English as an Additional Language
The International Department at Stowe School is concerned with the pastoral well-being and academic success of international students. The Department provides English language tuition for students whose first language is not English, as well as offering a range of social events for international pupils. The aims of the Department are:
- To provide pupils with the necessary language skills to access fully the School curriculum at GCSE, AS and A2 Level.
- To prepare pupils for EAL examinations such as PET/FCE/CAE/IELTS (*see key) and to facilitate university entry.
- To provide subject-specific support to pupils in their chosen GCSE, AS and A2 subjects.
- To integrate pupils culturally and socially into the School community.
Pupils are taught in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Following the initial assessments where their levels and needs are determined, pupils are expected to attend a set number of lessons each week. Pupils are also encouraged to use the facilities and resources in the International Department.
COURSE OF STUDY
Lower School
Pupils in the Third, Fourth and Fifth Forms follow a range of EAL programmes tailored to their individual needs, from pre-intermediate to upper-intermediate. Courses focus on the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, in addition to intensive grammar and vocabulary work. Pupils' progress is tracked through regular tests and end-of-term examinations. Pupils also have the option of entering for the Cambridge ESOL examinations, depending on their level (PET/FCE/CAE). In addition to this, the International Department provides language support with curriculum subjects.
Third Form
Following the initial assessments and depending on their level, pupils follow intensive language courses and sit the PET or FCE examinations in the Summer term.
Fourth and Fifth Forms
Pupils prepare for the IGCSE ESL examination in addition to or instead of GCSE English. This decision is based on the professional judgment of the Head of EAL, the Head of English and the English/EAL teacher of the pupils concerned. More advanced students complete the IGCSE ESL in Fourth Form and begin an IELTS foundation course or CAE course in the Fifth Form.
Sixth Form
Pupils in the Sixth Form follow an IELTS preparation course. The International Department also provides language support with AS and A2 Level subjects, as required. International Sixth Form pupils are required to follow a course of IELTS lessons in the International Department until they reach the necessary level. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, and is the standard English language qualification required for admission to most UK universities for non-native speakers. Consequently, IELTS is an integral part of the academic curriculum at A Level for international students as it is the School's responsibility to prepare pupils for UCAS, helping them to meet their conditional offers which consist of A2 grades alongside an IELTS requirement.
The International Department encourages close links with all Academic Departments, the Library, the Boarding Houses and Tutors, in order to monitor the progress of individual students and to ensure that the EAL programmes are tailored to students' individual needs. This comprehensive approach to EAL teaching within the School enables pupils to maximise their English language development and attain the high EAL qualifications necessary for entrance to the top UK universities.
*key
PET = Preliminary English Test
FCE= First Certificate in English
CAE = Certificate in Advanced English
IELTS = International English Language Testing System