International Support
Pupils from all over the world attend The Leys, adding a valuable cosmopolitan dimension to everyday life. The ratio of pupils is generally 80% national and 20% international, with pupils coming from Europe, Africa, Australia, America and the Far East.
The International Support Department are aware that traditions and cultural awareness, as well as language proficiency, are very important in education. Therefore, the Department works to help pupils adjust to life at The Leys (both academically and socially) and to their wider environment. The Department works with pupils to help them to achieve their full potential when using English in both academic and social situations. Aspects of culture, world traditions and classroom expectations are integrated into the lessons where appropriate.
Academic assessments take place before and on arrival at The Leys and pupils are then placed on a programme appropriate to their needs and our expectations. Pupils follow individual learning plans, but the main focus for all pupils is developing a range of communication strategies for a variety of situations. After initial assessments, an individual profile is created for each pupil detailing their linguistic strengths and weaknesses, along with recommendations. This is then communicated to all their teachers.
The Department is situated in the Kelvin Building and comprises an office, a main classroom for up to 8 pupils and 2 smaller classrooms for groups of up to 4 pupils. All the classrooms have a multimedia display screen, and the display screens are used in lessons. HMC Inspections have always commended the Department for its work.
The full ESOL programme consists of up to four lessons per week (in small groups or on a one-to-one basis), plus optional afternoon collaborations. If a pupil requires further additional support then they may have more than four lessons per week.
There is an additional charge made for pupils on ESOL programmes.
The World Culture Evening
The World Culture Evening is an important event in the School year where pupils explore their own culture as well as practising skills needed in the real world. It is held in the Lent Term and provides an opportunity for pupils to showcase food, dance and music from around the world to help make them more aware of their community in the global context. The very open atmosphere at The Leys ensures that cultural differences are celebrated and they are not a barrier to making new friends.
