International Students
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EFL Support
Prior to international students joining Barnardiston, we review previous school reports and, in some cases, we ask Agents to administer test papers, which gives us a good idea about a student’s ability in English. Once a student has arrived, we are able to test them again more fully to decide on the level of linguistic support they need.
For students with very little English, we may decide initially to remove them from all academic subjects (English, science, RE, geography, history, French and Spanish) and, instead, provide them with intensive EFL support so that they gain a working knowledge of English. For all other subjects (Maths, IT, CDT, art, music and sport), they will join our English students.
For students with a satisfactory ability in English, we will concentrate on written and spoken English instead of them studying French and Spanish. They will attend all other subjects with the English pupils.
We have many years’ experience working with international students and we know that our tried and trusted programme of study gives them the very best opportunity to improve. Indeed, some students (particularly from European countries) become totally bilingual with such natural English accents that they are frequently mistaken for English children by visitors to the School!
Our international students go on to a wide variety of prestigious UK schools at the end of Year 8 although, clearly, the longer we have to work with them, the better their English will be. It is certainly the case that the earlier they start, the better! The Headmaster works closely with international families to recommend senior schools that are suited to each child and can advise on scholarships, where applicable.
Our EFL Department has well-qualified staff and all our teachers differentiate lessons to ensure that all students are able to play an active part in them. To contact our SENCO, Mrs Claudia Mee, please email c.mee@bhps-staff.co.uk
