English Immersion Programme – Year 7 and Year 8

What is the English Immersion Programme?

Elian’s British School La Nucía offers a dedicated English Immersion Programme for students entering Year 7 and Year 8. This programme is specifically designed for capable students who require focused support to strengthen their English proficiency before transitioning fully into our British-based international curriculum.
This pathway delivers intensive linguistic support, ensuring rapid language development. Crucially, students remain fully integrated into school life and the wider school community while developing the essential communication and study skills needed for success in their academic studies.

Students progressing from the ELIS Primary Programme may continue within this stage if they require further language preparation before joining our mainstream classes. Recognising this need, we have successfully extended our established Primary immersion model to the Secondary stage, ensuring a seamless and supportive pathway for continuous language acquisition.

How does this immersion programme work?

20 hours of intensive English per week

Pupils receive 20 hours of English lessons per week in small groups, taught by an experienced native English teacher.
This approach supports rapid progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Full integration in school life

Alongside the language support, pupils take part in:

• Tutor time
• Sports
• Art
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education
• Assemblies
• Academic lessons alongside their peers

This model ensures full social, emotional, and academic integration, which is essential for adapting to the British system.

Spanish curriculum

Spanish pupils continue studying the Spanish curriculum subjects according to their age group.
Each case is assessed individually, balancing linguistic progress with academic development.

The overall aim is for pupils to join the mainstream group after approximately one year of immersion. This timeframe may vary depending on individual learning pace.
By Year 10, pupils will be prepared to work towards the IGCSE examinations, which are essential for accessing a high-level Sixth Form programme.

Programme cost

The English Immersion Programme has an additional cost of €250 per month, separate from the standard school fees.

Teaching staff

The programme is delivered by highly specialised English language teaching staff.
This professional approach provides ongoing monitoring and adapts the methodology to each pupil’s progress.

---

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the English Immersion Programme

1. Who is this programme recommended for?
   • For students with solid academic ability who need to improve their English level before fully joining our British-based international curriculum.
2. How long does the Immersion Programme last?
   • The standard duration is one academic year, although this may vary depending on the individual pupil’s progress.
     
3. Are pupils integrated with the rest of the school?
   • Yes. Although they receive 20 hours of English in small groups, they take part in the rest of the lessons and activities with their peers, supporting social and emotional integration.
4. Who teaches the immersion classes?
   • A native-speaking English teacher with experience in teaching and language immersion programmes.
5. What happens after completing the programme?
   • The aim is for pupils to join the mainstream classes. By Year 10, they will be ready to study for their IGCSEs, which are the qualifications they need to join advanced and Baccalaureate programmes.
6. Is there an additional cost for the Immersion Programme?
   • Yes, the cost is €250 per month, in addition to the usual school fees.
7. Do Spanish pupils continue with the Spanish curriculum?
   • Yes, they continue studying the required subjects for their age group.