IGBIS Intensive English Academic Programme

IGBIS’s Intensive English Academic Programme (Full-time) 

Purpose

• Within IGBIS is the Intensive English Academic Programme for Grades 1-5.  The programme provides an intensive English environment utilising small class sizes, intensive English curriculum, and a co-teacher model to accelerate the level of English proficiency with the goal of preparing students for successful studying in an international programme.  

Who Should Enrol

• Students wanting to enrol in IGBIS’s international programmes (PYP, MYP), or international programmes at other schools, but need to achieve the required English level to be accepted into those programmes.

Application Process

• When applying to IGBIS, students in Grades 1-5 have the option of enrolling in the international PYP programme or enrolling in the Intensive English Academic Programme.  The process of applying is the same for both pathways, though the entrance requirements for each programme are different.  
• Entrance into the PYP pathway will require a high level of English proficiency and possibly participation in the ESOL Programme.  Participation in the ESOL Programme is based on the student’s ability to meet the high level of English proficiency requirement. Places for the ESOL Programme are rare and selective.
• Entrance in the Intensive English pathway does not require any proficiency in English but does require a high desire for English proficiency.

Switching Between Programmes

• If a student enrolled in the Intensive English Academic Programme wishes to transfer to an international programme at the school, they will need to apply separately for that programme.  Admittance to the international programme is competitive, based on available openings, and based on the student’s level of English proficiency (based on WIDA and other assessments). This process usually occurs between school years but might happen during the school year if there is an opening in the PYP Programme. 

Visa

• By being accepted to IGBIS in either the international PYP programme or the Intensive English Academic Programme, students will meet the necessary visa and study pass requirements.

Curriculum

• Intensive English curriculum with extensive ESOL strategies utilised in all classes.
• Preparing for the IB learning environment.
• English-based lessons are prioritised.
• Support is not provided for other languages (except for Bahasa Melayu within the Bahasa Melayu Host Nation classes).
• The Intensive English Academy Programme is unable to provide support for specialised learning and/or behavioural needs.

Staffing

• A co-teaching model will be utilised where the main teacher has extensive expertise working with students with ESOL needs and is a highly experienced homeroom teacher. Co-teachers with ESOL expertise will provide support during some homeroom lessons as well as leading other subjects including Science/Design, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, PE, and Bahasa Melayu Host Nation.

Learning Support

• Unlike the international programmes, the Intensive English Academic Programme is unable to provide support for specialised learning and/or behavioural needs.

Facilities

• Dedicated wing of the campus which includes spaces for homerooms, speciality subjects like Science/Design, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, PE, and Bahasa Melayu Host Nation as well as flexible and multi-purpose spaces.
• Shared access to campus spaces like the running track, pitch, swimming pools, library, and more.

Uniforms

• All IGBIS students are required to wear the IGBIS school uniform.

Calendar

• All IGBIS students follow the school calendar for determining school days.

Events

• Participation in Elementary and Whole School events like assemblies, swim galas, sporting events, and special days as appropriate.