NIS adheres to the TEMSC (Teaching English as a Second Language in the Mainstream Classroom) model of language teaching that explicitly teaches the language required for each area of study, and gives students the chance to experience contextual information and clues, analyze example texts, utilize talk-for-writing, observe modelled writing, construct in groups before moving into independent writing. Throughout this process they also benefit from the workshop approach which allows students to write at their own pace while producing rich texts.
For Reading and Writing, EAL staff aim to incorporate objectives into each Unit of Inquiry (UOI) to make it relevant, but also to combine Reading and Writing together. In terms of discrete Reading, EAL staff offer support such as Phonics and Guided Reading intervention; usually in small groups for those students with specific needs. Phonics support builds students' strength to segment and blend sounds in words and provides them with a toolkit that will boost their progress in learning English. Guided reading focuses on supporting comprehension and fluency, and enables students to focus on specific objectives. In addition, regular access to online reading such as Reading A to Z for reluctant readers is also provided.
Primary EAL Support: Students in the support program have tested at the Intermediate to Proficient level of the NIS English Language test. These students can communicate effectively in English but with some errors that will not interfere with learning. These students need support with control of their spoken and written language and comprehension of academic content. Support is provided based on need and intervention, and generally takes place within the classroom or in pull-out groups during Reading, Writing or Unit of Inquiry (UOI) time, and are determined collaboratively by homeroom and support teachers. Possible interventions include team teaching, small-group instruction, and one-on-one instruction.
Primary EAL Intensive: This program is designed to support students who tested between the Beginner and Lower Intermediate levels of the NIS English Language test. Students who are placed in this program are either new to English or have basic English skills that require moderate to significant support in the classroom. EAL Intensive students are supported daily by EAL staff. This may be ‘push-in’ support within the classroom, when EAL staff work collaboratively with the homeroom teacher, or it may also be ‘pull-out’ support when EAL staff work with smaller groups of students outside the classroom. These small groups provide opportunities for students to practice using language in a risk-free, comfortable setting. The blend of push-in and pull-out support will be determined collaboratively by homeroom and support teachers, and may take place during Reading, Writing or Unit of Inquiry (UOI) time.
