ESL Program

All schools in Saanich District offer English as a Second Language (E.S.L.) support. We celebrate the diversity of our student population and promote a climate of acceptance and respect for all. We believe that E.S.L. support should not only help our students develop their overall English abilities in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing; but also help to create a strong foundation so all students can reach their potential. In addition to academic support, we emphasize the importance of emotional, social, and cultural support for our students.

English as a Second Language service in our District is provided by specialty teachers who have been specifically trained in to teach English language learners. Support may be provided in-class, in small pull-out groups, or a combination of these two models. E.S.L. teachers provide regular service to students. As well, they administer an annual E.S.L. assessment and create an annual instruction plan (AIP) for each student. To qualify for E.S.L support, students must have a primary language other than English and be Canadian citizens, residents, or landed immigrants.