages. Language development in more than one language
enriches personal growth, provides cognitive advantages and is essential to the development of
international mindedness. The school strives to address the particular challenges of those students who
are learning in a language other than their mother tongue by providing an integrated, well-implemented
English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme at all school sections. We endeavour to integrate
students’ Islamic, cultural and linguistic heritage throughout the curriculum.
LANGUAGE PROFILE AND ADMISSIONS POLICIES
AIS LANGUAGE PROFILE
Although every student in our school speaks English as a medium of communication and instruction, we
have more than 30 different nationalities that use their mother tongues to communicate outside the
classrooms. All of our administrative and teaching staff speaks English and the majority is fluent in at least
one other language.