English as a Second Language

Languages are essential tools for teaching and learning. They are also expressions of one’s culture and identity. In an international school delivering an international curriculum, command of English is the primary key to accessing information and communicating internationally. Language is the medium through which all subjects are taught.

Therefore…

• All students at HIS have the opportunity to become proficient in English and Japanese.
• All students should have the opportunity to learn Japanese, the language of the host country.
• All students are encouraged and assisted where possible to maintain the study of their ‘mother tongue’.
• The language of instruction at Hiroshima International School is English.
• Students entering our school with limited proficiency in English will receive appropriate additional support.
• The teaching of language is the responsibility of all teachers.

Our Beliefs and Values in language

At Hiroshima International School it is necessary not only to learn language, but also learn about language and through language. The strands of oral, written and visual communication are learned across and throughout the subject areas.

Language learning plays a major role in our school as the language of instruction may not be the student’s first language. Research has shown that the development of mother-tongue language is crucial for cognitive development and in maintaining cultural identity, and we encourage continued learning in the mother-tongue language outside of school to aid English language learning.

Our Practice

In our school the focus is not only on language for its own sake, but also on its application across the subject areas and throughout the trans-disciplinary programme of inquiry. Language is a major connection between home and school as well as with the wider community.

Students need many opportunities to listen and speak in order to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain relationships. Discussion in the classroom is fundamental to promoting language learning.

Teachers at HIS structure teaching/learning situations so that students have opportunities for success" this includes using techniques that support students during the communication process and bridging the gaps when meaning is not able to be expressed.

Teachers plan in collaboration with other classroom teachers and single-subject teachers. Additional language teachers play an important role in reinforcing, supporting and extending the classroom work.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Non-native speakers are supported in reaching proficiency in English by receiving supported ESL lessons each week, depending on need. ESL classes provide new students with a supportive, protected environment in which they can try out their language skills and develop confidence in their abilities. This support occurs either in the student’s classroom or in a smaller group situation.

In their regular classroom situations, teachers are aware of the ESL students’ needs and modify or differentiate lessons accordingly. In this way the student not only achieves competency in meeting academic goals, but is also able to participate in school culture and become a fully integrated member of our community.

Our English Language Learning programme includes:

• An initial assessment of a student's English level in the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Determination of the kind of support the student needs, i.e., in-class support, small group instruction, intensive support in the initial phase, or specific skill focus.
• Some initial, intensive language focus on the basics of English, such as terminology like: letter, word, sentence, paragraph, essay; sentence structure; descriptive words; verbs; greetings; calendar/time vocabulary
• Support for literacy depending on the grade level
• An environment where English Language Learners feel comfortable and safe so that they are willing to take risks in learning the new language
• A way to monitor the student's progress and needs through ESL testing, observing performance within the classroom or small group, and skill development
• Affirmation of the student's home language and continuous improvement of it outside of school
• More appropriately leveled books, books on tape, and videos in English

Keep up with developments on the English Language Learning Blog