What is IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL)? IGCSE ESL is offered as an alternative subject to mainstream English for ESL students in Key Stage 4 in the mainstream. It enables students to focus on English language proficiency whilst achieving an IGCSE subject. It is accepted as an English language qualification for university applications.
What is EAL Full-time? The EAL full-time students are very much part of the school and fully participate in many mainstream subjects as well as the PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and co-curricular programs. They attend intensive EAL classes which focus on strengthening their skills in the listening, speaking, reading and writing of English.
How is the English curriculum structured in EAL Full-time? The English curriculum in the EAL Full-time program is linked to the mainstream curriculum enabling the students to make a smooth transition into mainstream. A communicative approach to language learning is applied. In particular, emphasis is on the integration of the following skills: · Reading and listening comprehension · Grammatical structures · Speaking and pronunciation · Vocabulary building · Writing skills Resources are current and specifically designed for learning English in an international school environment.
What other subjects do EAL Full-time students study? EAL students join mainstream classes for a number of subjects, such as Mathematics, Art, Music, Drama and Physical Education. They receive support from EAL staff during some mainstream classes. Staff from faculties such as ICT and Science run programs specifically designed for the needs of EAL students. Geography and History are specifically addressed within the EAL curriculum. EAL Full-time students also benefit from a language-focused program to improve their understanding of science in a special class called Language in Science, designed to consolidate their current learning in the subject.
How is the IGCSE ESL curriculum structured? IGCSE ESL focuses on the four major language skills for the EAL examination: · Reading · Writing · Listening · Speaking Additional lessons on usage and grammar are included to enable students to perform to the best of their ability in the examinations. All skills are studied using a thematic approach under a number of set topics.
How is IGCSE ESL assessed? Ongoing internal school assessment takes the form of continual coursework, relevant testing and examination practice. The final grade is based entirely on the three-part examination at the end of the course. This examination consists of papers in: · Reading and Writing · Listening · Speaking (by way of an oral interview)
How is the ESL Withdrawal curriculum structured? The curriculum is closely linked to the skills required for mainstream English, particularly writing tasks, structures, set texts and comprehension skills. The focus is on strengthening competence in: · Reading and literary analysis · Writing · Speaking · Listening
How is ESL Withdrawal assessed? Grades and reports will be based on continual coursework : the 3 assessed pieces of writing every 6 weeks or half-term are graded according to National Curriculum Levels, and the relevant testing of all 4 skills at the end of term.
