All prospective students sit an SSIS English Language placement test. This test includes an interview and a written test. Based on the outcomes of this test students are placed in the appropriate English class.

Grades 6-10

In Grades 6-8 there are four English levels, while in Grades 9 and 10 there are three.

English A:                               

For students who are native speakers, or who display an
excellent grasp of the language.

English B advanced:               

For students who have reasonably strong skills in use of
the language, but who are not quite at English A level.

English B standard:              

For students with limited proficiency, but who are
beyond the beginner level.

English B foundation:             

For beginners or students with very limited proficiency.
This level is only available in Grades 6-8.

Students in Grades 6-8 English B standard and foundation and Grade 9 B standard are taught in separate classes for Science and Humanities. In these classes students still have access to the appropriate science and humanities curricula, but are supported in the area of language acquisition. For all other subjects they are taught in Homeroom groups. Grade 10 English B standard students follow the full mainstream programme, although Humanities is available to them as an alternative to History and Geography.

Students are able to move from one level to the next in English, Science and Humanities at set times during the year. Students tend to move up a level in Science or Humanities earlier than for English.

Grades 11-12

Students with lower English proficiency have a choice of IB Diploma English B or English A2. An IELTS preparation course is available after school.

Language assistance from the ESL Department is available to these students outside class time.