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The Paradigm Shift
From “Every Teacher is a Language Teacher” to “Every Teacher is Language-Aware”
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LEAVES does not ask content teachers to become language teachers. It encourages them to become language-aware - recognising how language shapes access to disciplinary knowledge and how small, intentional shifts can make learning more accessible to multilingual learners.
Philosophy: Affirming not Assimilating
Many multilingual learners enter English-medium international schools with rich linguistic, cultural, and educational experiences. Yet, intentionally or unintentionally, they are often expected to adapt to systems that were not designed with them in mind. LEAVES is built on the belief that multilingual learners should not have to leave parts of themselves behind in order to succeed. Rather than viewing students' languages and cultures as barriers to overcome, LEAVES promotes language-aware, identity-affirming practices that help multilingual learners participate, belong, and thrive.The goal is not assimilation. The goal is affirmation.