English as a Second Language

Given that the vast majority of our students have a mother tongue other than English, it is essential that we offer programmes which best support their academic, emotional and social development.

One of the most important features of our school is our belief in the role of mother tongue maintenance as a way of supporting a developing understanding of the English language. In the Primary School, French, German and Putonghua are currently offered with the intention of adding Japanese as soon as possible. The Secondary school students are supported by Korean, Putonghua and French within school hours and with German classes offered after school. Once again, it is our intention to offer Japanese support also as soon as possible.

All staff members are encouraged to undertake Professional Development specific to teaching students with non-English speaking backgrounds. Courses such as ESL in the Mainstream and Language and Literacy: Functional Grammar in the Classroom are provided free of charge at school to all teachers.

English is the medium of instruction throughout the school. In order to support this, we offer a range of programmes.