Boarding - English as a Foreign Language

St David's is unusual among private schools for having a department dedicated solely to the education of our foreign pupils. There are five members of staff in the Department, all of whom are experienced, qualified specialist teachers of EFL students of all ages.

Students are assessed on entry to the school, and then a programme is put in place to suit their individual needs. Most lessons are taught on a one-to-one basis, and a coursebook and grammar book is selected by the teacher for each individual. Students are given two free lessons a week, however more are usually recommended, especially if the student wishes to prepare for external exams.

Students can be prepared for the suite of Cambridge examinations, including the Preliminary English Test, First Certificate and Proficiency. The preferred qualification for university entrance is currently the IELTS examination, in which our current students have achieved high grades.

The school has a large library of graded reading books adapted for foreign readers, which are selected in consultation with the teacher. Audio and visual resources are also available for students' use, together with self-access practice materials.

Lessons are offered to the full age range, from Reception to Year 13, and are taught in a dedicated suite of rooms.

Students aged 15 and above can join our Language Course, which is a three-year course of preparation for entry to a British university. In the first year, students have an intensive course of lessons in English, and can follow the AS Mathematics course. On one day weekly, students are taken on cultural visits to places of interest in London by and EFL teacher who is a qualified London tourist guide. In the second year, they progress to Year 12, and begin their AS Level courses in four subjects, including Mathematics.

The English language teachers work very closely with subject teachers to ensure that students achieve the competence necessary to fully participate in school life.