Who is the ELLA* Programme designed for?
Our ELLA* Programme is designed for International school students with low English proficiency from Years 3 - 9, providing a foundation for English language mastery from an early stage.
Can you explain the fee structure for each wave in the programme? How does the charging system differ between Wave 1 & 2, Wave 3, and Wave 4 in terms of teaching hours and associated fees?
Wave 1 & 2 shall be complimentary with usual Term Fee
Wave 3 carries up to 9 teaching hours per week and shall be charged in addition to usual Term Fee
Wave 4 is a full-term ELLA* hours
Fees: please refer to the individual school's ELLA* fee structure (marketing team)
What are the objectives of the ELLA* Programme?
The primary objectives of the ELLA* Programme include develop high proficiency for students' speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English. It focuses on building vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and effective communication. Students can then integrate into the mainstream curriculum and access learning smoothly after graduating ELLA*.
How is the ELLA* Programme structured?
The programme is structured into different levels or proficiency stages tailored to students' current language abilities. It typically involves a mix of classroom instruction, practical exercises, interactive activities, and assessments.
After students are deemed to be able to return to the mainstream academics from Wave 4, do they return to their age-appropriate level?
Students will move through the different development stages of English acquisition. They will normally move through the different Waves (4 to 1), in order to support their language acquistion. As each child is unique, this will be decided based on each individual student's progress.
Yes, students will return to their age-appropriate level once they are ready to return to mainstream academics.
What are the teacher’s qualifications?
Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced, with TESOL/TEFL equivalent.
If after 2 terms of studying Waves 3 & 4 English, will there be an assessment conducted to determine student’s improvement before they progress into the mainstream?
Ongoing assessment will happen through the lessons. However, Students will be formally assessed using the Cambridge English assessments at the end of each term. Based on these results students will move on to the next stage when they are deemed ready by our ELLA* teachers. For Wave 3 students, ELLA* teachers will work closely with classroom/subject teachers to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.
Can students join in any term including term 3 for Wave 4 (Midterm)?
Yes, they can.
What kind of criteria has been set for determining whether my child will need ELLA* support or not?
It is intitially based on CAT4 verbal reasoning scores, followed by Cambridge English placement test and English language learning interview where applicable.
What teaching methods and approaches are used to enhance English language skills through ELLA* programme?
ELLA* teachers will be teaching the Cambridge English framework which follows the CEFR (Common European Framework).
*ELLA is an abbreviation for English Language Learning Academy
