Learning support

ESL Support Programme

Empowering English Language Learners at Horizon International Bilingual School

At Horizon International Bilingual School, we believe that language is the key that opens doors to academic success, global opportunities, and confident communication. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) Support Programme is thoughtfully designed to help English Language Learners (ELLs) develop strong English proficiency while feeling supported, included, and empowered throughout their learning journey.

With students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, Horizon provides a caring and internationally minded environment where every learner is encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

A Personalised Approach to English Language Support

Comprehensive English Assessment & Placement

All students whose first language is not English complete the internationally recognised WIDA English Language Assessment upon admission. The assessment helps the school identify each student’s English proficiency level and determine the most appropriate support pathway.

Based on WIDA results, students are placed into suitable ESL support levels to ensure they receive personalised instruction and targeted language development.

Targeted & Individualised Language Instruction

Our ESL curriculum focuses on developing students’ confidence and proficiency across all four language domains:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing

To provide meaningful and effective support, Horizon applies a dual-support learning model:

Pull-out ESL Sessions

Small-group English instruction focused on vocabulary development, grammar, reading comprehension, writing skills, and academic language acquisition.

Push-in Classroom Support

ESL specialists collaborate closely with subject teachers to provide real-time language support within mainstream classrooms.

Individual Learning Plans (ILP)

Each English Language Learner receives personalised learning goals and continuous progress monitoring to ensure steady language growth and academic success.

The 3E Learning Experience

Expose – Experience – Engage

To strengthen students’ English fluency in authentic real-world situations, Horizon integrates the innovative 3E Programme into daily learning experiences.

Exposure

Students are immersed in English through everyday school life, interactive learning spaces, English media, school events, and meaningful language-rich experiences.

Experience

Hands-on learning activities such as group projects, debates, role-play, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative problem-solving help students apply English naturally and confidently.

Engagement

Students actively participate in presentations, storytelling activities, peer discussions, competitions, and collaborative learning opportunities that build communication confidence and social connection.

Student Learning Support Team (SLST)

At Horizon, we believe students learn best when they feel connected and supported by their peers. Through the Student Learning Support Team (SLST), bilingual and advanced English-speaking students mentor ELL learners to strengthen confidence, communication skills, and social integration.

SLST Role

• Navigator Mentor : Supports academic tasks and English communication practice
• Booster Peer Support : Encourages conversational English during break times and group activities
• Tutor Academic Coach : Provides individual tutoring and additional language-learning support

Continuous Progress Monitoring & Student Success

Students’ English development is regularly monitored through WIDA benchmarking assessments and classroom-based evaluations to ensure consistent progress toward academic independence and language fluency.
Parents receive ongoing feedback and detailed progress reports, while students transitioning out of ESL support continue to receive monitoring and guidance to ensure a smooth and successful integration into mainstream academic classes.

A Commitment to Global Communication & Academic Excellence

Through our structured WIDA-aligned ESL programme, personalised language support, immersive English learning experiences, and caring mentorship system, Horizon empowers students to become confident communicators, successful learners, and globally minded individuals prepared to thrive in an international world.

We warmly invite families to discover how Horizon’s supportive bilingual environment can help every child unlock their full potential and flourish with confidence.

For more information about our ESL programme and admissions procedures, please contact our Admissions Office.