English Language Learning (ELL)

We believe that language barriers shouldn’t be the reason you miss out on a great education. That’s why SMUS has an English Language Learning (ELL) program. As an ELL student, you will be taught and supported in your English and Social Studies classes by qualified teachers specializing in English Language Learning. You will also be integrated into non-ELL classes.

While gaining credits in English and Social Studies, the program focuses on developing academic English, cultural awareness, and learning strategies you will need to reach your full potential in school and life after SMUS.

Success in academic English requires the following skills:

using subject-specific vocabulary
reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing material with confidence
explaining, classifying, analyzing, evaluating, and sequencing information
writing in a clear and organized way
being able to go beyond literal comprehension
thinking critically and creatively
collaborating
using and creating multimedia communication

ELL Program

Use the tabs below to learn more about ELL at SMUS, including the program structure, academic supports, and what living on campus is like.

Senior School ELL student giving a classroom presentation

ELL is a multi-year program with different levels of support as you become more proficient in academic English. You will have an English class every day throughout the school year.

In Grades 9 and 10 you will have full-credit English and social studies classes separate from non-ELL students, taught by ELL specialist teachers. These classes allow you to learn in safe and small environments. You will also be integrated into non-ELL math, science, art, music, and athletics courses.

In Grade 11, you continue learning with an ELL specialist teacher in English courses. All other classes are integrated.

If support is still required, in Grade 12, your English and ELL teachers will collaborate to provide you with an additional class to ensure your success.

Our rich international community at SMUS provides you with opportunities to thrive outside the classroom in areas such as the arts, music, athletics, and service. Your ideas, perspectives, experiences, and contributions are a valued and integral part of life at SMUS.

Senior School students read independently in the ELL classroom

The ELL program gives you the full SMUS experience with dedicated support. Along with our highly qualified teachers, the Writing Centre provides writing support to all students. Learn more on the Student Support page.

The ELL program has several opportunities for support outside of the classroom, too. You will be paired with an ELL peer mentor to build social connections and help you adjust and thrive at SMUS. Peer tutors are also available. They excel in their subject area and receive training to assist other students with their academics. If needed, vetted academic tutors are available on campus at an extra cost.

Our classrooms promote collaboration using specially designed furniture with flexible arrangements that encourage conversation and connection. In these spaces, you’ll build friendships and grow your confidence.

University Counselling

You will be paired with an academic advisor who will work with you to plan your academic program and help you reach post-secondary goals. This includes career education classes, personal planning sessions, and application support. Learn more about University Counselling on their web page.

Personal Counselling

A team of personal counsellors is available at the Senior School to help students with all of their social-emotional needs. Students can make an appointment by visiting the office or emailing their counsellor. Counsellors may reach out to students to check in with them to see how they are adjusting to being away from home and adjusting to life in Canada. The counsellors are happy to connect with parents should they be concerned about their child.

The Snowden Library

The Snowden Library is an inclusive learning space where you can work on assignments with your classmates, study on your own, and find a comfortable place to read a book. The library staff will help you search and find books that will help you build your English language skills. You will collaborate with the teacher-librarian to develop high-level academic research skills, access and evaluate reliable information sources, and select books for the library.

Large group of boarding students in their house shirts in front of houses

One exciting aspect of the ELL program is living on campus in our boarding community. Interacting with your peers in classes, in extracurricular activities, and during house games will help you feel at home and make friends.

ELL students engage in every aspect of student life including music, sports, clubs and councils, and leadership roles within the school and their houses. With boarding, you will experience community building and the celebration of individuals.

Things to Remember

Boarding life is different from home life. Many students are more active and require more sleep.
Socialization and other activities are just as important for you as class work: they build leadership and English skills, which are key for university acceptance.
Tutoring services are available, but you will benefit most from developing the tools to work through language obstacles on their own.
You will be encouraged to get the most out of the program by joining extracurricular clubs, making friends with English-speaking students and limiting their use of their native language.
Be patient. Understand that learning a language is a complex, long-term process.

Visit our Boarding pages to learn more about life on campus.