The ESL programme is the study of English as a Second (not native) Language.

In the British International School the study of English plays a particularly important role, as pupils both study the language and learn in that language. Pupils who are fluent in English are of course able to cope with the study of the usual subjects (such as maths, history and others) in English without preparation beforehand. Those pupils whose level of English is not yet high enough study at first in special ESL classes. In such classes a specialist teacher helps them bring their level of English up to the level necessary for further study. In order to be successful at their studies, pupils must have a good understanding and a strong grasp of English. âåðñèÿ äëÿ ïå÷àòè .

Naturally, for some pupils this is particularly difficult, as many children in our school are not native speakers of English. We are therefore especially proud that our pupils often are quick in attaining wonderful results, even if they hardly knew English when they entered the school. It is vital to realise that the mastering of a language is a difficult and long process. Sometimes parents of pupils who already speak English well cannot understand why their children must also study in ESL groups. The point is that knowing a language does not only involve being able to communicate in informal situations, but also being able to use good literary language which is needed for pupils to express themselves correctly. Such language study can make heavy demands on children and take a long time. Many children come to our school with hardly any English or having had very little experience of studying it. Therefore all new pupils are tested when they come to the school, and the results determine whether they need an ESL programme or whether they can study in mainstream. It is therefore impossible to say exactly how long a pupil will need to study in an ESL class, as much depends on the individual child. Teachers not only measure the knowledge of the pupil in speaking, listening, reading and writing, but also pay attention to the child’s capacity for self-control, the ability to correct his or her own mistakes and to work not only individually but also in groups, and so forth. All ESL teachers are willing and happy at any moment to meet parents of a pupil and discuss the progress made and any problems that have arisen. Tests are regularly carried out in ESL groups, which show how well the child has grasped the work covered. Besides this, our school gives the pupils the chance to take Cambridge exams at any time of the year and organises special groups to prepare for these.