English as a second language

Introduction

If your child has English as an additional language, there is a range of support available to ensure they can access the curriculum.

This support includes:

  • intensive English programs for newly-arrived migrant children and children who are refugees or seeking asylum
  • English as a second language classes in schools for children transitioning from intensive English programs or children who are in maintream school and English is not their first language
  • English as a second language for Aboriginal students.

Intensive English unit program

If you’re new to Australia and English is not your first language, your child's English language skills will be assessed.

If they need help, your child will be placed in an intensive English unit (IEU) program.

Your child can attend this program for a year. An extra semester of study may also be arranged in discussion with your child's school.

Types of programs

The IEU program is available for primary, middle and secondary year students. They’re located at specific schools in the Darwin region.

Primary

The primary IEU program is for children from transition to year 6. It helps your child:

  • understand and grasp the English language
  • improve their skills to learn in English so that they can cope in mainstream classes.

Your child can attend this program at the Anula or Moil Primary School.

For more information about these schools, go to the Anula or Moil Primary School website.

Middle and secondary

The middle and secondary IEU program is for students in years 7 to 12. It can:

  • be tailored to develop your child’s listening, speaking, reading and writing skills across all their subject areas
  • help your child with the skills to take part in class work including study skills.

Your child can attend this program at Sanderson Middle School if they’re in year 7 to 9 or Darwin High School if they’re in year 10 to 12.

For more information about these schools, go to the Sanderson Middle School website or the Darwin High School website.

Get help with transport

You should talk to your child's school if your child needs bus transport to their IEU school.

If your child is unable to travel to and from their IEU school on a public or school bus, you may be able to apply for transport assistance.

Find out how to apply below or for more information, talk to your child's school or call public transport on 08 8924 7666.

Before you apply

To be eligible for transport assistance, your child must:

  • be in the IEU program
  • live more than 600 metres from their IEU school
  • not have reasonable access to a normal bus service.

Get the transport for students to IEU program guidelines.

Transport for students to IEU program guidelines PDF (678.5 KB)
Transport for students to IEU program guidelines DOCX (826.1 KB)

You should also read the code of conduct for school bus travel.

Code of conduct for school bus travel PDF (1.3 MB)
Code of conduct for school bus travel DOCX (921.3 KB)

If you need help understanding the guidelines or code of conduct, talk to your child's school.

How to apply

To apply, follow these steps.

Step 1. Fill in the transport assistance request form.

IEU program transport assistance request form PDF (200.5 KB)
IEU program transport assistance request form DOCX (71.5 KB)

If you need help filling in the form, talk to your child's school.

Step 2. Take your completed form to your child's school.

After you apply

Your application will be reviewed and the school will tell you the outcome.

Contact

For more information about the IEU program, talk to your child's school or contact international services by:


English as a second language for Indigenous students

If your child is an Indigenous language speaking student they will have English as a second language and intercultural teaching and learning instruction as they learn the curriculum.  

This will ensure your child gains English and other learning skills to be able to access the curriculum by listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing in English.

Your child's home language will be used in the classroom as a bridge to learning English and learning new concepts through English.

Talk to your child's teachers about English as a second language.


English as a second language in schools

When your child transitions from an intensive English unit, or is in a mainstream school and English is not their first language, they will still receive English as a second (ESL) language support from teachers and their progress in English will be assessed.

ESL instruction in classes

ESL instruction in mainstream classes teaches the English language and literacy that students require as they study their subjects. 

Some schools have specialist ESL teachers appointed where large numbers of ESL students are enrolled at the school.

ESL teaching in mainstream classes incorporates explicit teaching that supports the student in their language learning. Where technical language is required it is taught step by step to meet the needs of the student.

School reports

Teachers will provide ESL students and their parents with A to E grades in their subjects. 

Teachers will also report on your child's progress in English language learning development.

Your child’s report will include comments to inform you of your child’s progress in acquiring academic English alongside their other subjects.

Teachers and support staff will also have regular formal and informal opportunities to discuss your child's English progress with you.