“EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AT YOUR HAND”
Change is permanent and it involves all areas of society. Alexander Wandemberg International also believes in change and with this purpose in mind, we establish higher goals for the Foreign Language Department year after year.
Alexander Wandemberg International Foreign Language Program is approached explicitly and cognitively, it’s contextualized by the systematic application of highly practical language, both receptively and productively, as a necessary component in building understanding and expression, the fundamental elements of communication.
The effectiveness of our program is characterized by the permanent search and application of a wide range of supplementary components and enrichment devices to tailor the course to individual needs. Evaluation is based on projects, investigation and integrated activities that encourage research and critical minds.
Our English program is based on permanent innovation, Since the earlier grades, English is treated as an international language, rather than the language of a particular country or region, this helps students develop a cultural fluency by creating awareness of the varied rules across cultures for politeness, greetings, instructions and conversation appropriateness. With this purpose, Pre-school and Elementary students receive subjects that include Science, Phonics, Language, Reading and Etiquette-Conversation all in English by applying the Communicative Approach; the use of games, images, songs and technological devices as a way of encouraging interaction and creativity.
In the high school section, the third phase of the English Proficiency Project (E.P.P.) has begun as a way of adjusting to current methods in foreign language instruction. All English subjects follow the Class Rotation System (C.R.S.) and are divided by levels of knowledge; Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced; this includes World History, Literature, Etiquette-Current Events and Language.
There are countless advantages in our Class Rotation System, to name a few- students are evaluated with a standardized test, the results tell us the real level of knowledge. The textbooks that students use are based on the results of the evaluation. Also, students will improve time management skills, the possibility of interacting with students from different grades, learn to be self-motivated and most importantly, be in classes that suit their real level of English.
In the Advanced levels for 11th, 12th and 13th grades, students are prepared for the TOEFL exam and have the possibility of being awarded a Sufficiency Level Certificate in their senior year, this will save those students time and money once they start their college education and will be eligible for applying to one of our brother colleges in Canada (McDonald College) or colleges through out U.S.A., Europe or Asia thanks to our agreement with Rotary Club International.
A.W.I.’s 100% English Campaign, proved its efficiency beyond our expectations. Parents and students have given real testimony of the effectiveness of this project created to increase fluency, confidence and the ability to communicate in real life situations.
The Annual Current Issues Debate Contest and The Read-a-Book Campaign which promotes the habit of reading by encouraging students to read 10 literary classics during the school year are some of the means by which we ensure students’ solid acquisition of vocabulary, the reinforcement of language concepts and skills and the permanent interaction with both native and non-native English speakers both linguistically and culturally.
As a way of promoting critical thinking, the interest in today’s events and the enhancement of institutional spirit we have created our very own “A.W.I. News” the school’s first newspaper, where the writing, editing, graphic designing and printing is under full responsibility of our student staff under the supervision of English and Spanish teachers.
In this new challenge we’ll continue confirming progress, motivating and keeping students eager to improve their study of English as well as French, with the exclusive purpose of building their pride in being able to speak accurately, fluently and authentically. All the professional staff at Alexander Wandemberg International is conscious that language instruction is only proven effective when it helps the individuals we are shaping succeed in today’s highly competitive world.
