The Secondary English Program supports students as they prepare for high school by strengthening foundational English skills while building confidence, self-awareness, and effective learning habits. Designed for learners with both developing and advanced English proficiency, the program provides structured language support during the final phase of explicit foundational English instruction before students move into higher-level academic or content-based programs.
Through progressive development across Strive, Rise, and Thrive, students strengthen communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership skills, ensuring a smooth transition into academically demanding high school environments.
STRIVE: Building Foundations and Confidence
Strive supports students in developing essential English foundations in a supportive, structured learning environment. At this stage, learners focus on building confidence in using English for everyday classroom communication, strengthening core vocabulary, developing sentence patterns, and expanding grammatical range and accuracy.
Through guided practice, class projects, and consistent language modeling, students learn how to participate effectively in English-medium classrooms. Learning activities emphasize self-awareness, positive learning habits, and independence, helping students understand how they learn best while developing a sense of responsibility for their own progress. Collaborative tasks and real-world topics introduce learners to working with others in English, setting the foundation for more complex communication and academic learning.
Key Focus Areas:
- Basic spoken and written communication in English
- Foundational grammar and sentence structure
- Confidence-building and self-awareness
- Independent learning skills and classroom participation
- Introduction to collaboration and teamwork
RISE: Developing Communication and Collaboration
Rise builds on foundational skills by strengthening students’ ability to communicate more clearly and effectively in English across classroom and social contexts. Learners expand vocabulary, combine sentences, and apply grammar structures with greater accuracy in both speaking and writing.
English is increasingly used for collaboration, discussion, and problem-solving. Students work in pairs and groups to share ideas, complete tasks, and respond to questions, developing teamwork and communication strategies essential for academic success.
At this stage, learners refine learning habits, build resilience, and grow in confidence when expressing opinions and ideas, preparing them for more academically demanding learning environments.
Key Focus Areas:
- Clear and increasingly accurate spoken and written English
- Development of grammar for meaningful communication
- Collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving
- Effective classroom communication and discussion skills
- Growing independence and learning confidence
THRIVE: Preparing for Academic Success
Thrive prepares students for the transition to secondary-level English learning by strengthening academic language skills while maintaining confident, natural communication. Learners refine their grammar knowledge to ensure a solid foundation in sentence structure, tense use, word form and written expression.
Students engage in project-based, collaborative learning, using English to explore deeper concepts and apply skills such as strategy development, teamwork, and leadership. They also engage in learning and projects focused in science, nature, and social studies. These experiences promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and global awareness within an international classroom context.
At this stage, learners develop strong self-management skills, confidence in expressing ideas, and the ability to collaborate effectively—equipping them with the tools to succeed in more academically demanding environments.
Key Focus Areas:
- Accurate and confident spoken and written English
- Strong grammar foundations for secondary readiness
- Critical thinking and project-based learning
- Collaboration and leadership skills
- Understanding self, community, and the wider world
