Academic Support

Supportive Academic Environment

Dean Close School is recognized by its students for opening its doors wide to international students. Offering a supportive and inclusive space, the school ensures that those starting on their GCSE or A-Level journey, as well as those visiting for a Short Stay, are welcomed into a community that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. The English Language Teaching (ELT) department plays a crucial role, offering tailored support to match the unique needs of each international student.

Assessing and Addressing Language Needs

As new international students join, those who are non-native English speakers undergo a comprehensive language assessment. This initial step is vital as it accurately identifies the language strengths and areas for improvement for each student. Based on the assessment results, a personalized ELT program is developed, with consistent evaluations to assure full engagement with the school curriculum and steady growth in both language fluency and confidence.

ELT Curriculum Structure

The ELT department guarantees targeted teaching through small-group or one-to-one lessons, including subject-specific support when needed. A minimum of three ELT sessions are guaranteed each week, replacing Modern Foreign Language classes for certain year groups to focus on English language acquisition. These ELT sessions are flexible and can be increased throughout the school year to ensure continuous language development.

Resourceful ELT Centre and Exam Preparation

A resource for autonomous learning is the ELT Study Centre, which stays open for students during lunch breaks and after class. Here, students can work on their exam strategies, enhance their vocabulary and grammar, get academic support, or engage in wider reading activities. Those with aspirations for official English language certification can sign up for Cambridge English exams, with convenient arrangements made for testing in Bristol or Oxford. The school also offers IELTS preparation and testing onsite, alongside instruction for the Trinity College English exams. Individualized support extends to university applications, aiding students in making informed choices, writing impactful personal statements, and developing professional CVs.

English Proficiency for University Admission

The school instills in students the understanding that a minimum pass in the English Language is essential for UK university admissions, with some institutions expecting even higher grades. Thus, targeted GCSE English ELT sessions are provided for Remove and fifth-year students, designed to elevate their English to the required standards. While the school respects individual student and parent preferences, logistical limitations sometimes dictate group sizes and curricular offerings. Occasionally, admission to certain courses is made compulsory based on the student’s English proficiency level. Dean Close School’s students see the passionate commitment of the ELT department in ensuring every international student is well-supported to thrive academically and socially within the school’s community.