ELD Programme

At ISB we have a supportive learning environment that enables students to acquire the social and academic language needed to participate fully in all aspects of school life and to reach their maximum potential.  At all times, the importance of maintaining the home language and culture is emphasized as it is fundamental to the students’ overall emotional and academic development.

ELD instruction begins in Kindergarten and, in the Early Childhood Centre and the Elementary School, support is provided through a combination of withdrawal (small group instruction with a specialist teacher) and inclusion (additional support in the mainstream class).  Students are assessed on entry and then on an on-going basis and are required to reach grade level proficiency in English before beginning formal French lessons.

Testing procedures are in place at both Middle and High School level to determine placement and there are three levels of instruction:

Middle School

Intensive: 3 periods a day, 5 days a week
Intermediate: 2 periods a day, 5 days a week
Advanced: 1 period a day, 5 days a week. Advanced students participate in mainstream English and social studies classes. 

High School

Level A (intensive): 3 periods a day, 5 days a week, plus 1 period each day in a special social studies course and a special science course.
Level B (intermediate, lower and higher): 2 periods a day, plus 1 period a day in a special social studies class.
Level C: 1 period a day