The school’s newly launched Foundational English Programme aims to help students meet the minimum English proficiency level requirements within six months to a year!
Being a school with a culturally diverse student body, some of XCL World Academy’s (XWA) students’ first language may not be English. As such, the school offers an excellent Foundational English Programme (FEP) to help international students with limited English language skills accelerate their learning in the core areas of reading, speaking, and listening. The ultimate goal of the programme is to equip these students with the required language skills to access learning in the school’s mainstream classes as quickly as possible.
This bespoke and highly engaging programme is delivered by experienced educators, with the aim to help students meet the minimum language requirements for their respective grade levels within six months to a year. Here’s what you need to know about XWA’s Foundational English Programme.
1. Low student-teacher ratio and level-based placements
EAL classes will have a maximum of 14 students per class. This allows for more interaction between teacher and students, as well as more personalised one-to-one instructions should the need arise. Students will also be learning alongside their peers of similar proficiency levels in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. This way, teachers will be able to provide more targeted and intensive support based on their strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Various subjects and extra-curricular activities will be built into the timetable
One of the best ways to master a language is through using it. This is why the FEP will feature non-EAL subjects and extra-curricular activities, like Mathematics, Art, Physical Education, Esports, and more. Students will have the chance to master the English language by seeing it in use in subjects that are relevant to their grade level. On top of that, this programme will provide them with a well-rounded education that addresses not only their academic needs but their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing as well.
It is also important that students do not become bored or burnt-out. While English language lessons are the main priority, the learning experience can be enhanced with these non-intensive lessons so students can maintain higher levels of energy and motivation throughout the entire school day.
3. A complimentary week of fun and engaging activities at XCL Camps
To ensure students have a variety of activities and multiple opportunities to practise the English language in real-life scenarios, all students will be offered a complimentary week of activities at XCL Camps (the schedule will be shared during the course of the FEP). Students will participate in the English as an Additional Language Camp, along with exciting activities like Esports, Arts, and more!
Students’ progress will be measured and reported every step of the way
Students, as well as their parents, will be kept informed of their progress throughout the FEP. Both the WIDA MODEL and Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) are used to assess students’ English language proficiency. Teachers will also actively monitor their students’ progress to ensure they can successfully enrol into their respective grade level in XWA’s regular programming as quickly as possible. While the school usually achieves this in a maximum of two semesters (about a year), the academic team is always open to support families of students who may need more time. Each case will be considered carefully by the team, along with dialogue with parents and guardians to decide the best course of action for each student.
You can reach out to XWA’s Admissions Team today to find out more about its Foundational English Programme.
This post is in partnership with XCL World Academy.