Secondary Programmes

As part of the IB model, English is offered as a Language B subject for students for whom English is not their native language. This is part of the mainstream curriculum and is staffed by the English department.

All prospective students are assessed to determine their level of English. This assessment includes Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening components and our school-based ESL levels range from 1-5. If a student is found to be past Level 5 then they are fully mainstreamed. If, however, the student’s English is below this level, they receive English support in our Language Centre. Upon entry to the school, all students attend Homeroom, PE and Creative Arts mainstream classes. As their English improves, they gradually move from the Language Centre to other mainstream classes.

Language Centre teachers liaise closely with mainstream teachers in order to best support our ESL students. They are able to teach conventions of English via the content that is being studied in mainstream classes and are also able to work individually with students to ensure that the students understand mainstream work tasks.

Dual Placement

Because the demand for places exceeds actual places at our Language Centre, some students ensure enrolment at our school by taking up a Dual Placement. Depending on their level of English and the availability of class space, they may attend 1, 2, 3, or 4 days at either UISG or UELC and the remainder of the week at the other setting. As their level of English improves and space opens up for them, they increase the number of days at UISG.