Gordonstoun School welcomes international students and believes that they bring a richness and variety of experience to our School community.
It is expected that all students who come to Gordonstoun have sufficient English to make friends and understand reasonably well in class. As part of the application process to the School, students are screened for ability in English. They are screened once more and interviewed on arrival. If there is a need for support with English, students are offered support in English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL lessons aim to:
- help students adjust to their studies in the new school environment
- help students acquire the language skills they need to access the wider curriculum
- prepare students for an English language examination where appropriate
Year 9
In Year 9 we offer EAL in place of one or both Modern Foreign Language options. Lessons are conducted in small groups of no more than six students of similar ability so that students can receive individual attention.
Students who have reached a sufficiently high standard at the end of Year 9 continue onwards to prepare for GCSE English.
New students to the school should complete our English language pretest to enable us to advise on the level of support needed.
EAL lessons conducted in groups in Years 9-11 attract no cost.
It may be possible to arrange one to one lessons on request, though there is an additional charge for these lessons.
For information on current EAL charges, and to receive a pre-entry test in English so we can advise on a student’s possible support needs, please contact the Admissions Secretary (hawksleya@gordonstoun.org.uk)
Years 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11 we can offer students EAL in place of either a Modern Foreign Language option, or English, or both. We screen students for English language ability and advise them on the most appropriate course of study.
Many of our overseas learners continue onwards to GCSE English. However, we can also prepare overseas students for alternative, internationally recognised examinations in English.
We encourage learners of Intermediate ability in English to aim for the First Certificate in English offered by the Cambridge Examining Board (UCLES) at the end of Year 11.
In Years 10 and 11 EAL lessons are conducted in small groups. We continue to provide targeted support in the language skills needed for learners to access the curriculum.
New students to the School should complete our English language pre-test to enable us to advise on the level of support needed.
Sixth Form
Many overseas students arriving in the Sixth Form will need to prepare for an examination in English for university entry.
We can offer lessons to prepare students for the following examinations:
- IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) - for entry into a British University;
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) - for entry into a British University or for those returning to Europe;
- CPE (Cambridge Proficiency in English) - the highest level examination;
- TOEFL - for entry into a university in the USA.
Some students may also need support in dealing with the language of their Sixth Form subjects.
Most students choose to study in small groups. However, it is also possible to offer individual tuition for examinations, or for language skills across the curriculum on request.
New students to the school should complete our English language pre-test to enable us to advise on the level of support needed.
Enquiries
Costs
EAL lessons conducted in groups in Years 9 to 11 attract no cost. There is a nominal charge of lessons conducted in groups in the Sixth Form.
It may be possible to arrange one-to-one lessons on request, though there is an additional charge for these lessons.
Pre-entry test
To receive a pre-entry test in English so we can advise on a student's possible support needs, please contact Ann Hawksley.