Welcome to the ESL Program at Aquinas International Academy (AIA)
Welcome! I’m Gaia Gerard, the ESL Coordinator at AIA. Our online English as a Second Language programme supports multilingual learners from Middle School through Year 9, helping them build confidence, strengthen academic language skills, and take an active role in our international virtual learning community. We aim to create a warm, structured, and engaging online environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, expressing themselves, and growing as independent learners.
At AIA, we value the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds that our students bring. Our programme builds on these strengths while providing the targeted support they need to succeed across their online studies.
About Our Online ESL Programme
AIA’s ESL courses are designed for MS–Year 9 students who wish to improve their English proficiency to succeed in academic subjects taught in English.
Classes are intentionally small (with a maximum of six students), ensuring personalised support, meaningful interaction, and a sense of community, even in an online setting.
Our curriculum develops all key language skills:
● Grammar accuracy and application
● Speaking and listening
● Reading comprehension
● Vocabulary development
● Pronunciation and accent clarity
● Academic writing
Lessons are delivered live online by qualified, experienced, fluent English-speaking teachers.
Programme Structure
Students are placed into ESL levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced).
This ensures consistent, internationally recognised standards for learning and progression.
Over the course of the 18-week term, students typically make clear and measurable progress within their CEFR level, moving towards greater independence and confidence in academic English.
Placement & Proficiency Requirements
To ensure accurate placement, students complete an English proficiency and placement test, a comprehensive digital assessment tool that evaluates all key language skills: grammar, listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Enrolment and placement depend on assessment results and course availability.
The placement test takes place online in a live session and is monitored directly by the ESL Coordinator to ensure accuracy, support, and academic integrity.
These combined measures provide a detailed profile of each learner’s English proficiency and allow us to place students within the appropriate CEFR level (A1–C1). Progress is monitored throughout the term, and families receive regular updates.
Join Us
Our mission is to help students from Middle School to Year 9 become confident, capable, and independent users of English within an online academic environment.
We look forward to welcoming your family into our supportive and diverse learning community.
