How Dehong’s Elementary English Inquiry Curriculum Cultivates Children’s Future-Ready Core Competencies
At Dehong School, we understand deeply: true English education is not merely about accumulating vocabulary and grammar. It is about exploring scientific mysteries in English, performing in musicals in English, collaborating in sports through English—and, even more importantly, it is about the ability to think, learn, and create in English, and to initiate inquiries into real-world issues using English. This is the very heart of Dehong’s English Inquiry Curriculum.
What is the EML? A New Model That Breaks Traditional English Learning
Dehong’s EML is not a single “English class”—it is an integrated “learning everything through English” programme. It spans English reading, writing, and grammar, but also extends to music, PE, art, and even ICT (Information and Computer Technology) classes, all taught in English.
Unlike traditional English instruction, Dehong’s curriculum adopts the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) approach, treating English as a tool rather than a goal.
Three Core Advantages:
01 Creating an Immersive English Learning Experience
By integrating English across subjects, students don’t just learn English in language class—they use it naturally in authentic learning contexts. This represents a fundamental shift from learning English to learning through English, cultivating truly bilingual thinkers.
To make this possible, Dehong has built a comprehensive English learning environment
• Thematic Inquiry with Purpose
Our inquiry curriculum is built around four transdisciplinary themes:
Myself, My Community, My World→ building identity and global citizenship
Change is Inevitable → developing adaptability and innovative thinking
Working Together → strengthening collaboration and communication
Exploring the Unknown → sparking curiosity and courage to explore
Students progress from My Body (Grade 1) to My World, My Choices (Grade 6), deepening their English skills through meaningful inquiry.
•Reading & Writing with Proven Methods
Levelled reading platforms: Raz-Kids, Oxford Reading Tree, IXL
Weekly library classes
Writing through the UK-developed “Talk for Writing” methodology—from sentences to full stories, progress is visible and measurable.
•Real-World Application
Whether calling plays in PE in English,singing rhymes in music class, or coding in ICT, children aren’t just “learning English”—they’re unlocking new skills through play.
Advantage 2: Experienced and Dedicated Teaching Faculty
Great teachers are not just instructors—they are inspirers, guides, and mentors. Dehong’s high-calibre faculty ensures every child receives professional guidance, develops intrinsic motivation, and builds a foundation for lifelong learning.
Average of 12 years’ teaching experience
44% hold master’s degrees or higher
Foreign teachers mainly from the UK, US, New Zealand and other native English-speaking countries
Backed by the EiM global network, our teachers receive ongoing training and support—the same as our sister Dulwich schools
Small class sizes: teachers know every child’s learning style
Grades 1–2: systematic phonics instruction—every child becomes an independent reader by the end of Grade 2
Grades 3–6: tailored grammar and EAL (English as an Additional Language) support—so every learner progresses at the right pace
Exceptional Teachers
Personalised Learning Support
Advantage 3: A Professional Learning Environment
The environment acts as a “third teacher”. Dehong’s purpose-built learning spaces and immersive English environment provide the ideal setting for language acquisition. Here, English isn’t a task—it’s a natural part of daily life, seamlessly preparing students for global education.
Collaborative classrooms for group projects
Specialist inquiry labs with advanced equipment
Dedicated spaces: gymnasium, dome, music hall, science labs
Whole-school English environment
Authentic contexts that make learning meaningful
Cross-cultural activities that build global perspectives
Multi-functional Learning Spaces
Immersive English Atmosphere
Tangible Growth: From Passive Reception to Active Exploration
Nelson Z., Grade 6—A Parent’s Perspective
“When Nelson first joined Dehong in Grade 5, he was too shy to even raise his hand. His English was shaky—he’d spend hours on homework, looking up words like he was ‘squeezing toothpaste’. I was worried.”
But soon, things began to change.Nelson started coming home excited: “Today we dissected a pig’s brain—in English!”
By Grade 6, he volunteered to run for student council. He practiced his speech again and again, and delivered it fluently and confidently.
“What amazes me isn’t just his better grades—it’s that now when he sees something new, his first thought is: ‘How can I learn more about this in English?’ That proactive attitude is worth more than any test score.”
More Than a Language: Building Knowledge, Thinking Skills, and Capabilities
At Dehong, learning English is not just language acquisition—it is a journey of exploration, thinking, and growth. Through our three core advantages—immersive ecosystem, expert teachers, and professional learning environment—we provide every child with a learning pathway tailored to their needs.
Here, children gain not only fluency in English, but also critical thinking, creativity, and a global outlook—the true core competencies for the future.
We believe every child has infinite potential. Dehong’s English Inquiry Curriculum provides the fertile ground where each child can discover their passions, develop their talents, and become their best self.
