English Language Preparation Program
Wesley’s intensive English Language Preparation Program assists students not only in improving their English language skills but also their collaborative capabilities as they prepare for university in Australia or overseas, as Amanda Douglas explains.
Wesley’s intensive English language program is designed to assist with improving the English language skills of students in Years 8 to 10 whose first language is not English. Since 2014, more than 100 students have commenced their Wesley education in our English Language Preparation Program (ELPP) classrooms.
Creative content and collaborative learning
In ELPP, our main focus is on language learning but we differ from traditional language school providers. We teach language via the content of our subjects and embed language structures, grammar and skill development into the units we teach. Our other and equally important aim is to develop a familiarity with the campus and the learning expectations that all Wesley students encounter in a mainstream classroom. We focus on collaborative learning, and creative and critical thinking skills, and introduce students to basic research skills.
We value the prior learning skills students bring with them but also introduce them to long-term projects, the drafting process and the importance we place on asking questions and being curious. The curriculum encourages language development through activities such as essay writing, text analysis and project work.
Maths and Art are recent additions to the program; Maths can assist with understanding worded problems and Art enables students to learn language that describes and expresses an opinion. Both of these subjects expose students to language and are authentic arenas for using and expanding on the phrases learned.
Transition and adjustment
ELPP also has a strong pastoral care focus, as students learn better when they feel comfortable and happy being at school. The transition to learning in a new country can be daunting and some students can experience culture shock, homesickness and a re-evaluation of self. This extends to family members too, who may accompany their child abroad, often with limited English or understanding of the Australian school system.
In ELPP, students undertake wellbeing lessons in addition to Homeroom. The purpose of these lessons is to help students identify ways to cope with changes and challenges that come their way and to learn strategies for thinking and acting positively when faced with a new situation. These lessons are run by our bi-lingual counsellor, who also understands the complexities of the international student experience.
With an excellent staff-to-student ratio and flexible timetabling, ELPP students benefit from a personalised approach that develops academic skills and encourages independent learning.
How does ELPP prepare students for further study?
Students are well-supported by teachers, particularly in their Senior School years. Students have access to teaching staff who include VCE and IB assessors, and writers of exams and guides. They also participate in an extensive careers program which includes university fairs, careers counselling, future skills workshops and art folio preparation.
ELPP recognises that families play an important role in students’ success and all curriculum information evenings are also conducted in Chinese. There are also regular review meetings between student, parent and teacher to ensure each student is progressing.
Students boarding in our Learning in Residence program also utilise silent and collaborative study spaces on-campus and have access to an extended after school program with academic support from their teachers.
Since ELPP was introduced in 2014, six cohorts have graduated and gone on to further study at universities in both Melbourne and overseas.
Michael Yang, who graduated last year, is studying a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Actuarial Studies at the University of Melbourne. ‘When I first arrived in Australia, I felt very fortunate to join Wesley’s ELPP classes,’ Michael says. ‘It created an environment for us as international students to build a strong foundation in spoken and written English. It also helped me adapt to the schedule of the school before joining regular classes.’
Michael intends to become an actuary or an investment banker in the future. ‘In my opinion, ELPP is an essential part of the experience for new international students,’ he says.
In 2019, 99 per cent of our students received an offer in the first round of university offers. Many chose to pursue further study at Australia’s top universities, including the University of Melbourne and Monash University in Melbourne, with 58 per cent receiving offers from these two universities, reflecting the high academic standards of teaching and learning at the College.
Wesley graduates applying to study at the University of Melbourne may receive preferential entry through the Melbourne Schools Partnership International, of which Wesley College is a member.
Our domestic and international students typically receive offers from Australia’s top universities, and some choose to apply for universities overseas, in countries including the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.
As teachers, we all feel a sense of pride when a student succeeds, knowing that the foundation for their learning in Australia had humble beginnings in ELPP.
Amanda Douglas is Head of the English Language Preparation Program (ELPP) at Wesley College
