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Geraldine High School ESOL Programme
The Geraldine High School ESOL programme is designed to meet the needs of a diverse group of students. Classes are small (usually 4-8 students) and taught by a fully qualified and experienced ESOL teacher.
There are currently two ESOL courses available:
- English for Communication
- English for Academic Purposes
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I get help with my English language skills?
All new international students from a non-English speaking background will be tested on arrival and placed in the most suitable ESOL programme. Students considered likely to struggle in mainstream classes because of their English language skills will be offered a place in an ESOL course. Each ESOL course runs for four hours per week. It is possible for students to have up to 8 hours of ESOL depending on need. All students (even those not enrolled in an ESOL course) are able to access extra help and support from the ESOL department by appointment. However, there is no intensive ESOL programme so all international students should have at least one year (preferably two years) of English language learning prior to their arrival at Geraldine High School.
What ESOL course should I do?
English for Communication
If you are studying in Years 9, 10 or 11 you will be enrolled in the English for Communication Course. You will also be enrolled in a mainstream English class. The English for Communication Course operates at different levels depending on your level of English. You may also be enrolled in this course if you are a year 12 student who does not meet the entry requirements for the English for Academic Purposes.
The aims of this course are:
- to teach students the skills needed for success in academic study
- to teach written and oral language skills needed for content areas of the curriculum
- to teach general English for interpersonal communication
- to familiarise students with New Zealand education systems, language and customs
All students have the opportunity to sit the City and Guilds International
English examination and the New Zealand Speech Board Oral Communication in English examinations. Students in years 11 & 12 will also be assessed for credits towards NCEA levels 1 & 2.
English for Academic Purposes
This course is designed for students in Years 12 & 13 who have an intermediate to advanced level of English. The aim of this course is to provide an alternate pathway to university study for international students by:
- teaching the students the skills needed for success in future academic study at a tertiary level
- supporting students in their other subjects
- offering assessments in NCEA Level 2 English and Level 3 ESOL
- preparing students for IELTS examinations
All students have the opportunity to sit IELTS, the City and Guilds International English examination (London) and the New Zealand Speech Board Oral Communication in English examinations. The course does not specifically prepare students for TOEFL or SAT examinations but department staff can guide students in independent study for these and assist them in making arrangements to sit the examinations.
For further details about the ESOL programme, please contact the Geraldine High School ESOL department at esol@geraldinehs.school.nz
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