English as a Second Language

At Lanna international School we aim to meet the needs of students with a range of language skills and abilities. English as a Second Language (ESL) support is provided for students for whom this is required.

Students admitted with low level English language proficiency typically spend three to five years attending ESL classes in place of mainstream English classes. Students and parents are expected to make all efforts necessary to enable students to develop good English skills as quickly as possible, and so enter mainstream English classes.

ESL Support for Elementary School Students

In the Elementary section of Lanna International School we operate a non-selective entry policy: we cater for students with a range of language abilities. We provide English as a Second Language (ESL) support together with a range of differentiated teaching materials that ensure we meet individual needs and interests.

Students normally enter ESL classes following referral to the ESL program by their classroom teacher, although ESL support can also be requested by parents if they feel that it would be beneficial.

After a student has been referred to the ESL program, an ESL teacher consults with the classroom teacher. The ESL teacher  then makes a recommendation to the Head of School regarding the student’s participation in ESL and the amount of ESL to       be scheduled. The Head of School advises the parents in writing of any ESL requirement.

ESL support is provided as part of the English Language Programme. This support is provided by extracting students from certain lessons for intensive tuition or by specialist staff going into mainstream classes to work with those students requiring extra help.

ESL Support for Secondary School Students

Secondary School ESL support is intended to assist students who’s native language is not English to gain competency in English language usage for academic and social applications. Courses are geared to the ability of the individual student and their grade level. The teaching is set within the framework of the British National Curriculum English.

For new students, initial testing carried out prior to being admitted to Lanna will recommend placement in either ESL or mainstream English classes. ESL classes are scheduled to take the place of mainstream English classes.

The broad objectives of ESL classes are to increase the students' key essential skills in English speaking (including pronunciation, fluency and clarity of speech), comprehension, reading and writing to their appropriate age and grade level. Upon attaining the abilities to be competent to do regular English class work, the students are mainstreamed into regular English classes.

For students who require ESL support beyond replacing mainstream English classes with ESL classes Sheltered Social Studies classes are provided. The students attend Sheltered Social Studies classes in place of regular Geography and History classes, until they are ready to join mainstream classes. Here they study the same major topics as the regular classes, but utilising simplified English instruction.

For students requiring additional ESL support beyond the levels described above further ESL classes are timetabled in place of foreign language study. This also helps progress by removing the pressure of learning an additional language (French or Chinese) at the same time time as focusing on rapid English language improvement.

At Lanna every effort is made to tailor our ESL programmes to the needs of individual students and so provide them with an appropriate and stimulating educational experience.

Where prospective students' english language competency falls below that required to enter mainstream classes, even with large amounts of ESL support, they may be able to join our IE (Intensive English) programme instead. The IE programme is devoted to raising the standard of English, specifically for those students whose English is not up to the normal standard for entry to the school’s mainstream classes. IE students typically remain in the IE programme for one or two years before attaining a level of English competency that can enable a successful transition to the mainstream. Click here to find out more.

English Language Assessment

 Students are assessed with the MAC II step leveled series and/or the SLEP examination prior to entry into ESL courses to determine abilities in the key areas of reading, listening, following directions, and comprehension. Based on results, lessons are planned to address their needs. Students are assessed via classroom tools such as participation in classwork, periodic testing and examinations, class projects, and verbal presentations. In addition, formal biannual assessments are conducted using a Key Stage related rubric to assess skills in listening, writing and speaking.