English Language
Central to the ethos of the School’s learning is the study of the English Language. As the working language of the school, students are expected to quickly achieve the necessary fluency to access an English curriculum. The role of the English department is twofold: to ensure this fluency, and to nurture a love of literature in all its varied manifestations. Working closely alongside the ESL department, English lessons prepare students for external examinations at every age. From KET through to FCE and then O level, students with English as a second language are well supported, and the more advanced English speakers are challenged from day one.
At fifth form, all students sit the Cambridge O level in English Language, which forms the core of the English programme here and is recognised throughout the world as the foundation for accessing a secondary school curriculum in English. Every student will sit this by the end of fifth form, and our pass rates are impressive, particularly considering the fact that many students start out with very little English. Language is further supported by the IB English B programme, a wide ranging and challenging post-16 course in speaking, reading and writing English. All students in the 6th form must study English either at A1 or B level.
At 6th form, all US and Europe-bound English as a Second Language students sit the IELTS exam, a more advanced test of English proficiency and a prerequisite for university-level study in many countries. Aiglon prides itself in being a testing centre for IELTS, which eliminates the need for students to travel elsewhere to take the comparable TOEFL exam. Some SAT preparation is also offered, although the rigours of the IB, whether this be English A1 or B, ensure that students have the necessary skills to do well with the SAT.
At Aiglon we are fortunate to be able to keep class sizes to an optimum level; GCSE classes to no more than 14 students, IB classes slightly less, thus facilitating a productive atmosphere wherein students feel supported and stimulated. The scenic backdrop, worthy of a Keatsian Ode, enhances this experience. It is no surprise that many of our Alumni go on to study Literature at degree level.
At fifth form, all students sit the Cambridge O level in English Language, which forms the core of the English programme here and is recognised throughout the world as the foundation for accessing a secondary school curriculum in English. Every student will sit this by the end of fifth form, and our pass rates are impressive, particularly considering the fact that many students start out with very little English. Language is further supported by the IB English B programme, a wide ranging and challenging post-16 course in speaking, reading and writing English. All students in the 6th form must study English either at A1 or B level.
At 6th form, all US and Europe-bound English as a Second Language students sit the IELTS exam, a more advanced test of English proficiency and a prerequisite for university-level study in many countries. Aiglon prides itself in being a testing centre for IELTS, which eliminates the need for students to travel elsewhere to take the comparable TOEFL exam. Some SAT preparation is also offered, although the rigours of the IB, whether this be English A1 or B, ensure that students have the necessary skills to do well with the SAT.
At Aiglon we are fortunate to be able to keep class sizes to an optimum level; GCSE classes to no more than 14 students, IB classes slightly less, thus facilitating a productive atmosphere wherein students feel supported and stimulated. The scenic backdrop, worthy of a Keatsian Ode, enhances this experience. It is no surprise that many of our Alumni go on to study Literature at degree level.
