English as a Secondary Language

An English Language Learner (ELL) is someone who is learning the English language in addition to their own first (or other) language(s). The purpose of the IGA ELL program is to support ELL students as they acquire linguistic skills that will help them participate fully at school, both academically and socially. This program also supports core subject teachers of ELL students as they differentiate teaching methods and assignments for ELL students.

To assist the ELL team every ELL student is assessed on entry to the school to measure the level of English Language competency using the CEFR criteria. From this assessment the ELL team will then determine the level of support that each individual student needs in order for them to access the curriculum.

The school has adopted the Cambridge Global English program for ELL students in elementary and middle school, and supports students in some core classes, where necessary.