LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Learning in English and French

Early Years students follow a 50/50 bilingual programme from Year 2. Our goal in language support lessons is to inspire engaged, curious and reflective learners who are able to integrate into their new social setting and access the majority of the curriculum as quickly as possible by:

bringing each student’s English or French up to a level where he/she can feel socially integrated
providing daily use, context relevant vocabulary to help function satisfactorily in regular academic classes
paralleling a range of skills and content of the regular classes, but in a modified language that is suitable for the EAL or FAL student
helping students to understand cultural differences and to adapt to the culture and expectations of an international school
supporting students in the transition from EAL and FAL classes to mainstream classes

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) and French as an Additional Language (FAL) teachers maintain lessons that are fun, interactive and dynamic seeking to nurture the student’s love of language learning.

Kristin Ducarme

Head of Learning Support and Individual Pathways

Meet the EAL and FAL Teachers

EAL

EAL

FAL 1

FAL 2

Community

While EAL and FAL teachers offer students individualized attention and discrete opportunities to develop their language skills, the entire Early Years Teaching Team are part of the community of language teachers for your child.

Homeroom teachers offer daily opportunities for formal and informal interactions as well as differentiated Math and themed lessons.
Art, Music and Sport teachers offer creative and energetic ways to learn new skills and develop language through engaging and areas of interest and talent.
Our Library Team supports students in selecting reading materials and connecting mother tongue skills to bilingual literacy development.

All ISM teachers are languages teachers!

What Parents Can do

Supporting your child on their language learning journey

At times, parents may feel overwhelmed or worried about their ability to support their child on the language journey. Parents do not need to fluent speakers of the target language to assist their child in developing a curious and confident approach to language learning.

Be proud and positive. Motivate your child by celebrating their successes and what they CAN do.
Learn together. Play games that encourage language use. Let your child be the teacher.
Use Media and Apps as appropriate. Watching a favourite cartoon or TV program can be an enjoyable way to integrate new vocabulary and structures.
Infuse with the Arts. Music and Drama are great ways to have fun with language learning. Listen to song lyrics, role play a situation or act out a favourite story.
Use your home language(s) as a resource. Continue to develop your child's mother tongue through reading and shared stories. Critical thinking and literacy skills in your home language support skill transfer and a deeper understanding of how languages work.