About Boarding Schools
English Language Study
Students do not necessarily need fluent English to attend a Consortium School. Many schools offer ESL programs during the school year that are coordinated with the regular academic program. The programs take into account the student’s level as well as his familiarity with the subject. For example, a student may be encouraged to attend an ESL-course in history, where the terminology and writing requirements can be rather severe, but not in math where strong language skills are not always required.
ESL programs are designed according to the student’s level and taught by experienced ESL teachers. Extra work in composition, reading and vocabulary in smaller class sizes allows most students to accomplish the change in programs within two years, and many students are able to do so after a single year. Extra tutoring and mentoring is provided for academic course at the level of determined need.
Summer Programs
Students may also attend Summer English-Language Programs at many of our Consortium schools. They generally last from three-six weeks and start in late June or July. Summer programs incorporate all areas of language learning through listening/speaking, reading comprehension and writing. Emphasis is placed on improving grammar skills, reading comprehension and developing fluency in written and oral presentations.
Fluency building activities, dictation and vocabulary work focus on improving students’ accuracy. In addition to classroom teaching and individualized instruction, materials covered are reinforced using state-of-the-art computer software. Pronunciation, speaking fluency and grammar exercises are programmed at the level of each student. The program also includes workshop activities such as: art, drama, and music.