From 20-24 February 2023, we celebrated the second Language Week at GESS. With 70 different languages spoken by our community, it was a great opportunity to appreciate the different mother tongues and origins of our students. At GESS, we pride ourselves on our growing suite of mother-tongue language programmes, including but not limited to Danish, Dutch and Swedish. Here, we hear from Anders about our Swedish community at GESS.
Please tell us something about your background and how long have you been at GESS?
Hej hej! I teach Swedish Mother Tongue, English Language Acquisition, and Physical and Health Education, and have been fortunate to share my passion for language, communication, and sport with our amazing students since 2020. Having studied abroad in high school, I understand the challenges that come with adapting to a new culture and learning a second language. That’s why I prioritize creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that encourages students to be active participants in their learning.
Anders Haglind 
What is the Swedish Mother Tongue Programme and when was it started?
The Swedish Mother Tongue Programme, launched in 2020, is one of ten mother tongue languages offered at GESS as an alternative to studying a foreign language in middle school. The programme provides a comprehensive curriculum covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Although most Swedes speak English well (albeit with a quirky accent that I personally can’t seem to get rid of), proficiency in Swedish language is essential for gaining access to higher education and employment opportunities.
I am proud to say that our Swedish students are enthusiastic and dedicated learners, as evidenced by our success in winning the #GESS50 competition and having two students nominated as finalists in the Young Reporters for the Environment competition 2022.
I’m grateful to be teaching at a school that values Mother Tongue Languages and I’d like to give a special shout-out to Ares Tan, our Head of Mother Tongue Languages. Ares has provided unwavering support to our programme since its initiation, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
Are the students enrolled in the programme all Swedish?
All students enrolled in the program are Swedish citizens, although a few have grown up overseas. Since its launch, we have seen a gradual increase in the number of students who are taking advantage of this unique opportunity to develop Swedish language proficiency whilst attending an international school in South East Asia.
Can you tell us if and how you celebrate some typical Swedish events at GESS?
Celebrating our national traditions helps our students remain connected to their roots. We never miss a chance to observe significant events such as Midsummer, Walpurgis Eve, Christmas and even the occasional victories of the Swedish national football team (which, let’s be real, isn’t too often).
Moreover, our Swedish parent community is very supportive and loves to honour our pastry calendar, including Cinnamon Bun Day, Waffles Day, and Semla Day by sending delectable treats to school.
Our Swedish Mother Tongue Programme students have also done an exemplary job participating in the Young Reporters for the Environment initiative organised by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Two of our students were even shortlisted as two of the three finalists in the photography category for Sweden. Swedish Language and Literature class organised a Nobel Prize dialogue as their Service As Action project. They welcomed visitors from the Embassy of Sweden and arranged an exhibition in the secondary school library.
Exhibition in the school library: Nobel Prize 
Jenny Egermark, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Swedish Embassy
So that we learn a little bit more about Sweden, what do you miss most about Sweden, now that you are here in Singapore?
One thing I miss about Sweden is the simple pleasure of walking home alone on a crisp autumn night under the glittering stars, feeling the sting of the cold, fresh air on my nose and cheeks (never thought I’d admit to that one!). There’s a certain melancholy, darkness, and beauty that’s unique to Sweden that I can’t seem to find anywhere else.
