At International Grammar School (IGS), languages and culture are an integral part of school life, offering students a seamless journey from Early Learning through to Year 12.
Taking an immersive approach to language teaching, students can graduate with both fluency and a deep appreciation of culture in up to two of the six languages offered: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.
Among these, Chinese is a vibrant and growing area at IGS, reflecting both the global significance of the language and the enthusiasm of our school community. With a rich program that blends linguistic development and cultural exploration, Chinese language learning at IGS is thriving.
From the early years, children engage with Chinese daily through songs, role-plays, storytelling and interactive activities. Lessons are delivered predominantly in the target language, creating an authentic environment where students develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in meaningful ways. Units of work are built around broad inquiry questions and linked to subjects such as Science, Geography and the Creative Arts, giving context to learning and sparking curiosity.
Beyond the classroom, students take part in a wide range of cultural experiences that bring Chinese culture to life. Annual highlights include Lunar New Year celebrations, with lion dances, calligraphy workshops and festive food, and Chinese Day, where Kindergarten to Year 8 students immerse themselves in cultural performances, traditional crafts, martial arts and even make their own chocolate moon cakes.
Older students enjoy opportunities for deeper exploration. Years 9 and 10 Chinese Immersion Day activities include interactive workshops and a visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, followed by yum cha in Chinatown. These experiences strengthen cultural connections while reinforcing classroom learning.
Students also have the chance to showcase their skills on the global stage. Competitions such as Hello Mandarin and the prestigious Chinese Bridge challenge students to demonstrate their knowledge and creativity. This year, Year 10 student Zoe J impressed at the NSW Chinese Bridge competition, winning a Prize of Merit for her language skills and Chinese Kung Fu performance.
IGS also fosters international friendships and exchanges. Since 2010, the School has been offering a Language Exchange to China. This year, we partnered with Guangzhou Experimental Foreign Language School for a 2.5-week exchange program, giving students authentic immersion in language and culture. At the beginning of 2025, IGS welcomed a delegation of primary students and teachers from Nanjing for classroom visits and cultural sharing, further strengthening ties between Australia and China.
At IGS, we believe global awareness and communication skills start early. That’s why our bilingual program begins in the earliest years. We are proud to share that our Early Learning Centre has been rated Exceeding in all seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard – a testament to our commitment to child safety, wellbeing and educational excellence.
Whether through classroom immersion, cultural festivals, competitions or exchanges, learning languages at IGS goes far beyond acquiring vocabulary. Students graduate with the ability to communicate effectively, think inter-culturally and embrace the School’s vision Unity Through Diversity.
In response to high demand, IGS is adding more Chinese language classes from Early Learning through to Year 3 – and enrolments for 2026 are now open.
Apply now via https://www.igssyd.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/apply/.
