International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is a leading international school located in the vibrant Pearl of the far East. With a reputation for excellence in education, ISHCMC provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from Primary to Secondary school, ISHCMC is committed to shaping well-rounded global citizens.
Embracing this diversity, ISHCMC has introduced an innovative Intensive English Language Programme (IELP). This programme is designed for non-native English speakers, providing them with the necessary language skills and support to integrate into the classroom effectively – ensuring a seamless transition for new students.
Transitioning to ISHCMC – a bright future awaits
ISHCMC understands the challenges that come with joining a new school and is dedicated to making the transition as smooth as possible. The Intensive English Language Programme is a transformative opportunity for students seeking to unlock their full potential. By enrolling in the IELP programme, students can embark on an immersive learning experience tailored to their needs, enabling them to catch up and thrive academically.
Arriving from Japan, expat parent Ms Nao was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the ISHCMC community. From helpful and kind teachers to supportive parents, she and her children have been able to flourish in their new environment. As a new arrival, she appreciated the willingness of the school to answer all of her questions and guide her through the unfamiliar territory. “They are not just checking, but they conscientiously answer every one of my questions,” Ms Nao commented.
Ms Nao enrolled her older daughter in the Intensive English Language Programme and was quickly impressed with her performance. “It’s very beneficial for her in terms of building up skills – like speaking, writing and reading skills. She loves that and is willing to learn more,” Ms Nao explains.
Empowering connections and building wellbeing
At the heart of the IELP lies an emphasis on creating connections and fostering holistic development. Students are encouraged to engage with peers and teachers from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, allowing them to broaden their perspectives and build lasting friendships. The programme offers numerous opportunities for collaborative projects, both within and outside the IELP learning hub, nurturing students' social and emotional growth.
A hallmark of the IELP is its focus on kindness, balance and wellbeing. IELP students are provided with the same opportunities as mainstream students to participate in wellbeing programmes and activities, ensuring a healthy balance between academic studies and extracurricular engagement. The programme aims to mould curious, courageous and confident individuals who take responsibility for their learning and thrive in an immersive environment.
Seamless integration into mainstream classes
While the IELP curriculum is modified to accommodate students at varying stages of English language acquisition, the content remains aligned with the mainstream International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). This means that students in the IELP receive the same high-quality education and are held to the same academic standards as their classmates.
Students in the IELP benefit from a holistic approach that ensures individual success. Daily individualised feedback, project work, assessments and online tools help monitor progress in English reading, writing, listening and speaking. Furthermore, IELP Advisory provides holistic pastoral care and regular social, emotional, and academic check-ins. Students also have the opportunity to engage with the wider ISHCMC community through co-curricular activities, drama productions, music and athletics, fostering a sense of belonging and integration.
Experienced faculty and innovative teaching methods
The IELP faculty consists of highly skilled and experienced educators dedicated to supporting students on their language acquisition journey. Led by the IELP Coordinator, the team brings a wealth of expertise in language instruction and sociolinguistics, ensuring a comprehensive and effective learning experience.
Innovative teaching methods are employed to maximise language acquisition, combining inquiry-based learning and an International Baccalaureate (IB)-style education model. Students benefit from personalised education plans, differentiated instruction, and appropriately scaffolded activities tailored to their English abilities. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, Science, Language Acquisition and Humanities, aligning with the rigorous standards of ISHCMC's mainstream classes.
Parents looking to accelerate their children's English language acquisition, embrace a diverse community, and lay a strong foundation for future success should consider signing them up for the IELP at ISHCMC. Parents can apply now to seize this opportunity and support their children who will be embarking on an educational journey that will empower them to flourish as energised, engaged and empowered learners.
