Students considered for the programme must be in Grades 6 through 10 and have a basic understanding of English (Level 3 or higher). Students appying to the Grade 11 IB programme must be fluent in English.

The English as an Additional Language Programme (EAL) at St. John’s School is designed to prepare students whose first language is not English to become fully immersed in mainstream classes.

A student entering the programme will first complete the English Language placement assessment to determine their English Language needs.  Consideration for the different programmes are based on the results of the assessment and the student’s transcripts from their previous school. St. John’s School will place a student in the programme most suitable to the needs of the student.

EAL students, in the MYP, will have several levels of support:

Parallel classes, like MYP English A (EAL section), are taught by the EAL teacher. They follow the mainstream English A curriculum with additional focus on English language development. Students in these classes should be intermediate-level ELLs (English Language Learners). Parallel classes in English are the preferred option to cater for the needs of newly-arrived students to support their transition to mainstream classes.

Push in support is provided by an EAL teacher who will assist students in mainstream classrooms with whatever task they may be working on. For example, science experiments, reading or writing activities. Assistance can be given to individual ELLs or to small groups. The mainstream teacher takes prime responsibility for the delivery of the curriculum. Team-teaching involves the EAL teacher working with the mainstream teacher to meet the English language needs of the ELL through joint planning, teaching, and assessing.

EAL Support Classes are offered once per week. The focus of this class is to develop English language skills through vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing and study skills.

EAL Homework Club (2 times per week from 3:30pm-4:30pm) is available for EAL students who require additional assistance. Attendance is voluntary; however, subject teachers may request that a student attend for extra help.