The HKIS Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program was introduced to expand the program offering and to serve the needs of HKIS diverse community. Guided by HKIS Mission and Vision, the DLI program is aligned with the HKIS Primary Schools’ educational philosophy, beliefs, and core values. With these shared principles, the DLI program aims to collaboratively deliver academic content and social-emotional learning around 50% in English and another 50% in Chinese in their homeroom classes.

HKIS DLI program follows a one-way immersion model in which students spend one day immersed in the Chinese learning environment and another day in English. Starting from Reception 1, developmentally appropriate adjustments will be made to align with the practices of the mainstream classes. The DLI Program will continue to Grade 5 after which students will be integrated into the Middle School mainstream program and placed by their Chinese Language proficiency.

The curriculum in a Dual Language Immersion program is designed to be rigorous and engaging, integrating language acquisition with core academic subjects. Through consistent exposure to both languages, we aim to nurture the students in the DLI program to acquire the following qualities:

  1. Bilingualism, Biliteracy, and Biculturalism: students achieve high proficiency in both languages and cultural competency.
  2. Academic Mastery: students master academic content in both languages.
  3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Students transfer knowledge and skills between languages, and think creatively and outside the box to solve problems.

"Dual language programs provide a bridge for students to access academic content while developing high levels of proficiency in two languages."

Dr. Virginia Collier

Two Days in the Life of a DLI Student

HKIS DLI Program is a balanced 50/50 model, with equal time spent in English and Chinese. Two homeroom teachers lead the classes individually and collaboratively, alternating instructional days across a six-day cycle. A typical day will include:

TimeDay 1 in Chinese HomeroomDay 2 in English Homeroom
7:20-8:00Arrival Arrival 
8:00-8:30Learning through play Learning through play
8:30-8:55Morning meetingMorning meeting
9:00-9:30Snack Snack 
9:35-10:05Specials in EnglishChinese Play
10:10-10:40Outdoor Play (Chinese+English)
10:40-10:55Guided Play/Projects (Chinese+English)
10:55-11:30Guided Play/ProjectsGuided Play/Projects
11:30-12:00Lunch (Chinese+English)
12:00-12:30Quiet Time Quiet Time 
12:30-1:00Outdoor play (Chinese+English)
1:05-1:30Community time Community time
1:30-1:50Goodbye meeting/Dismissal Goodbye meeting/Dismissal 

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