The ESL program at Ontario International Secondary School (OISS) supports English language learners in developing the foundational communication and academic language skills needed for success in Canadian schools and beyond. This multi-level program is designed to meet students where they are and help them grow with confidence.
OISS’s ESL program follows the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum and is organized into five proficiency levels. Each level emphasizes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills tailored to the learner’s stage of language acquisition.
Whether students are new to English or refining academic fluency, the ESL program ensures meaningful progress through personalized instruction, real-world communication tasks, and integration into the broader school community.
ESL Courses Offered
This course builds basic English communication skills for students with little to no prior exposure to the language. It focuses on everyday vocabulary, sentence structure, and foundational reading and listening comprehension.
Level 2 expands functional English for students with some foundational skills. It introduces short paragraphs, simple dialogue, and basic grammar to support classroom participation and social communication.
Students develop greater independence in reading, writing, and oral language. The course emphasizes comprehension of simple narratives, paragraph writing, and the use of strategies for academic learning.
This course focuses on strengthening academic vocabulary and language conventions. Students learn to read informative texts, write structured essays, and engage in classroom discussions with increasing confidence.
Level 5 prepares students for mainstream English classes and academic success across the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, advanced reading comprehension, research writing, and oral presentation skills.
Start your English language journey with personalized support and a pathway to academic success—only at CISS.
