Phase 1 Foundation Programme

For students with minimal English

Recommended for: Grade 7 age-eligible students (born on or before 1 September 2013 for enrolment from August 2026 onwards)

Students develop foundational English skills while progressively integrating into academic subjects.

Phase 1 Foundation Programme

Programme overview

  • Core subjects include: Maths, Science, Humanities, PE
  • Approximately 50% is English language learning lessons
  • Focus on both language development and subject understanding
  • Wide range of after school activities

Assessment and progression

  • Entry via WIDA assessment interview
  • Progress reviewed each semester
  • Average duration: 1-2 semesters

What students gain

  • Foundational English proficiency
  • Introduction to academic language and subject vocabulary
  • Confidence to participate in classroom learning

Students who complete this stage transition into Phase 2 Foundation Programme.

Minimal English

  • Build a strong foundation - Develop general English and academic vocabulary
  • Entry assessment - Interview based
  • Average duration - 1-2 semester

Beginner English with some exposure

  • Build skills and confidence - Develop general English and academic vocabulary
  • Entry assessment - From WIDA score 2.5
  • Average duration - 2 semesters

Intermediate English and above

  • Succeed in the classroom - Academic English support alongside mainstream subjects
  • Entry assessment - From WIDA score 3
  • Ongoing evaluation - Support tailored to each students

 

Start your CIS journey.