LEARNING - Language Support
"As Primary School students follow a 50/50 bilingual programme, 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
2023/24 FAL + EAL Teachers
Members of the ISM Learning Support Team aim to create learners who feel confident and supported using strategies to navigate and respond to challenges in their learning.
Mrs Nouara Robinson
Language Support Coordinator
M. Emmanuel Gasparro
FAL
M. Hervé Meriggio
FAL
Mme Audrey Natera
FAL
Mr Matthew Athauda
EAL
Ms Hayley Stout
EAL
Ms. Ducarme is Head of the department from Early Years through Secondary, attending to diverse student needs and monitoring programmes and student progress, as students move up through the school. Ms. Ducarme offers 1:1, small group and in-class support interventions as well as collaborating with staff on assessments and data. She communicates with our outside support agencies.
Mrs. Robinson is the Additional Languages Coordinator. Her focus is both students who are new to ISM and students developing their proficiency in our two academic languages. Ms. Robinson leads the development of the curriculum for language learning and spends time in classrooms supporting students’ access to all content areas.
M. Gasparro is a French as an Additional Language teacher, offering co-teaching and collaboration models of support in small group and whole class settings. He integrates students’ personal interests and experiences into his instruction, building connections and increasing motivation to encourage all learners.
M. Hervé is a French as an Additional Language teacher, introducing beginners to the French language in fun and dynamic lessons. He sets challenging tasks, encouraging students to take risks and learn from mistakes. Hervé also provides classroom support and reads with all students in the Primary School.
Mme Natera is a French as an Additional Language teacher, instructing French to students who demonstrate developing skills across the domains of speaking, listening, reading and writing. She has joined ISM team in December.
Mr. Athauda is an English as an Additional Language teacher and monitors the assessment of English language proficiency, supporting lesson planning for class teachers and for the EAL programme. He teaches small groups and offers in class support, encouraging students to take risks with their language learning.
Ms. Stout is an English as an Additional Language teacher who offers 1:1 and small group lessons. She aligns bespoke English language lessons with the mainstream classroom curriculum, setting high expectations and encouraging students to develop their confidence through speaking and expression.
While EAL and FAL teachers offer students individualized attention and discrete opportunities to develop their language skills, the entire Primary 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.
Useful links
Links to Parent Resources
