The transition to a new school is never without challenges, but imagine the learning curve for children who can’t speak the language. At Global Indian International School, we promote an immersive, multicultural environment where diversity is embraced and encouraged. Still, classes at GIIS are conducted in English, which makes learning the English language a necessity. For these reasons, we offer English language support for children in our primary programme. Additionally, ESL (English as a Second Language) classes are available to secondary students as part of the Cambridge curriculum. English support plays a vital role in our international school for several reasons:
● It’s necessary to help non-English speakers assimilate to their new school environment.
● It prevents non-native speakers from losing academic time throughout their transition.
● It helps children develop overall confidence in how they use English.
● It develops transferable skills children can use across the curriculum.
● It prepares children to succeed after graduation.
Global Indian International School seeks to give every child an exceptional academic experience, regardless of their nation of origin or native language. By providing our non-English-speaking students with language support at every level, we’re providing them with an advantage that will benefit them for life.
If you’re the parent of a child who needs English language support or a child who needs English language support, and you’re worried about transitioning them to an international school, GIIS will set your fears at ease. Our English language support programmes offer every advantage to help your child succeed from day one.
How GIIS Supports Primary Students for Whom English Is a Second Language
English support at the primary level begins with experienced teachers who are fluent in the English language. Our teachers have excellent English skills and a keen understanding of what each child needs to help them excel. Additionally, children attend English language classes three to four times a week, based on their individual needs. And with extra class time comes supplemental resources, such as English language apps and study materials for children to use at home. Coursework revolves around grammar and communication, and children are assigned buddies who help keep the lines of communication open. They also enjoy reading books that are appropriate to their grade level and proficiency.
Our English Language Support Programme (ELSP) has clearly defined goals:
● To improve children’s abilities to understand, read, write and speak English.
● To enhance their use of grammar and accuracy.
● To help children progress at a consistent rate.
● To help them access the rest of the curriculum and align them with what is expected in upcoming lessons.
These elements, when combined, provide excellent training that boosts English skills and usage. As a result, children make the transition to their new surroundings more easily and more quickly than they would otherwise. No child feels left behind or lost as they make solid, daily progress in the mastery of English.
English Support at the Lower Secondary Level: Grades 6 Through 8
For students enrolled in secondary school at GIIS, we provide access to ESL classes as part of our Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP). For children in grades 6 through 8, this includes:
● A clearly defined and comprehensive set of learning objectives
● Instruction in five areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking and the use of English
Ideally, children who progress through our ESL programme in the lower secondary grades will experience a smoother transition to our school environment and gain confidence in their abilities to use the English language. As an added benefit, they’ll be better situated to participate in every level of school life, including school culture and activities.
English Support at the Upper Secondary Level: Grades 9 and 10
Students in grades 9 and 10 benefit from our IGCSE (International General Certificate of Education) English as a Second Language programme that gives them a deeper understanding of how the English language works. Learning objectives include:
● Improving students’ abilities to use English properly in a variety of social situations and styles
● Improving their communication skills in English
● Helping students gain a broader perspective regarding how English is used
Overall, language classes at the upper secondary level are aimed at teaching students to master most elements of the English language and to make them better, practical communicators in the language. As a result, students who progress through classes at this level are well prepared to use their skills in English beyond the doors of the classroom.
If you are the parent of a non-English-speaking student, GIIS is well-equipped to accommodate your child, regardless of age or grade level. Through our English language support programmes and our ESL programmes, all students are made to feel welcomed and valued. In addition to providing an excellent, international education, we’ll help your child master the use of English in every situation. As a result, they’ll be well prepared to succeed in school and their chosen careers after graduation.
At GIIS, we offer children every advantage because we want to see them go further than they ever dreamed possible. We do so by starting strong in the primary years and steadily progressing as students advance through the grade levels. We invite your family to join us on the journey.
For more information on Global Indian International School, register for our campus tour today.
Deepika Sodhi
Ms. Deepika Sodhi, Principal, GIIS East Coast Campus is a seasoned education leader with over 25 years of teaching experience, including 15+ years in Cambridge and IB programmes, and 10 years in CBSE.
She holds a Master's degree in Physics with a specialisation in Electronics, a Bachelor’s in Education, and an Honours Diploma in Software Management. Her teaching career spans India and Singapore.
Ms. Sodhi's achievements include being GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) qualified and a Gold Medalist in Physics, Lead ISO Auditor, a member of both the International Schools Network and the International Baccalaureate Educator’s Network.
In her past roles at GIIS, she served as Head of Science and Physics, Cambridge IGCSE Coordinator, Cambridge Exam Officer, and IB Examiner.
Ms. Sodhi is passionate about innovation, inclusivity, and student success. In her free time, she enjoys reading and volunteering with the Singapore Red Cross.
