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English Language Learning (ELL)

The ELL program at APIS has been designed around a student-centered approach to language instruction and development for students who speak a language other than English.  The goal of our ELL services program is to provide English language learners with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful in both social and academic contexts so that they can reach their academic potential, and become successful global citizens. 

Learners will develop competence in the following areas:

  • Social and communicative skills
  • Academic language knowledge and skills
  • Strategic competency (the ability to use language to clarify meaning, understand, and be understood by others)

At APIS, we encourage our students and their families to maintain their multilingualism and believe it is an individual and societal asset. Native language proficiency is critical for students to acquire an additional language.

Language acquisition is a long-term process, with learners moving through developmental stages at varying rates. One of the biggest keys to success is the collaboration between the EAL support teacher and homeroom or subject teachers. Regular planning and co-teaching are essential in our model.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

ELL support is offered from Grade 1 through Grade 6 in a number of ways depending on the age and instructional needs of the learner. In order to support an integrated learning environment that fosters language development ELL teachers will:

  • Advise and assist homeroom teachers in unit and lesson planning, and adapt resources to meet the language needs of ELLs within the classroom;
  • Work collaboratively as a teaching partner with homeroom teachers to facilitate a model of inclusion in English Language Arts (ELA), Math and Units of Inquiry (UOI);
  • Provide language lessons in small groups to develop early communicative and literacy skills.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

In the Middle Years Program (MYP), students in Grades 7 – 10,  study two languages in order to develop their linguistic and cultural understanding. English language learners will therefore take Language & Literature in their dominant language, and then study English Language Acquisition, delivered by a specialist ELL teacher. As students increase their proficiency in English they may transition over to English Language & Literature. In addition to specialized instruction, ELL teachers work together with Individuals & Society (I&S), Design, and Science teachers to plan and deliver integrated, differentiated lessons so that all language learners are able to access the content and curriculum.

Diploma Programme (DP) and Course Selection Students

In Grades 11-12, students are placed into English Language B or English Language and Literature courses.  Each course, consistent with the DP, is a two-year course. The course selection process takes into account student proficiency measured by WIDA testing, in-class performance demonstrated by previous grades, and teacher feedback.  These subjects are modified in terms of assessment and content for non-DP course students.  The secondary ELL teachers will also act as consultants for other subject areas so that all learners can access the content and curriculum.

English Academy (EA)

For Students aged 10 – 14, whose English Language skills do not meet our minimum requirements for admissions to our academic programs, we offer an English immersion program called the English Academy (EA) at our Main Campus.  The EA is designed as a 1-year intensive program to increase the student’s English Language proficiency.  We offer a personalized program that includes instruction in English, Arts, Physical Education, and Music.  Students who are registered for this program are expected to participate in our Residential Life Program, as either weekly or full-time boarding students. For additional information about the English Academy, please contact our admissions department at admissions@apis.ac.th

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