English Support Lessons
Schools and teachers around the world face new challenges as rapidly changing demographics are creating classes that are more diverse than ever. Hyundai Foreign School is no exception and has children from many countries. Due to the great diversity amongst students our school has chosen the Instructional Methods Using English as a Second Language (from the major instructional methods and programmes for serving English language learners), where schooling is done exclusively in the English language. Presently, for the majority of the time offered to the students, they are pulled out of their classes – in small groups or even individually - and help is provided depending on age and level of knowledge in English. However, where deemed necessary, the ESL teacher may assist in class.
Who are ELL (English Language Learner) Students?
ELL students are defined as individuals who:
- are 3 years of age and above
- are enrolled or preparing to enrol in primary or secondary school
- do not have English as their native language
- are expatriated and come from an environment where English is not the dominant language
- come from an environment in which a language other than English has had a significant impact on an individual’s English language proficiency
- have difficulties in speaking, reading, writing or understanding the English language that may deny the individual the ability to meet grade level performance, and to therefore successfully participate in classrooms where English is the language of instruction
ELL students are not a homogenous group. They come from varying cultural and linguistic backgrounds and have widely varying prior academic backgrounds and degrees of language proficiency.
Who is ESL offered to?
ESL is mainly offered to EAL (English Additional Language) students who after being tested with an ESL Language Assessment Test are identified as NEP (Non-English Proficient) or LEP (Limited English Proficient) students. These students do not meet the national targets set out for students of their grade level. This means that these students are not working at a level commensurate with the expected level for their age/year group.
However, it is not restricted to EAL students. Support may also be provided to:
- English first language students who experience some difficulties or who due to differences in country/school systems find themselves behind others,
- students with diagnosed or suspected learning difficulties to the best of the ESL department’s ability
Also it may be deemed necessary that some students do not follow the standard ESL Programmes set out. In these cases students may be attending ESL to receive support in specific areas of difficulty and for shorter periods of time.
What is taught in ESL?
In ESL an effort is made in all four language modes – speaking, listening, reading and writing – unless otherwise indicated by the class teacher.
To promote these four language modes as best possible, phonic skills, spelling and grammar are also part of our regular programme.
As most ELL students have restricted English or difficulties in understanding, we use multi-sensory aids. These may be carefully selected books, listening aids, software for computers, flashcards, board games, video recordings and other creative means that the teacher finds to suit the individual child.
It is our goal to make these few hours a week as productive, absorbing, stimulating and interesting as possible.
ESL Classrooms
HSF has 2 inspiring, fully equipped classrooms dedicated to ESL students. The ESL department makes use of the school’s resources but also has a wide range of its own, specifically targeted towards ELL students.
The students are taken out of their own classrooms to join small groups of 2-5 students whose English is approximately of the same level. This provides a non-threatening environment and helps the child feel comfortable and confident enough to participate in all aspects of the lesson. When necessary some children are given one on one support.
Each ESL student receives approximately 60-220 min/week depending on their age, level of English and the ESL programme they are covering