ENGLISH and ESL in Middle and High Schools

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 and subject in line with IB (International Baccalaureate) language levels and subjects.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

In Grades 6-8 there are four English levels:
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.
Where classes comprise students of different language levels, individual students are assessed according to the appropriate criteria for their particular level.
Students in Grades 6-8 English B Standard and Foundation 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 English language acquisition.
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. It is quite possible for a student to be in English B Standard and mainstream Humanities and Science.
For all other subjects students are taught in Homeroom groups.
After the start of an academic year students with English below MYP B Standard level will not be automatically admitted.

HIGH SCHOOL

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

In Grades 9 and 10 there are three English levels: A, B Advanced and B Standard.
For entry into SSIS at Grade 9 the minimum expected English language level is MYP B Standard. Students in Grade 9 English B Standard follow the full mainstream programme.
For entry into SSIS at Grade 10 students are expected to be at least at MYP B Advanced level in order to be able to access the curriculum successfully. English B Standard is available to students who have completed Grade 9 at SSIS.  
IB Diploma Programme (DP) and SSIS High School Diploma (HSD)
For Grade 11 and 12 students are expected to be sufficiently proficient in English to be able to access the curriculum of their chosen programme. Assessment of suitability is carried out on a case by case basis by the ESL and relevant programme coordinators.

English subjects available in Grades 11 and 12 are IBDP English A1, English  A2, English B, HSD English A and English B.

SSIS Language Policy

Further information about English and other languages at SSIS is available in the SSIS Language Policy.