At SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School we aim to provide holistic education which encourages our learners to become inquirers for life. Our independent and wise learners work together challenging themselves with rigorous academics and assessments, to create and sustain a world that is caring, open- minded, balanced and peace-loving by thinking globally and acting locally.
❀ BACKGROUND
Language is a fundamental element of human communication, culture, and identity. At SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School, we recognize the pivotal role language plays in the holistic development of our students. This Language Policy aims to articulate our school's approach to language education, encompassing multiple languages, and catering to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of our student community.
❀ Purpose of the Language Policy
The primary purpose of this Language Policy is to provide comprehensive guidance and structure for language education at SRVS CBSE School. It outlines our commitment to multilingualism, the use of various languages in the learning process, and our dedication to fostering linguistic and cultural diversity.
This Language Policy is intended for various stakeholders within the SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School, including:
❀ CBSE Vision and Mission Statement
The basic vision of CBSE is to inspire learning for physical, emotional, social and intellectual well being of students. The CBSE, a pace-setting National Board of School Education in the country, aspires to be a center of unmatched excellence for providing quality education by continuously raising the educational standards to meet the national and global needs through the dual process of affiliating schools within and beyond the national geographical boundaries and conduct of examinations at the end of classes X and XII.
❀ School Mission Statement
At SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School, our mission is to provide holistic education that encourages our learners to become inquirers for life. Our school emphasizes creating a caring, open- minded, balanced, and peace-loving world through global thinking and local action.
❀ School Values
Our school values, encapsulated in the acronym LEADERS (Learners for life, Efficient, Affectionate, Determined, Efficacious, Resilient, Self-assured), underscore our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who can communicate effectively in a diverse world.
❀ School Context
SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School offers a Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum for foundational stages to grade 12. Our school context provides a unique blend of educational approaches.
❀ Language Programmes
Our language programmes encompass a wide range of languages, including English as the medium of instruction, Hindi as the national language, Tamil as the state language, and additional languages such as French for CBSE students.
❀ Language Profile of Students
Understanding the linguistic background of our students is essential for tailoring our language education. The majority of our students hails from Karaikal and have Tamil as their mother tongue. While most are second language learners of English, we strive to provide a supportive environment for linguistic development.
❀ Medium of Instruction
English serves as the primary medium of instruction at SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School. It holds precedence in our language programme and is the preferred language for communication within the school, including publications, websites, signage, and interactions between school and parents, as well as among staff members.
❀ Development of Knowledge and Skills in Language
Language education at Skill SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School goes beyond the traditional classroom boundaries. We recognize that language is a complex web of connections that transcends disciplines. Our approach encompasses learning a language, learning about language, and learning through language, all within a relevant context. This holistic approach provides the most supportive learning environment for language learners, encouraging competency in multiple languages and fostering imagination and creativity.
❀ Languages Used in Daily Functioning
While English is the preferred language of communication at SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School ,we acknowledge our multilingual community, where many individuals function in more than one language in their everyday lives. Internal and external school communication with parents is primarily conducted in English, though individual parents and teachers may communicate in a common language of their choice as per preference. Internal communication among support departments typically occurs in Tamil to maintain a comfortable working environment without undermining the importance of the regional language.
❀ Languages in the SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School
Our teachers plan learning engagements in language with meaningful and enjoyable contexts, ensuring that students can make connections, apply their learning, and transfer their conceptual understanding to new situations. This progressive conceptual development, combined with an enjoyment of the process, lays the foundation for lifelong language learning. The school also emphasizes the importance of literature in language development, encouraging students to read a minimum of two books a year as per their age and readiness level.
❀ Language in Secondary Programme
In the Secondary programme, SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School seeks to revolutionize students' conception of language through an interdisciplinary approach. This approach bridges the gap between the universal and the local by studying literature in translation, fostering intercultural awareness, and promoting holistic learning and communication. The Secondary programme acknowledges the mastery of more than one language and encourages the reading of multiple texts, creating an appropriate atmosphere for the enhancement of wider contextual knowledge and understanding.
First Language : English
Second Language : Tamil, French
Third Language : Hindi, French
Foreign Language: French (A choice made by the parents and students)
❀ CBSE Language Education Principles
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) philosophy has its unique character deeply rooted in the Indian context. It recognizes that language education plays a pivotal role in promoting national unity, cultural diversity, and proficiency in languages. The CBSE philosophy's emphasis on linguistic diversity in India is particularly notable.
❀ Integration of CBSE Philosophy
SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School’s alignment with the CBSE philosophy is a reflection of its commitment to celebrating India's linguistic diversity. Offering Hindi as a language of study is not merely a matter of compliance; it's a statement of recognizing and respecting the linguistic mosaic of the country. This alignment goes beyond the curriculum; it's an embodiment of India's rich linguistic heritage.
❀ Bhasha Sangam: Celebrating Linguistic Diversity
Bhasha Sangam Initiative: Within the CBSE philosophy, SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School actively participates in the Bhasha Sangam initiative. This government-led program aims to celebrate linguistic diversity by showcasing 22 Indian languages, reinforcing the CBSE philosophy's goal of preserving and promoting the linguistic diversity of India. The school's involvement in Bhasha Sangam underscores its dedication to fostering cultural appreciation and unity through language education.
❀ Language Proficiency and Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural Sensitivity: The CBSE philosophy emphasizes not only language proficiency but also cultural sensitivity. SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School recognizes that language education is not just about learning words and grammar but about understanding the cultural nuances embedded within each language. By promoting Hindi and participating in initiatives like Bhasha Sangam, the school ensures that students not only speak the language but also appreciate the rich tapestry of Indian cultures and traditions.
