Parents Handbook

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PARENTS ’ HANDBOOK

English as an Additional Language Pupils with EAL (English as an additional language) are largely supported by the English Department as a whole, however a small number of pupils in the Lower School receive specialist EAL lessons within the timetable, either instead of a subject such as a second foreign language, or within their usual timetabled English lessons. Sixth form pupils with EAL can choose to have one-to-one support once or twice a week. The school does not charge extra for this support. International English Language Testing System (ELTS Lower Sixth) The school offers support for Sixth Form pupils taking the IELTS test (International English Language Testing System) where it is required for a university application. This is an internationally standardised test for non-native English language speakers and is recognised by most universities and colleges in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as by over 3,000 academic institutions in the USA. The score ranges from 1 to 9 (expert user) with 6.5 or 7 being the usual band required by British universities. Pupils can take the exam in a local test centre every two weeks and get the result within ten days.

Guardians Guardians are an essential part of ensuring the care for St Edward’s pupils whose parents do not live in the UK and overseas parents must appoint a guardian. During term time the School is legally responsible for each pupil’s welfare and undertakes delegated parental responsibilities. However, there are times (e.g. Leave Weekends, beginning and end of term, Half Term breaks, or when a child is ill) when the School must be able to hand over these parental responsibilities to another adult – a properly appointed Guardian. Guardians may be a family member or relative or family friend who is over 25 years of age, who is not a full-time student and who is resident in the UK. If such a contact in the UK is unavailable, Guardians can be provided by a reputable guardianship organisation. A Guardian cannot be a member of staff at St Edward’s School. If assistance is required in selecting a Guardian, the School recommends that parents contact the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS ). www.aegisuk.net , info@aegisuk.net , tel: +44 (0)1453 821293 HMs will check the travel and guardian arrangements with their pupils. To make their task as smooth as possible, and to ensure the safety of their children, parents should make sure that all parties know and understand exactly what arrangements are in place before each holiday. It should be possible, at any time during a holiday, for the School to contact a pupil at his/her Guardian’s home. The School takes the matter of guardianship very seriously and monitors each pupil’s arrangements

through close liaison with parents, pupils, Guardians and guardianship organisations.