The ESOL Department

The ESOL department offers English language support to all students who are English language learners (ELLs).

When students first arrive at the school, their English language levels are tested. Students who required extra support are placed in an appropriate ESOL class. Students may attend one or more ESOL class depending on their needs.

At St Mary's College we believe that it is best to place second language students straight into mainstream classes so that they can become a part of regular school life as soon as possible. Also, this gives these students an opportunity to make friends in their year group, which engenders a sense of belonging. 

Students who do not require English support do not attend ESOL classes. However, any second language student may attend ESOL tutorials on Wednesday lunchtimes in the ESOL classroom.

The ESOL Department plays an important role in assisting ELLs (English language learners) to gain the important NCEA Literacy credits at Level 1 and Level 2.

The ESOL Department will offer Literacy support; however, most ELLs will be required to take an Alternative English class to support their English language learning.

In 2007 the ESOL Department will offer three classes:

Foundation ESOL
Any student who has an elementary language level will be placed in this class. This class aims to introduce students to living in New Zealand and assist them with the language skills they need to cope at school and at home. Classes are held everyday.

Pre-Intermediate
This class aims to assist pre-internediate and lower intermediate students with language learning. Special emphaisis is placed on learning the 2000 most frequently used words and developing students' reading and writing skills. This class also offers support towards the NCEA Level 1 Literacy credits as well as NCEA Level 2 ESOL credits.

Academic English
This class focusses on the academic language that students will require in the mainstream and for tertiary study. This class offers some NCEA Level 2 Literacy credits as well as NCEA Level 3 ESOL credits.