English Language Learners at Aidanfield Christian School

Welcome to the ESOL programme at Aidanfield Christian School! 

ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages and this programme is designed to support your child to learn English so that they can participate in the New Zealand curriculum at our school. The programme offers flexible in class and individual support, developing the four modes of English language – listening, speaking, reading and writing. A range of age-appropriate strategies are used, for example language games for younger students and essay writing tasks for senior students. Vocabulary and grammar are taught as an integrated part of language learning.
 
The programme is well resourced, with its own teaching space. Digital technology is used frequently to accelerate and support language acquisition. Targeted support for new learners includes initial testing to establish language learning needs and communication with the student’s family.

Independent boxes are provided for use by students in the classroom, as required.
 
Staff
 
Judith Anthony is the ESOL teacher and International Student Coordinator. She is an experienced classroom teacher who has gained university qualifications in English Language teaching, and is continuing research in this area. She can be contacted by email at  judith.anthony@aidanfield.school.nz . In addition a bilingual Chinese speaking teacher aide is available for very new learners of English.

Assessment
 
Assessment of ESOL students is regular and ongoing. Twice a year, parents will receive an ELLP (English Language Learning Progressions) report, which measures progress in learning English. Parents are also offered an interview at this time, if they wish to discuss their child’s progress.
 
Connecting with parents
 
There is an ESOL and International Blog, which is a window into English Language Learning at school. It also contains links to community events and content of interest to International families. Family members can view and comment on children’s work from anywhere in the world. For more please see  http://acsesol2014.blogspot.co.nz/

There is a fortnightly International Parents meeting, where parents meet with the ESOL teacher to learn about New Zealand education, ask questions and meet other parents. We normally share afternoon tea, and once a term we have a social event, where we may visit a café or someone’s home. This group also contributes to the wider life of the school by running a stall at the school fair.

As a school we are committed to promoting and supporting the diversity of cultures at our school. We are building a collection of bilingual books in our school library and these are well used by our families.

International Week

Every year we celebrate our diversity with International Week, which is a week of internationally themed learning and performances (often provided by our own international families). The week finishes with a shared international dinner and community performances. 
 
Welcome to our International family!

Aidanfield Christian School

2 Nash Road, Halswell,

CHRISTCHURCH

8025

New Zealand

Telephone: 0064 (0) 3 338 8153

Fax: 0064 (0) 3 339 0821

http://www.aidanfield.school.nz

judith.anthony@aidanfield.school.nz

Download Aidanfield Prospectus