Introduction
Whilst studying at St. James' School, all International Students are fully integrated into normal school life. Aside from their English as a second Language Lessons (ESL), students of all ages take part in normal English lessons and activities.
Due to the small class sizes, we find that all International Students benefit fully from their time in the UK, whether for a matter of a few weeks or a number of years. St. James' offers a wide range of options to International Students, we have a strong understanding of a variety of different educational systems and can be flexible with the length of time that students wish to study with us.
All International students are given a buddy when they enrol, and we ensure that a number of current students get in touch before they arrive. Their buddy will be around to help new students settle in and find their way around - this is key for all students, but in particular those for whom English is a second language. In addition, we ensure that, where possible, students flying from Middle and Far Eastern countries fly together and put parents in similar areas in touch in order that they may arrange flight times.
All students and parents are given considerable help with arranging flights and visas, and all students are escorted to and from the airports. We can also arrange guardians for pupils where necessary for exeat weekends and half term breaks.
Regular contact is of course promoted between the students and their parents and in addition to this, the house parents and senior members of the teaching staff remain in close contact with parents, at the end of every half-term a brief report is sent home.
English as a Second Language
St. James' is a truly international school, in that our pupils come from all the corners of the globe. It is a common occurrence to find bilingual children in each classroom, whether they speak French, Spanish, German, Swedish, Dutch - to name but a few.
Many of our pupils live with their families in the UK and grow up speaking their native language at home and cope brilliantly with the standard of English required in a British education. This is particularly true when a child arrives at a young age, as generally speaking they reach age-appropriate levels more rapidly. We also have some boarders who have developed fluent language skills and do not require special support.
At the same time we have pupils for whom English is yet to truly become their second language. These pupils are offered specialist lessons in ESL (English as a Second Language), which are tailored to their requirements. We do not operate a separate system for these pupils, as we firmly believe that inclusion in the mainstream school is important for the pupils' wellbeing. Tuition is usually additional to the pupils' curriculum, and lessons may take place before school or during lunchtime to avoid disruption to their daily schedule.
All ESL learners are given a level test on entry to the school, and lessons are based on their results. The school offers tuition at KET and PET levels for younger pupils, while those already at Intermediate Level are encouraged to take the IGCSE in English as a Second Language in Year 11. Sixth Form pupils face the rigorous IELTS examination for entry to University, and their lessons give them preparation in the four key skill areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking formal academic English. At this stage, our students are also encouraged to work independently in the well-equipped Sixth Form Library and ICT Suite.
Whatever their level of language proficiency, Saint James' School is able to offer support and guidance in order to maximise your children's potential.
Anne Hargrave
Click here to read some messages from some of our International Students
Click hereto read about the boarding school at St. James'
