Ironside State School is one of Queensland’s most multicultural schools, with over forty
nationalities represented in our school community. Approximately one third of the
student population is from a non-English speaking background and these cultures
enrich our educational program.
The English as a Second Language Program fosters self-esteem and helps students
develop English literacy and language proficiency to assist in realising their full social
and intellectual potential. We currently have a team of five consisting of two full time
ESL specialist teachers and three very experienced teacher aides.
The specialist teachers plan collaboratively with classroom teachers to support their
curriculum program. They work with students newly arrived from overseas and design
learning experiences to enable more advanced second language learners to cope with
the demands of mainstream classes. The teacher aides tutor students who are
developing initial literacy as well as those who are transferring their first language
literacy skills to English. They also provide support (sometimes bilingual) for students
with their class projects and speaking tasks.
ESL NEWS
This term we had an unusually large number of newly arrived students who needed ESL support, so we had an immersion class from 8.45 until 10.45 Monday to Thursday. Many of the lessons involved hands-on activities as these photostories show. Learning language while engaging in a kinaesthetic activity makes the new language more meaningful, easier to retain and recycle.
Mrs Harwood will be on long service during term three but ESL will continue with a relief teacher.
The ESL team wishes all its students and families a wonderful and safe winter holiday.
The ESL team may be contacted on:
Years Prep to 3 – Mrs Kathy Brown – email
