Middle School - Portland Public School Chinese Flagship Program

Mandarin Immersion at Hosford Middle School

Students in middle school continue their Mandarin language and cultural skill development during daily content-based, theme-based Social Studies classes and Mandarin Language Arts classes. In continuing to move students toward a high level of functional proficiency (Intermediate Mid by the end of 8th grade), the three-year middle school experience culminates with an opportunity to participate in a two-week research residency in Suzhou, China. Students participating in the China Research Residency utilize their language and cultural skills to navigate day-to-day aspects of living and to conduct research based on student-centered inquiry projects.

Middle School Mandarin Magnet Program

Hosford Middle School
Hosford Middle School is a small, comprehensive, neighborhood school with a focus on world languages and an impressive array of exploratory classes. An emphasis on strong and rigorous core academic programs is a priority.

Concepts and Program Goals

The immersion language is used to learn subject matter content. Math, Science, Reading, Writing, Social Studies or The Arts may be selected as appropriate content subjects.
Language learning will also occur in the context of real life situations and help students interact in social situations.
Age appropriate instructional strategies and activities will be key instructional components, including content, language and cultural objectives.
Language and content curriculum are articulated using materials at an age-appropriate content level.
Expressive and receptive language development is emphasized of all stages of the program.

The program provides ways to motivate learning a second language. It encourages language and cultural enrichment activities such as summer programs, exchanges and travel.