Stage1. Beginning Communication in English: Students need to develop their skills in all areas of English and to adjust to the new cultural environment. Students develop the ability to use oral and written English for daily needs, acquire basic conversation skills and vocabulary, and use simple sentence patterns. Students also acquire basic orientation information related to their needs as newcomers to Canada. Students take ESL and participate where possible in regular classroom programs. Students receive intensive support from our ESL teachers who assists them in their classes or in the school study room as may be required.

Stage 2. English in Daily Life: Students gain confidence with their English skills; however, they still have difficulty with listening, reading comprehension, writing skills, and the language of classroom studies. Students will develop oral classroom skills and reading strategies, expand their vocabulary, and use more complex sentence patterns. Students will also learn how to use some school and community resources. They take ESL and participate where possible in all regular subject areas with support as needed. Students receive tailored instruction from our ESL teachers to support them in some of their classes.

Stage 3. English for School and Work: Students are comfortable reading and speaking in English; however, they need to further develop their skills and to improve their proficiency in using English in classroom situations, for personal and career planning, and for understanding the changing world around them. Students study and interpret a range of texts and produce a variety of forms of writing. Activities help students to develop their oral presentation skills and acquire study skills that will enhance their ability to learn in all subjects. Students participate in all subject areas with support as needed. They receive tailored instruction from our ESL teachers. Extra help is available.

Stage 4. Study Skills in English: Students are almost fluent in English. They make few errors and are fully integrated into regular classes; however, they still need better language skills to participate in society as informed citizens. Students develop the reading, writing, and oral presentation skills required for success in all areas. Students study and interpret a variety of grade-level texts, develop oral communication skills through participation in informal debates and seminars, and extend their range of research skills. Students receive tutorial support as needed. Extra help is available from our teachers.

Stage 5. Conversational English: Students are fluent in English. They make very few errors and are fully integrated into the society; however, they still need using English effectively outside of school and in a post-secondary environment. The focus is on rapid communication in both informal and professional situations, building on the skills developed in previous ESL courses. Conversational fluency, clear pronunciation, practical reading and writing, and recognizing and utilizing idioms, phrasal verbs and idiom are the skills that are developed. Real life situations are recreated, and real life materials are used: television programs, Internet, music, newspaper and magazine articles. Students receive tutorial support as needed. Extra help is available from our teachers.

Stage 6. Bridge to English: Students are fluent in English. They make no errors and are fully integrated into the society; however, they still need to be prepared for courses at the secondary school, college and university preparation levels. Students will be encouraged to develop independence in reading literary works and academic texts, in writing essays and narratives, and in applying learning strategies and research skills effectively. Students will also learn to respond critically to print and media works.