ENGLISH AS A
SECOND LANGUAGE

The ESL program is designed to support pupils who are learning English as an additional language, helping them develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. EMC understands the importance of language acquisition in facilitating academic success and promoting effective communication.

 

The course focuses on developing students' English language competence through realistic and contextualised tasks based on authentic texts. It assesses reading, writing, and listening skills through examination papers, while speaking skills are assessed through face-to-face interview. The qualification targets a range of abilities, from level B1 (intermediate) to C1 (advanced) of the CEFR.

 

Key aspects of the Lower Secondary ESL curriculum include:

 

Listening and Speaking Skills: Pupils develop their listening and speaking skills through engaging activities that encourage oral communication. They learn to understand and respond to spoken English, participate in conversations, and deliver presentations. The focus is on developing fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and effective communication strategies.

 

Reading Comprehension: Pupils enhance their reading skills by engaging with a variety of texts, including fiction and nonfiction materials. They  learn comprehension strategies to understand and analyse written English, interpret meaning, and infer information. Pupils expand their vocabulary and develop critical thinking skills through reading activities.

 

Writing Skills: The curriculum emphasises the development of writing skills. Pupils learn to express themselves effectively in written English by focusing on grammar, sentence structure, paragraph development, and coherence. They practise various types of writing, including narratives, descriptive pieces, reports, and persuasive essays. Pupils also refine their editing and proofreading skills.

 

Grammar and Vocabulary: The curriculum includes the study of grammar rules and vocabulary expansion.Pupils learn grammar concepts such as verb tenses, sentence structure, and parts of speech. They develop their understanding of English grammar through practical application and practise exercises. Vocabulary instruction focuses on building a broad and functional range of words and phrases.

 

Cultural and Social Aspects: The ESL curriculum also recognizes the importance of cultural and social aspects of language learning. Pupils learn about English-speaking cultures, customs, and traditions. They develop intercultural awareness, respect for diversity, and effective communication in multicultural settings.