EFL

Introduction

The EFL Department is at the heart of many of our foreign students’ needs, and aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the English language. Within timetabled lessons we provide a focussed but friendly department in which the pupils enjoy studying. Our present students are from many different countries, bringing with them rich cultures from around the world which we encourage them to share with one another.

EFL at Rishworth

EFL is taught within the timetable from Year 7 through to Year 13. Year 10 students aim to gain a Cambridge IGCSE in English as a Foreign Language and all students aim to gain a UCLES qualification, IELTS, which has world wide recognition.

The departmental targets for our students are IELTS Level 5 in Year 11 and IELTS Level 6 in Year 13. The students improve their English through such activities as class discussions, role-plays, pair and group work and lots of writing exercises! For example in preparation for the IELTS examinations in Years 12 and 13 we create a Good Parents’ Charter, listen to Noel Coward, auction sentences to the highest bids, and on a more serious note, discuss and debate such diverse topics as global warming, stereotyping and A.I.D.S.

The Department’s staff build close working relationships where weaknesses can be identified and strengths encouraged and built upon.

Outside the classroom

We encourage our foreign students to speak English at all times and take every opportunity to listen to spoken English. Class readers are supported throughout the seven years by trips, for example, to the Brontë Parsonage in Haworth, Magna in Sheffield and the Oxenhope-Keighley steam railway. The many activities organised through Boarding also give the students as much opportunity to practise their English as possible.

Other information

As the UCLES qualification, IELTS, is recognised throughout the world, many of our students are able to go on to university or into industry where their level is acknowledged and valued.