Language immersion is a cornerstone of the curriculum at Silicon Valley International School (INTL), shaping students' perspectives and understanding of the world. For INTL students, language learning is about much more than memorizing vocabulary or even mastering conversational phrases; it’s about cultivating the ability to think, create, and engage with complex ideas in multiple languages. This approach was powerfully demonstrated by a recent project in Pauline Fleau’s French Language and Literature class, where Upper School students crafted and performed their own extrapolation of the classic Greek tragedy Antigone, working with Jean Anouilh’s modern adaptation of Sophocles’ classic. This endeavor was a compelling example of how INTL’s language immersion programs enable students to engage deeply with both language and literature, pushing them to create original, meaningful works of thought.
While Antigone is condemned directly by the king in the original play, in this exercise the students were challenged to imagine what a jury trial for Antigone might look like. Working entirely in French, the students not only wrote speeches for the various characters, but also considered the legal and ethical dilemmas presented in the play, placing themselves in the roles of judge, jurors, prosecutor, and more. They analyzed complex themes like justice, loyalty, and morality, reflecting on how to convey these universal ideas in French. This project allowed students to dive into philosophical discussions, examine character motivations, and think critically about the choices Antigone made—all in their target language.
At INTL, language immersion starts in preschool, setting the foundation for advanced proficiency and cross-cultural understanding. Students don’t just learn language, they learn through language. Learning extends beyond traditional conversational subjects, integrating immersion into unexpected areas. For example, elementary school students learn computer coding in German, Chinese, or French, blending language skills with digital literacy. Students explore the nuances of their target language in a myriad of topics, ranging from visual arts to music to mathematics and more.
Language expands beyond an academic skill at INTL—it’s a way of thinking, understanding, and engaging with the world. INTL students experience language as a bridge to creativity and critical thought. They learn to view language as a tool for expression and exploration, enabling them to create works that reflect their unique perspectives and insights. By the time they reach high school, INTL students are not just bilingual—they are global thinkers, capable of using language to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
