English as a Second Language
English as a Second Language is part of our Learning Support Department which offers expert help to any of our pupils with an identified special need, including help with English. All new pupils from overseas for whom English is not their first language are assessed by the Learning Support Department so that we can identify the degree of help each pupil needs, if any.
The most satisfactory place to learn English is Britain. Studying in this country means you are immersing yourself in the language and culture, helping you to become familiar with British people and their lives. English is an international language, knowledge of which opens up access to higher education, career opportunities in business or other professions and offers the possibility of employment in countries throughout the world. Durham School is situated in the heart of a historic University City with many interesting places to visit locally.
If English is your second language, you will need support in English at least until you have reached Level 6 in an internationally recognised English language qualification, IELTS (www.ielts.org/practise). In addition to helping you progress through the various levels of language proficiency, the English as a Second Language Department is ready to help with any general aspects of life in Durham School and more widely in Britain. The Department aims to provide a framework in which pupils can learn about Britain without rejecting their original culture. It will offer security in a new environment with advice and guidance on customs, acceptable behaviour etc.
In the first few days, the Department will provide support and survival skills to prevent early difficulties and frustrations. It aims to give confidence in discussion and the expression of ideas, encouraging pupils to join in activities throughout the school.
Having completed their courses of study, pupils feel they have gained educationally, culturally and socially from their time at Durham School, which provides an invaluable basis for future careers. A number of overseas pupils have won prizes while all second language learners who have wished to do so have been accepted for British Universities, taking a range of courses.
Recent successes have included places at Oxford to read Engineering and Mathematics; Imperial College, London for Electrical Engineering and Chemical Engineering: UMIST, Manchester for Mechanical Engineering. The Arts are represented with pupils at Bristol University reading Economics and History. Overseas pupils have also achieved excellent results in music and art and have contributed hugely to the cultural life of the School.
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