ESL

Overview

The ESL (English as a Second Language) Department supports the needs of non-native students who have limited skills in English.

The aims of our ESL programme in Grades 5 – 10, include those outlined by the IBMYP programme. They enable the students to access the curriculum of the school, to develop broad communication and interaction skills, and to acquire strategies for learning in all subject areas.

Specific aims enable the students to:

• Use the language confidently and effectively as a means of communication within the social, cultural and academic life of the school;
• Develop the specific communicative skills required by each of the MYP subjects in the curriculum, including the language of critical thinking and problem solving, and the use of creative language for self expression;
• Develop a critical approach to study, including strategies for dealing with unfamiliar texts and language;
• Develop and understanding of the nature of language and the process of language learning;
• To build on students’ linguistic and cultural identities to motivate their learning and raise self esteem; and
• Develop intercultural awareness, that is, an understanding of the cultural patterns that affect the thinking, feeling and behaviour in societies.

Grades 9 & 10

English as a Second Language - ESL

The ESL course aims to develop oral language and literacy skills. Students participate in reading, writing, listening and speaking activities designed to improve conversation and literacy skills required for academic and social success in school.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

This course is a modified study hall designed to offer intermediate and advanced ESL students English language support in academic subject areas. The course provides ESL students with the extra time required for completing academic coursework. In addition, using content from the science and humanities subject areas, students learn the language skills and strategies required for success in school. Coursework focuses on developing reading and writing skills with attention given to the individual needs of the students in the class.

International Learning Group (ILG)

Continuing to learn one’s mother tongue language while learning English is critical for school success. Non-native English speaking students at MIS have opportunities to work on their mother tongue skills by participating in the International Learning Group (ILG). Staffed by an ESL teacher, non-native English speaking students also have the opportunity to work on their English language skills during this time.

Grades 11 & 12

IB English B (Higher Level)

This English course is intended for non-native speakers of the language with less than five years of exposure to English. It prepares students to sit the IB English Language B exam at the end of grade 12. This is a challenging course intended for non-native speakers of English who are refining their skills in English. A broad range of writing skills is taught including the academic essay, personal narrative and the newspaper editorial. Reading comprehension skills are developed through the use of authentic text selected from various genres including the novel, short stories, poetry and journalism. Oral language skills are refined through discussion, debate and public speaking activities.

IB English B (Standard Level)

This course is intended for non-native speakers of English and leads to the IB English Language B Standard Level examination at the end of grade 12. It is similar to the Higher Level course in that the same types of language learning activities take place, but are differentiated for students who are functioning at a lower level of skill with the English language. Students in the Standard Level course are required to do less reading and writing than those at Higher Level. Assessment is adjusted for Standard Level students whose English language skills are limited to an intermediate level of proficiency. The course emphasises the development of oral language skills, vocabulary, reading comprehension and written expression