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  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
    • The ESL Program
    • Translating and Interpreting Service
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ESL Overview 
Contacts
Useful Links

The ESL Program 
Professional Learning 
Teaching and Learning 
Program Delivery

Translating and Interpreting Service

English as a Second Language (ESL) is the study of English by students who already speak at least one other language or who come from a home in which a language other than English is used.

Learning and communicating in Australian society is dependent on competence in English. Communication skills give students access to more choices in learning areas, possibilities for contributing to the school culture and post school options in the work force and further education.

Students are also better prepared to contribute to society through advocacy for themselves and others in personal, social, political and legal fields.  Australian society is enhanced by ESL students having access to ESL programs that enable them to develop an understanding of attitudes and beliefs regarding Australian society, citizenship and position on the world stage.  Schools, therefore, have a responsibility to provide ESL programs to students who require English language teaching.

Contacts

• ESL Executive Officer – ESL Policy and Programs
  Phone (02) 6205 9182

ESL Early Entry to Preschool Program

ESL Early Entry placements are for eligible children in the year prior to attending preschool. To be eligible, children must be non-English speakers, who live in non-English speaking homes and who have no opportunity to socialise with English speaking children of their own age. These placements are offered from Third Term of the school year for six hours per week, if places are available. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult carer who speaks the home language of the child.

Application for ESL Early Entry to Preschool Program  (284kb)

For more information, please contact the school in which you are applying.

Useful Links

• Office of Multicultural Affairs
• ATESOL ACT
• Australian Council of TESOL Associations
• Learning English with the Adult Migrant English Programme (AMEP)
• Companion House
• Department of Immigration and Citizenship
• Refugee Council of Australia
• Northside Primary Introductory English Centre (NPIEC)
• Southside Primary Introductory Centre
• Secondary Introductory English Centre
• WIRC Women’s Information and Referral Centre
• Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT