Here - International School Manila

SUPPORT PROGRAMS
The English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) Program
International School Manila provides an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for
Grade 9 and 10 students whose English language skills are not yet proficient for
independent success in mainstream High School courses. The program includes both
inclusion support in the language-rich classes of English, Science, Geography and History as
well as language acquisition and writing support in specialist ESL classes.
ESL Inclusion Support
Research has shown that language learning is greatly enhanced by meaningful use in
authentic learning environments. At ISM the Inclusion Support program ensures that ESL
students have full access to the mainstream curriculum as well as daily interactions with
their English-speaking peers. The ESL teacher and the content-area specialist teacher work
collaboratively to create a language-rich environment where students feel comfortable
taking risks and where individual needs are accommodated. As part of the planning process,
both teachers work together to ensure that all students benefit from the explicit
integration of language and content, making the mainstream curriculum wholly accessible
to all students.
Some of the observable benefits of the Inclusion Support program include:
Students are exposed to a range of language models from peer groups.
Socially, students develop a greater sense of connectedness to other students in their
year level.
Mainstream students are largely fully supportive of ESL students and actively
encourage their participation.
Students are motivated to practice and develop language skills in order to meet
curriculum standards.
ESL students adopt good personal study habits out of real necessity.
A flexible grading system allows teachers to assess beginning level students with a
grade based on differentiated tasks.
Specialist ESL classes
(Pre) Intermediate and Advanced level students will be provided with two additional ESL
specialist programs designed to maximize their potential language development in
preparation for full mainstream inclusion. Both courses will emphasize the importance of
personal management and active learning strategies. These ESL courses emphasize language
skill development using topics and projects similar to those found in mainstream core
curricula and provide support with work in other subject areas.
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