Banksia Secondary College English Language Centre offers intensive English language courses for overseas students enrolled at Banksia Secondary College or at neighbouring schools. We can accommodate short-term immersion programs for individuals, study tours for groups, or long-term courses for continuing students. The course is flexible, enabling a combination of ELC classes and mainstream classes where appropriate.
The English Language Centre is self-contained and is comprised of four classrooms, a networked computer facility with Internet access, and a student lounge with facilities for heating food.
Classes are taught by fully qualified ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers. Class sizes are kept small to ensure maximum participation and attention.
The Banksia Secondary College English Language Centre is different from English Language Schools. We have adopted the ELICOS model and teach English through competencies. These are specifically directed towards students learning the skills that they need in order to succeed in senior secondary, then tertiary, study. While learning English, students also learn computer applications, independent research skills, how to write an essay, how to deliver an oral presentation, etc.
An extensive series of excursions is an integral part of the course, familiarising students with the City of Melbourne.
As well as English language, sessions are conducted by specialists in the fields of Mathematics and Science, Art, Physical Education, and Health and Human Development.
Students are supported by teacher-aides who speak Asian languages and Arabic, by after-school tutorials in all subjects, and by ESL teachers in mainstream classes.
As well, as members of the College community, overseas students have access to a fulltime careers teacher and pupil-welfare coordinator, and the school nurse.
Overseas Students