Intensive English programs are available to international and domestic students.

Intensive English programs provide international and domestic students with the opportunity to improve their language skills while preparing to enter a standard academic program.

At Canning College, students advance their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills through lessons that are delivered by a language expert in small-group settings.

Headed by Alison Franke, former Director of Studies at Perth International College of English, the intensive English program improves language levels by building student capabilities and confidence.

“All students learn at a different rate and it’s always nice to see them progress,” Alison said. “Language can be very demanding, so we break it down into little success steps. That way the students can see the progress that they’re making and that encourages them to be even more engaged in the learning.”

Students spend 16 hours per week studying intensive English with a specialised teacher. This forms the foundation of their intensive English learning. They spend 4.5 hours per week in supported Science and Mathematics to assist in integrating language learning into subject-specific content.

“It’s interesting to see students go into maths and science, which they already know well, so it can really boost their confidence,” Alison said.

At Year 10 level, students also engage in Health and Physical Education, Computing and activity sessions relating to food technologies and visual art.

“The intensive English program is a one-stop shop for students to top up their English before they go onto the next step of their pathways,” Alison said. “They start off here by improving their English and then they have the confidence and ability to progress into other programs.

“The students have been great and I’m really enjoying the role. There’s a certain energy that comes with something new and it’s a huge buzz.”

Regular testing of students gives them a strong indication of how their language skills are improving and what steps they need to take to continue advancing.

“Students are tested each Friday to help us measure their progress,” Alison said.

“I also have a one-on-one with each student every week and talk about how they’re progressing and things they can do to improve.”

The small class sizes are helpful in being able to identify exactly what improvements individual students need to make to enhance the development of their language skills.

When students become confident in using English in their everyday activities, their capability develops more quickly. Canning College is an inclusive, multicultural environment in which all students are encouraged to use English in classroom and social situations on campus.

“The biggest challenge is getting students to speak English as often as they can outside of school,” Alison said. “At lower levels of English learning, being immersed in language is so important.”

Student’s benefit greatly from Alison’s experience, as well as her empathy and culturally sensitive teaching.

“It’s not easy for students,” she said. “These are young people who often are away from their peer group and their families, and we really have to be as supportive as we can be.

“Some of them are amazing how they adapt and cope with the challenges.”

Alison spent more than 21 years at PICE before its closure this year. She is pleased to be able to continue working with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

“I really enjoyed working at PICE where I worked with a lot of students whose pathway was into Canning College, so I was already aware of the great work that is being done here,” she said. “It was an easy choice for me to come to Canning College. It’s a great feeling knowing that you’re helping students on their career path.”