English language support

English as an Additional Language (EAL) for 1st to 10th Grades

EAL teachers work closely with students whose native language is not English in the classroom, and/or one-on-one or in small groups outside the classroom. They support the development of these students' speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

Students in 1st to 8th Grades whose first language in not English, and who are deemed to need help with their English language skills, are given appropriate EAL support. For some students, this means regularly scheduled, small group sessions, offered in place of some core subjects, which they attend until they reach the proficiency commensurate with their age and grade level.

For others it means study halls, where help is provided with all classwork and homework. EAL teachers are also present in certain mainstream classes to provide assistance to EAL students while the lesson is being taught. By 8th Grade, students are expected to be at an intermediate level of proficiency.

By 9th and 10th Grades, students will need an advanced level of English, as they take mainstream subjects. Transitional English 9 and 10 courses are available for advanced EAL students.

Students in 11th and 12th Grades are required to have strong English skills in order to enrol at ACS Cobham. The school offers IB English B for non-native speakers, but all other courses require a strong command of academic English.