English for Speakers of Other Languages
Students from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds study ESOL in 10 different courses from the foundation level to advanced academic English. Staff are dedicated to their students’ learning and welfare. They discuss and use teaching approaches which not only develop their students’ confidence in studying in a new culture using a language which is not their mother tongue, but they also encourage them to engage in higher-order thinking and associated skills, as part of the incorporation of significant aspects of the new curriculum into units or work.
Our programmes are quite easily adaptable to the new National Curriculum, for many of the key competencies and values are inherent within the teaching and learning processes and experiences.
Teacher Aides
Teacher aides and bilingual tutors play an important role in supporting our Foundation programme teachers, by taking reading groups, interpreting into and from Somali, Arabic, Farsi, Pashto and Chinese to ensure that beginners understand, assisting with the development of resources and providing a vital link between school and home.
Homework Centre
The homework centre for English Language Learners is provided weekly to any ELLs (English Language Learner or ESOL student). ESOL staff are particularly grateful to teachers and senior students who volunteer their time to help. A career advisory service and guidance for students from refugee backgrounds is also provided. This is a process which assists them to plan individual pathways to further training, education and careers.
Culture
Many of our students enjoy and present a wide range of cultural activities during the Cultural Festival and contribute their time cooking up delights from 30 or more different cuisines. Some are also either members or leaders of the many ethnic and cultural clubs which enrich the lives of both the students from those cultures and Kiwi students who choose to broaden their horizons and join in with them.