Transition Program As part of its academic program, Seymour College operates a "bridging course" for international students. The course provides the necessary links between language and learning. Seymour recognizes the difficulties that students face when limited language skills prevent successful learning in their chosen course of study. The bridging program recognizes students' language acquisition and offers bridging units to enable an appropriate and graduated progression to the required level of study. Intensive English tuition is provided on a daily basis. Students work from their assessed level, extending their understanding of grammar, spelling, structures and general vocabulary. They also receive support in all subject areas and are given specialised vocabulary sessions for subjects where the understanding of terminology is critical. Students' involvement in the program varies depending on their needs at any given time. When they are not actively participating in bridging sessions they undertake negotiated study or attend mainstream classes. If required, students may have access to further language tuition or support. In Australia the academic year commences in late January or early February, however, Seymour College accepts international students into the Bridging Program at other times by negotiation.   Aims and Objectives of English Language Transition Program The Seymour College, English as a Second Language Tutorial Program aims to provide instruction in English language skills for students with limited levels of English. To promote understanding of appropriate and correct study skills and to assist the students integration into the life of the College. Teaching is planned around small groups and individual instruction focussing on student's identified level of English and special academic needs. Teaching methods link the student's strengths and weaknesses with lesson content. Skills are taught in the context of the core curriculum where appropriate. Attention is given to the expectations and understanding of the college educational system by the student and her parents within the context of the course. COURSE OUTLINE The English as a Second Language Program includes some core curriculum subject based content as a foundation for the following skills. Writing Skills: Reinforcing a sound knowledge of the conventions of written English, including punctuation, spelling, grammar and sentence construction. Particular emphasis is placed on the knowledge, understanding and application of regular and irregular verb construction and tenses. Reading Skills: Vocabulary extension and word study, building on subject specific vocabulary. Understanding of a range of genre, voice and style, development of the student as an independent reader using a variety of different types of text from set novels to newspaper and magazines, and daily instructional material. Communication Skills: The development of correct and clear pronunciation when reading formal English and in daily conversation. An understanding of the difference between formal and spoken English. The development of fluency in conversation through practice in small group situations; the development of questioning techniques; correct forms of address etc. Listening Skills: The development of listening skills to increase understanding of the spoken word through oral instruction, question and answer protocols and general vocabulary development. Objectives: Improved competency in both formal and informal English leading to improved communication skills, and the ability to operate independently within the academic classroom. Assessment: Based on tasks set in class and for homework. Assessment is diagnostic, continuous and formative and assisted through dialogue with class teachers and parents or guardians where appropriate. Where students are integrated into structured lessons the emphasis is on experience not assessment. The learning in these situations is related to language acquisition through listening and observing both the teacher and other students. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE