Opening Young Minds to the World

Over the last two years (2024-25), Haileybury has undertaken a major review of its P-6 Languages program. One element of the project was on redefining the goals of the P-4 Languages, which has traditionally operated on a 3 x 20min model teaching Chinese. While most teachers argued that 3 x 20min was an effective way of delivery within the limited time on task, the review team decided to tackle a more fundamental question – what should the goals of a P-4 Languages program ultimately be if we only have one session a week?

This fundamental question about “why” liberated the Chinese teachers and inspired in-depth dialogues and discussions that led to the birth of our new innovative curriculum – P-4 Languages and Cultures – which is currently being phased in year-by-year from Prep in 2025. Imagine, instead of focusing on one language from the altitude of a flight, the course now takes you to outer space, so you can learn about the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world.

In this presentation, we will share our journey of creating, trialling and refining the Prep Languages & Cultures curriculum, which has been structured around three core pillars: Metalinguistic Awareness, Cultural Understanding, and International Connection. We will also share with you the many humbling moments and reflections we have had as school leaders and teachers.

The presentation offers honest reflections and practical ideas for educators looking to introduce meaningful, inclusive Languages education in primary years.