Join us as we catch a glimpse of what goes on in International Community School’s (Singapore) English Language Learners programme.
Catering to a diverse school community, International Community School (ICS) (Singapore) recognises that English may not be the first language of each of its students. This is why the school created an English Language Learners (ELL) programme to help non-native English speakers achieve the necessary language proficiency level to succeed academically and socially. Here’s what we found out about it.
A highly personalised English-learning programme
The ELL programme is offered to students who require additional support in the English language, and is available for students from Grade 1 onwards. There are three support levels in the programme: Level 1 students receive in-class support from ELL educators; Level 2 students receive both in-class and direct support, whereas Level 3 students learn in a dedicated ELL classroom and mainstream homeroom classroom. This level is designed for students with very minimal English language skills, who can benefit from the direct and more personalised support provided by ELL educators. In this classroom, ELL educators can tailor their lessons according to each student’s needs, be it in speaking, reading, or writing.
A language learning programme with strong social-emotional support
As ICS (Singapore) is all about providing a holistic learning experience for its students, the ELL programme balances the academic aspect of language learning with a strong social-emotional support for its students. While receiving direct support in the dedicated ELL classroom, ELL students also integrate with mainstream learners in related arts subjects such as Art, Technology, Music, and more. Students can take this opportunity to develop their English speaking skills, but more importantly, build relationships with grade-level peers.
Elementary School Principal Samuel Goh explains, “This is really critical for us because ICS (Singapore) is a community school, and we want our students to feel safe and secure before any meaningful learning can happen.” The school has in place a student buddy system for new students, as well as arranging regular meetups for them with its Social Emotional Counselor to ensure their wellbeing. Student support and personalised attention are also provided in the homerooms, and students get to make friends through the many extra curricular activities the school has to offer. It’s no wonder ICS (Singapore) is the winner of Student Wellbeing Award in the Singapore Education Awards 2022!
A glimpse into ICS’ (Singapore) ELL programme
What happens in ICS' (Singapore) ELL classroom?
International Community School (Singapore) has enhanced its English Language Learner Program to ensure all students, including those whose native language isn’t English, can succeed in their academic journey.
Posted by HoneyKids Asia on Wednesday, April 5, 2023
You can learn more about ICS’ (Singapore) holistic and tailored ELL programme and its application process here.
This post is in partnership with International Community School (Singapore).