English for Non-Native Speakers

At EtonHouse Orchard, we welcome students from around 40 nationalities, many of whom do not speak English as a first language. To help them thrive in an English-speaking environment, we offer the following English programmes designed to help students acquire the essential English skills they need to express themselves, communicate socially and understand the curriculum.

Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme is designed to help students acquire the essential English skills they need to express themselves, communicate socially and understand the curriculum.

We offer two levels of EAL classes, and all non-native English-speaking students will need to take an English Placement Test when joining to understand the type of support they require.

Regular EAL

4 hours / week

For all students who need help to develop their English language proficiency to access the mainstream lessons

Intensive EAL

8 hours / week

For students who know very little English, providing immediate, short-term acquisition of essential English skills to function socially and academically and ensure seamless integration into an English-speaking environment.


With a focus on building a strong foundation, specific emphasis is placed on developing our students’ vocabulary and proficiency in spoken English. As every student has a different learning curve, lessons are planned based on the needs of each individual student. By keeping class numbers small, we provide a risk-free and comfortable setting for our students to practise the language. With the aim of integrating students back into mainstream classes, we will conduct regular assessments throughout the year to assess their progress and proficiency.

Understanding the higher demands for English proficiency in the secondary years, our English for Academic Progress (EAP) programme is a short-term, intensive course designed to help students rapidly improve their English while incorporating key concepts from subjects like History, Geography, and Science. With 20 hours of instruction per week, students enhance their language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—while also gaining subject-specific knowledge and terminology. This programme equips students with the essential proficiency to transition smoothly into mainstream classes and engage effectively with the curriculum.

How is EAP different from other English as an Additional Language programmes 

  • Hybrid Learning Model: Combines intensive English learning with subject knowledge and integration into mainstream classes to support language development, academic achievement, and holistic growth.
  • Enhanced Language Proficiency: 20 hours of EAL instruction per week, which incorporates concepts and content from subjects like History, Geography and Science, accelerates English fluency and boosts students’ linguistic confidence, helping them succeed across all academic areas.

  • Individualised Support: Small-group EAL lessons offer personalised attention to support each student’s language development and academic progress, with subject matter taught in a way tailored to their profile, ensuring personalised learning rather than a one-size-fits-all approach within a group of varying comprehension levels.

  • Expert-Led Instruction: Experienced EAL teachers, small class sizes, and high-quality learning resources create an optimal environment for language acquisition.

  • Holistic Approach: Beyond English acquisition, the programme supports students’ social, emotional, and cultural integration, creating a well-rounded learning experience.

  • Seamless Social Integration: Students engage with native English speakers in mainstream classes (for Mathematics, Physical Education, and Art, and the school-wide Enrichment Hour) and social settings. This real-world language immersion enhance communication skills, promote cultural understanding, and build overall confidence.

  • Wraparound Care: Recognising that successful learning extends beyond the classroom, our EAP programme provides comprehensive student support, supporting students’ transition and adjustment to their new school environment through structured mentorship and buddy systems.

Programme Structure 

The EAP programme provides comprehensive, multi-level support, tailored to each student’s English proficiency. It consists of: 

  • 20 hours of focused EAL instruction per week

Targeted lessons in reading, writing, listening, and speaking are designed to accelerate language proficiency while incorporating key concepts and terminology from subjects like History, Geography, and Science. EAL specialists closely monitor progress and provide differentiated materials as needed, ensuring that students develop both language skills and subject knowledge, empowering them to confidently engage with the curriculum and support their eventual integration into mainstream classes. 

  • 10 hours of integrated mainstream lessons per week 

Students join their peers in the mainstream programme for subjects like Mathematics, Physical Education, Art, and Whole-School Enrichment. These experiences provide practical language immersion, enhancing English proficiency through relevant, real-world contexts beyond the standard curriculum. 

  • Personalised Pathway Plan 

Each student undergoes an Initial Diagnostic Assessment to determine their appropriate EAP level. A customised learning pathway is then developed for each student outlining specific language goals and a timeline for transitioning into mainstream classes. Regular progress reviews ensure goals are adjusted as needed, with personalised feedback to keep students on track. 

  • Ongoing Monitoring and Progress Reviews

Student progress is reviewed every half-term, with reports provided each term to ensure they are on track to be IGCSE-ready by Year 10. Both academic and language proficiency are assessed, with targeted feedback and support offered by form tutors, subject teachers, and English specialists. 

At the end of each academic year, a level placement review is conducted to evaluate student progress and determine their readiness for advancing to the next EAP level or transitioning fully into mainstream classes. This ensures a structured progression towards academic success. 

  • Support for Transition into Mainstream Classes

During the first two weeks of transitioning, students’ progress is closely monitored and supported by their Form Tutor and subject teachers. This ensures students can fully participate in mainstream lessons and adapt successfully to the new curriculum.

Our Success Story

Shun Kuroki, a member of EtonHouse’s first cohort of International A-Level graduates, joined in Year 9 with limited English proficiency. Through personalised support in EtonHouse’s English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme, Shun achieved outstanding academic results, including straight As and A*s in his A-Levels. 

His passion for learning led him to earn an A* for his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on teleportation. Shun also completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award and placed 3rd in the ACSIS U19 cross-country competition, demonstrating his well-rounded abilities. 

Shun’s success reflects EtonHouse’s commitment to personalised education, fostering both academic and personal growth.

Glimpses

Parent Testimonial

EtonHouse International School Orchard

10 Tanglin Road, S247908
Visit Us
Get Directions
Phone
+65 6513 1155
Email