NIST values the linguistic and cultural diversity of our community members. Over 70 nationalities are represented, and a wide variety of different languages are spoken. Learning opportunities for all students are enriched by our diverse linguistic and cultural communities.
At NIST we cater to a range of language needs by offering an EAL programme that is fully integrated into our curriculum. Upon arrival at NIST, our learners may understand, speak or be literate in more than one language and may have some experience in English, but will require support to acquire academic language proficiency. Factors such as age, previous educational experience, knowledge of other languages and levels of literacy in their first language will all impact on the development of children’s language skills and their learning across the curriculum. Parents are strongly encouraged to help their children maintain and develop their home languages. We are committed to fostering a strong partnership between home and school in order to facilitate language learning.
Elementary
In Years 1 to 6, EAL specialists work at each year level to support students in their homeroom classrooms. Students receive help in every area of English language acquisition in order to develop the social and academic language needed to fully participate in the NIST curriculum. The EAL teachers collaborate with homeroom teachers to create a safe, stimulating environment where language risk taking and translanguaging are encouraged.
Secondary
In Years 7 to 11, students follow the MYP English Language Acquisition Programme, at either Phase 3 or Phase 5. EAL students are taught MYP English Language Acquisition (ELA) in place of MYP English Language and Literature. In addition, they are supported in their I&S and Science classes by an ELA teacher where possible. The principle goal of the programme is to help students acquire sufficient competence in English to succeed at all levels.
There is no provision for EAL students in Years 12 and 13. However, students who finish the MYP still enrolled in ELA will have the opportunity to select English B in the IB Diploma as their course of study.
EAL in Secondary at a Glance
| MYP (Y7-Y11) | - MYP English Language Acquisition - Individuals & Societies (Y7-Y11) and science (Y7-Y9) in-class support |
| DP (Y12-Y13) | No in-class support; students who finish the Middle Years Programme and are still enrolled in the EAL programme will have the opportunity to select English B in the Diploma Programme |
The NIST Curriculum
Early Years - Year 6
The PYP at NIST combines social and academic learning, as both equally contribute to future success. While the programme integrates all subjects within the IB units of inquiry, it also incorporates distinct subject-based lessons and learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Year 7 - Year 11
NIST's MYP is recognized as one of the most progressive worldwide, often leading other schools in piloting new programmes and focusing heavily on service-based learning, the incremental mastery of key skills and reflection.
Year 12 - Year 13
The DP is the culmination of NIST's academic programme, tying together all previous learning and preparing students for future studies in universities around the world. Based on DP exam results, NIST students excel far above global averages.
Additional High School Courses
Year 12 - Year 13
Rather than pursue the full IB Diploma, a small number of NIST students choose to enroll in a combination of IB and standard NIST High School Courses in order to earn individual IB course certificates.
Optional Programme
Year 10 - Year 13
Open to high school students, the GCD allows students to reflect on their learning experiences at NIST and in their own lives, and be formally recognized for their accomplishments in areas not traditionally measured through grades.
