Language:

The Gift to Understand and Build the World

Developing intellectual, social, and spiritual growth through language instruction at Sekolah Kristen Calvin.

Homo Lingua

Sekolah Kristen Calvin believes that humans are created as homo lingua—language beings—enabling them to exist as the image and likeness of God, and to fulfill their tasks as humans placed by God on earth, in a specific environment, and at a particular time. Therefore, language teaching must consider these three contexts: task, place, and time. These three contexts can be united under the overarching context of the Kingdom of God.

Functions & Meaning of Language

Language as a Tool for Communication

Communication comes from the Latin word communicare, which means “to share.” A related word, “community,” comes from communis, meaning “together” or “common.” The purpose of communication and community can only be fully understood within the creation narrative in the book of Genesis—that is, to carry out God’s rule over the world, to tend and cultivate the land God has given, and together build the civilization of God’s Kingdom, reflecting His glory, love, and truth to all creation.

Organizing the Meaning & Structure of Language

The naming of the animals by Adam serves as an illustration that Adam was not given a perfect and final language by God. Humans must learn to develop an ever-improving order of meaning. This calling makes teachers and students aware of the importance of grammar and sentence structure, as well as the organization of ideas within discourse. Equally important are the skills to recognize patterns, derive meaning, and interpret expressions within reading. 

The Role of Language in the Development of Civilization

Language, as the central repository and processor of meaning, also plays a crucial role in the intellectual, social, and emotional development of learners. Therefore, language is a key determinant of students’ success across all areas of study. As we know, building concepts, human relationships, perceptions, and even forming arguments cannot be separated from linguistic processes. 

Language Education at Sekolah Kristen Calvin

Sekolah Kristen Calvin values the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as essential. At the primary level, learning focuses on listening and speaking skills. Meanwhile, language instruction at the intermediate and advanced levels emphasizes reading and writing. This sequence aligns with the increasing maturity of students’ critical thinking abilities as they grow older.

Indonesian Language

As children of God, students can learn to be a blessing to Indonesia by bearing witness through discourse. Through various media, they can express their critiques, solutions, and innovative ideas for the advancement of the nation. 

English Language

As citizens of the international Kingdom of God, students are also equipped with English language lessons, enabling them to engage in international discourse (both academic and non-academic), fellowship with fellow believers from other countries, and bear witness to the global community. 

Mandarin Language

Basic Mandarin language instruction is provided to open opportunities for students who wish to further explore this alternative international language. 

Redemption History-Based Education

The linguistic mission of humanity remains valid even after the fall into sin. In fact, this task became more challenging with the event of the Tower of Babel, when God confused human communication by dividing their language and scattering people across the earth. With this diversity of languages came the formation of various cultures, civilizations, and nations. Each person thinks, expresses, and interprets life and the world within the scope allowed by their language—this includes the people within the nation of Indonesia.

Another context underlying language teaching at SKC is the dimension of time within the history of redemption. This concept of time challenges every Christian to ask: What era is this for the Kingdom of God? If Christ has risen, ascended to heaven, and will come again to fully resolve all issues, how should I understand and live out this interim period?

Against the backdrop of a world not yet fully freed from the power of sin and the eager expectation of the unstoppable coming of God’s Kingdom, students engage in discourse to realize God’s peace (shalom) amid a world that is overwhelmed, pessimistic, weary, and suffering because of sin.

The imagination of possible worlds in literature is understood and evaluated through the perspective of the intersection between the old world and the new creation.  

Erwan Zhang • Head of Curriculum at Sekolah Kristen Calvin

The Role of Literature & Imagination

With strong skills in reading, writing, presenting, and oration, students analyze, critique, and participate in explaining issues and offering solutions to the world’s problems. The imagination of possible worlds in literature is understood and evaluated through the perspective of the intersection between the old world and the new creation.

Through poetry, fiction, drama, and film, students reveal hidden truths and express their imagination of the intersection between the old world and the new, opening up new possibilities and a better world for humanity.

Zhang, Erwan. 2018. 10th Anniversary Sekolah Kristen Calvin: Proclaim the Glory of Your Kingdom

Literary Works of Sekolah Kristen Calvin Students

Personal Narrative Essays - 13th Batch

Personal Narrative Essays were written by the 12th-grade students of the 13th cohort. Each student shares a memorable event from their life. These essays are a form of work for the English subject at Sekolah Kristen Calvin Senior High School.

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