International students from a diverse range of countries such as China, Japan, Russia, Spain, Germany, to name but a few, have been valued members of our school community for several decades. Currently, they account for approximately 14% of our senior school intake.
During their time at Monmouth School for Girls both their linguistic and overall academic progress are quite phenomenal and many continue their chosen studies at renowned UK universities, including those of the Russell Group or even, at Oxford or Cambridge.
Admissions procedure
- Candidates in Years 7 – 10 are required to sit online entry papers in English and Mathematics and a report is sought from the Headteacher of the candidate’s current school or from a recognised international agent. The Head or Head of EAL also seeks to conduct an interview over Skype, if possible.
- Sixth Form Foundation Year (SFFY) Candidates are required to sit online entry papers in English (to meet EAL requirements) and Mathematics and are asked to provide a report from their present school or a recognised international agent. The Head and/or Head of EAL also seeks to conduct an interview over Skype.
- Sixth Form Candidates may select two papers taken in the subjects of preferred A Level choice. In addition, a report is requested from the Headteacher of the candidate’s current school or from a recognised international agent. The Head and/or Head of Sixth Form and/or Head of EAL also seeks to conduct an interview.
- Temporary overseas pupils, regardless of the length of their proposed stay are not usually required to sit an entrance test. However, if possible, an interview over Skype is conducted by the Head or Head of EAL.
Testing of new arrivals
As part of the induction process international students will sit various placement tests in order to establish their current CEFR Level (A1 – C2) and the nature of language support required.
EAL Levels (CEFR) and ‘CAN DO’ statements (PDF – 89KB)
EAL teaching
Our teaching philosophy is based on the communicative approach. We aim to provide engaging lessons in which you will develop in confidence and consequently, become ever more fluent and accurate in your command of both written and spoken English. We will assist you on this language-learning journey from BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills) to CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) and provide you with the necessary ‘tool kit’ to reach your destination in order to access the curriculum and fulfil your potential. It is important to recognise the fact that ‘Academic language …..is nobody’s mother tongue’ (Bourdieu et al. 1994). Our small classes (12 students maximum) and dedicated staff make this happen…..
The EAL Department’s well-resourced teaching rooms are situated in The Tower accessed by a spiral stairs; as many a student has remarked it is somewhat reminiscent of the school Hogwarts, featured in Harry Potter stories!
It is not ‘all work and no play’ for the international student at Monmouth School for Girls. Students are encouraged to participate in the wide range of extra-curricular activities and clubs on offer; weekend boarding excursions and EAL cultural visits.