English Language Development

Whilst the main language of instruction at SIS is English, we are committed to supporting and developing multilingualism as a fundamental part of our school’s mission to increase intercultural understanding and global awareness.

We strive to create a challenging and motivating multilingual environment, offering meaningful opportunities to study a range of languages within the IB programmes. Through language, our students acquire knowledge and the ability to think, learn, develop social skills and build life-long values.

Teacher teaching class
 

Personalised Learning to Empower Students

As part of SIS’s commitment to personalised learning, we aim to empower students to be the best that they can be. The English Language Development (ELD) programme supports the learning of students who do not have English as a first language, from their tentative first days at SIS to their preparation for higher education.

The aim of the ELD Department is to focus on improving the English language skills of the students who study at our school, whilst encouraging the maintenance and celebration of their own cultural diversity. This philosophy is consistent and school-wide, and helps us maintain a rigorous and relevant pathway that transitions seamlessly between the PYP, MYP and DP programmes of study.

Students reading together

Aims

The ELD programme is designed to further the intellectual, social, and career development of our students by helping them to:

  • strengthen their ability to communicate fluently in English while at school and in the wider community
  • acquire the English Language skills needed to develop their potential and make academic progress within the school and beyond
  • develop skills across a number of areas (e.g., numeracy, media awareness, scientific- understanding, group participation)
  • experience and affirm a sense of self-worth, rooted in pride in their heritage
  • develop an understanding of the similarities and differences between their home culture and the value system upon which our school is based

Testimonials

ELD lessons are not only about teaching people who don’t speak English. First of all, they are a constant support in any subject. I can always be sure that I can get some help if I need it at the ELD classes. Furthermore, other subjects are not always able to give us helpful vocabulary and text support like the ELD lessons do. In ELD classes we don’t just study new words or sentences structure and so on, but also we touch different topics that are actual in the world and learn how to express ourselves in both the oral and written forms. Generally, ELD is an extremely useful subject which helps me not only to improve my English but also to be better as a person.

— M5, STUDENT

I am glad and happy that I got a chance to be your student. For me it was really challenging, and I pushed myself to read and learn new words. Moreover, I want to say a huge thank you for helping with IELTS! My next IELTS will be in 4-7 years, when I hopefully apply for residency in Australia. Promise to send you pictures with kangaroos!

— D1, STUDENT

When I first came to school, I did not have friends. I did not talk with anyone. I felt like everybody ignored me. I was scared and I did not want to open my mouth. But then I joined the ELD program. It helped me a lot; I started talking a little English. I have finally got friends and now I feel free. I can explain myself and it really makes me happy.

— M3, STUDENT

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