Language acquisition

Language of Instruction

At ISU, the language of instruction is English, however we create an awareness of trans-linguistic connections so that each student is able to access the curriculum. All classes are taught in English, except the primary and secondary Dutch Language Acquisition and secondary Spanish Language Acquisition classes.

Students new to English

At our school, the language of instruction is English, however, to ensure all students can better access the curriculum, the school provides an English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme for learners whose first language is not English. In primary, specialist ELA teachers work alongside the classroom teachers in the class to ensure that learners have access to the curriculum. Students also attend stand-alone ELA sessions with the ELA teacher outside the classroom. In secondary, students join English Language Acquisition (ENLA) classes. Students also join stand-alone ELA sessions with a language teacher throughout the week in the Language Hub. Older students from grade 9 and above will need to demonstrate they have sufficient English to be able to meet the academic demands of the programme. This means your child(ren) may be asked to take a language assessment as part of the enrolment process.