Philosophy
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We live in a global world with students coming to our school from a variety of cultural heritages and language backgrounds.
For some students, English is an additional language. We honour, respect and acknowledge different languages and ways of thinking, while enabling our students to use English to access social institutions like universities.
Staffing
The department has five full-time and one part-time staff members. The department is also supported by two teacher aides, parent volunteers and student peer support.
Roles and Goals
The main goal is to provide English support for students for whom English is not their first language. This support comes in different forms. There are timetabled English classes Those who arrive with very little English language are given small group and individual support in the Reception Class. Students access mainstream subjects progressively according to interest, need and language expertise.
In the junior school students who need extra support are given special classes for an option line ie 5 hours a week. The intention is to act as a bridge to the English all students are expected to use in their school subjects.
In the senior school the focus is on preparing students for the increased demands of academic English. We also provide opportunities for students to achieve literacy credits so that they can access universities. Most students take ESOL for an option line. In year 13 some students, who are close to achieving university literacy, study ESOL in the morning before the official start of the school day.
Other Support Structures
Older students help younger students with their English on a one-to-one volunteer basis. Bilingual parents support students by using both the home language and English. This is both for individual and groups of students inside and outside of the classrooms. Bilingual teacher aides work with groups of students in curriculum areas. Across the school The school community is diverse. Catering to the needs of our students means that all teachers need to be aware of the principles of acquiring language. In support of this there are ongoing professional learning programmes.
Adult Education
The community education offers classes for adults in ESOL. Click here to see the courses offered by community education.