Although the language of the ISL Surrey is English, students begin additional language learning at age three. If English is the first language, French or Spanish may be taken as a foreign language. Language and classroom teachers work together to ensure the coordination of vocabulary and concepts across the curriculum.

Mother Tongue Language and Literacy
Mother tongue support goes beyond cultural identity. All subsequent language and academic study is built upon the mother tongue foundation which is why students need to learn to read and write in their own languages. Languages currently offered include Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.

Download EuRA Mother Tongue Article

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction at ISL Surrey. For this reason, students entering the school may be assessed for their current ability level. Even if students speak no English, each pupil is assisted by both teachers and classmates. Soon, students begin communicating effectively and participating in all aspects of ISL Surrey life.

The first aim of EAL instruction is to develop listening and speaking skills. As oral competence is gained, reading and writing are introduced. Once further fluency is achieved, specific attention is paid to vocabulary, spelling and grammatical rules. At each stage EAL instruction is linked to classroom coursework. Transfer to complete English instruction, in the full range of subjects, proceeds progressively as the student becomes more confident and secure in the use of English.

Secondary students requiring intensive EAL will be assessed a once-only additional fee of £1300.