❀ Recognition of Mother Tongue
SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School acknowledges the importance of mother tongue languages in preserving cultural identities. A student's mother tongue is considered the language they have acquired from birth or a very young age, typically from their family environment.
❀ Teaching Mother Tongue Languages
The school is committed to promoting mother tongue languages, especially Tamil, among our students. Recognizing the value of mother tongue education, we offer dedicated classes and resources to teach and develop proficiency in Tamil.
❀ Supporting Multilingualism
Multilingualism is highly encouraged at SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School. We believe that students who are proficient in their mother tongue and other languages are better equipped to communicate effectively in diverse settings. To support this, we provide opportunities for students to learn additional languages, including Hindi, and French which is particularly beneficial for our students.
❀ Mother Tongue Programme for Primary Years
In the Primary Years Programme students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 are encouraged to explore and develop their mother tongue language skills. While English remains the primary medium of instruction, Tamil is integrated into the curriculum to promote linguistic diversity and cultural understanding. Specialized teachers and resources are allocated to support students in enhancing their mother tongue proficiency.
❀ Mother Tongue Programme for Grade 6 and Beyond
In grades 6 to 12, students continue to have opportunities to engage with their mother tongue. For CBSE students, this includes the study of Hindi, while SRVS ELITE students can opt for language courses such as French. The mother tongue programme remains an essential part of our commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural diversity.
❀ Recognizing Second Language Learners
SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School recognizes that many students come from diverse linguistic backgrounds and may require additional support in acquiring proficiency in English as a second language. The school values the unique linguistic and cultural experiences that these students bring to our community.
❀ Foundation Course for Language Support
To support second language learners, we offer a foundation course that focuses on English language acquisition. This course is tailored to individual student needs and includes language assessment, customized learning plans, and ongoing support to help students progress in their language skills.
❀ Commitment to Language Learning
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their linguistic background, have equal opportunities to succeed academically and socially. Our teachers and support staff work collaboratively to ensure that additional language support is provided in an empathetic and culturally sensitive manner.
❀ Utilizing Online Resources
SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School acknowledges the transformative role of technology in language education. In line with our commitment to providing students with a well-rounded language experience, we have developed an Online Reading Programme to harness the power of digital resources.
❀ Promoting Reading Skills
The Online Reading Programme focuses on promoting reading skills among our students. It offers a diverse collection of digital books and reading materials that cater to various age groups, interests, and reading levels. This initiative aims to cultivate a love for reading and expand students' vocabulary and comprehension.
❀ Integration of Technology and Language Learning
Technology integration is a key component of our language education strategy. Through the Online Reading Programme, we encourage students to engage with digital texts, audiobooks,and interactive learning platforms. This not only enhances their language proficiency but also prepares them for the digital literacy demands of the modern world.
❀ Importance of the Library
The school library is a hub of learning and literacy at SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School. It plays a crucial role in supporting language development, fostering a reading culture, and providing access to a wide range of multilingual resources.
❀ Multilingual Resources
The library houses an extensive collection of books, magazines, newspapers, and digital resources in multiple languages. This includes literature in English, Tamil, Hindi, as well as foreign languages like French. Our library staff is trained to assist students in selecting appropriate reading materials based on their language proficiency and interests.
❀ Library Activities and Events
To promote language and literacy, the library hosts various activities and events throughout the academic year. These include storytelling sessions, author visits, book clubs, and language-themed competitions. These initiatives not only enhance language skills but also create a sense of excitement and curiosity around language and literature.
❀ Expanding Library Resources
SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School is committed to continually expanding and updating our library resources to cater to the evolving needs and interests of our students. We encourage suggestions from students, teachers, and parents to ensure that our library remains a dynamic and vibrant centre for language and literacy.
❀ Supporting Learners' Languages
Translanguaging is a pedagogical approach that recognizes and values the diverse linguistic repertoires of our students. At SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School, we embrace translanguaging as a means of supporting learners in using their full linguistic resources for learning and communication.
❀ Integrating Translanguaging Strategies
Teachers at our school are encouraged to integrate translanguaging strategies into their classroom practices. This may involve allowing students to use their mother tongue or additional languages when expressing ideas, discussing concepts, or seeking clarification. Translanguaging promotes a deeper understanding of content and ensures that language is not a barrier to learning.
❀ Fostering Cultural Identity
Translanguaging is not only about language but also about preserving and celebrating cultural identities. We believe that by allowing students to use their languages and share their cultural perspectives, we create a more inclusive and respectful learning environment. This, in turn, promotes intercultural understanding and empathy among students.
❀ Creation of the Language Policy Steering Committee
The development and implementation of the Language Policy at SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School is a collaborative effort. A Language Policy Steering Committee has been established, consisting of experienced educators, linguists, parents, and administrators. This committee plays a crucial role in shaping the policy, ensuring its alignment with the school's mission and educational goals.
❀ Key Steps in Policy Development
The development of the Language Policy involved a comprehensive process, including the following key steps:
Needs Assessment: Identifying the linguistic needs of students, teachers, and parents. Research: Reviewing international best practices in language education.
Drafting: Gathering input from teachers, students, parents, and external experts.
Stakeholder Consultation:Creating a preliminary policy document.
Review and Feedback: Soliciting feedback from all stakeholders and revising the policy accordingly.
Approval: Finalizing the policy and obtaining approval from the school board.
In conclusion, SRVS National Higher Secondary CBSE School's Language Policy is a comprehensive framework that underscores our commitment to language education, linguistic diversity, and cultural appreciation. It is rooted in our school's mission and values, aligned with international educational philosophies, and designed to meet the diverse needs of our students and community. By embracing various language education philosophies and practices, we aim to prepare our students to be effective communicators and global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world
