English as an additional Language
A Common Language of Learning
At ICS, we wish to ensure all learners are able to access our wonderful world-class programme. Students who arrive at ICS and need extra support in English have access to our EAL Programmes.
Learning English
English is the language of instruction at ICS, and therefore, developing skills in English takes particular priority in our language programme.
The EAL Programme provides a caring, flexible, and supportive environment to help students integrate socially and become successful academically. EAL support is provided to help children succeed in the classroom. EAL teachers help students to develop the language skills, learning strategies, and cultural awareness needed to be successful at ICS.
Understanding that language acquisition is a developmental process that takes place over a number of years, we strive to provide a customised support programme that may include both in-class assistance and small group lessons outside of the regular classroom as needed.
EAL in Our Primary School
EAL support in the Primary School is offered through a collaborative, co-teaching model, where EAL teachers are an integral part of planning, instruction and assessment in grade-level teams in K2-G5.
After a careful review of a student’s application materials, including the Home Language Survey, past educational background and language of instruction, and an observation and assessment period during the settling-in process, students who would benefit from English as an Additional Language support are identified. All students in the EAL programme receive integrated, in-class support, and beginners in English receive an additional four periods of intensive English support per week, which focuses on foundational English skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
When students are able to access and participate in the grade-level curriculum independently, and no longer require EAL support, the EAL teacher and classroom teacher review the student’s progress to determine whether they are ready to exit the EAL programme. Students who exit the programme continue to be monitored for two academic years to ensure they continue to make progress and are able to cope with increasing linguistic demands. Parents are informed of any changes to the programme.
EAL in Our Middle and Senior School
As part of our application process in the Middle and Senior School, an online IDAT language assessment is completed for students who are still acquiring academic English. This assessment allows us to decide on an appropriate level of support.
For students who are developing their language, we offer English Language Acquisition classes in Grades 6, 7 and 8 and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for students in Grades 9 and 10. These lessons allow students to improve their academic fluency in a small class setting.
Additionally, the EAL team provides support across all other subjects to ensure students can access the learning equitably, regardless of their home language, by working with subject teachers to adapt teaching and activities accordingly.
Language expectations increase as students move through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and, therefore, we are currently not able to support English beginners in Grades 9 or 10. Furthermore, the language level of the Diploma Programme is advanced, and students therefore need a proficient level of academic English in order to access learning in Grades 11 and 12.
