Our school will provide significant support for non-native English speaking students from Early Childhood to Y9 (and later to Y11). All the teachers in the department are trained ESL specialists with a wealth of experience in international schools around the world.
The overriding philosophy of the department is to respond to the needs of the varying types of ESL students. This involves flexibility in courses provided by the ESL department in liaison with the other departments.
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND PRIMARY
Every year a number of primary age pupils will join ISLQ with little or no English. They will be immediately immersed in mainstream English classes where they will be supported by their teacher and their fellow pupils. In addition beginners will follow a special programme of study in English as a second language.
In the ESL support programme, pupils are divided into small groups. Each group has weekly ESL lessons in which pupils develop their English language skills, acquire knowledge of the basic vocabulary needed to communicate with confidence and develop their ideas and powers of self-expression. The ESL classes give them the opportunity to concentrate on topics that are essential for expressing themselves both orally and in writing.
SECONDARY
Upon arrival, all new students take a placement test and have an informal interview with an ESL teacher. These diagnostic tests allow the school to correctly place students in the most appropriate skill level class.
IE - Intensive English
These classes are unusual in that they occupy over half the students' timetable (approximately 22 lessons a week) and replace all other lessons apart from Maths, Music, Art, Physical Education and Computer Design Technology.
and replace all other lessons apart from Maths, Music, Art, Physical Education and Computer Design Technology.
The first aim of the IE classes is to equip the students with "survival English", which will enable them to function at a very basic level both in the classroom and socially. The focus of the course at this time is very much on vocabulary and on the functional use of language. As the programme progresses, the focus of the course becomes more grammatical providing the students with the basic structures of English. Gradually students are introduced to structures and vocabulary needed in studying other subjects such as Science, History and Geography.
When the students have acquired sufficient language skills, they join their mainstream peers in Science classes. Likewise, when students are able to communicate with relative ease and use basic structures with confidence they are promoted to the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
ESL - English as a Second Language
In the ESL program, students study all other mainstream subjects including Language B which is French or Arabic. They continue to be taught English separately for 6 lessons a week.
The ESL program continues to build upon the students' range of structures and vocabulary. There is a greater emphasis on developing literacy, and some literature analysis is introduced at this stage. Where possible, ESL teachers provide students with in-class support in academic subjects.
Extra English for Native Speakers and for Non-native Speakers
Extra English sessions are available for students who are native English speakers or for those who do not choose the Mother Tongue Language option. The focus of these lessons is on exploring the use of English in media and its impact on society. Pupils are encouraged to express themselves and to think critically about the world around them. Assessment task include projects which build on the students’ research and presentation skills.
Conversation Course for Parents
In addition to catering to the students, we plan to offer weekly conversation classes for parents. This gathering provides parents an opportunity to socialize while refining their English skills in a relaxed environment.
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