The English Language Preparation Program (ELPP) is Wesley’s in-house intensive English program. Designed for international and local students with English as an additional language, the program is available to students in Years 7 – 10.
Delivered at our Glen Waverley Campus, ELPP focuses on the five key language skills of reading, writing, vocabulary, listening and speaking.
More than an English Language Program
Unlike external ELICOS programs, the ELPP enables students to integrate into the school community from day one. Dressed in Wesley uniform, students not only attend tailored English language classes, but also participate in cocurricular activities including music, sport and performing arts. Students build their network with teaching staff and develop friendships with fellow students before entering mainstream schooling.
Learning on campus also means that students access and familiarise themselves with the College’s extensive sporting, performing arts and music facilities.
High quality teaching and care
With an excellent staff to student ratio and flexible timetabling, ELPP students benefit from a personalised approach that develops academic skills and encourages independent learning.
Learning takes place within the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The curriculum encourages language development through activities such as essay writing, text analysis and project work.
It also helps students understand and adapt to the expectations of a typical Wesley classroom, which may differ from their schooling experience in their country of origin.
Susan Mu (OW2005) is the Head of ELPP and enjoys watching her students move from initially being quiet and shy to becoming confident and thriving in the Wesley College environment.
Transitioning from ELPP to mainstream classes
The length of time spent in the program depends on a student’s language proficiency. Typically, students spend between 1 to 3 terms in the ELPP.
During the first week, students undertake language assessments to determine their language proficiency and areas for development.
Prior to completing the program, students undertake a second AEAS test to ensure they have achieved the language level needed to be successful in mainstream schooling.
As part of the transition process, students are interviewed with the Head of School to determine readiness for transition to mainstream classes. Students in Years 10 – 12 have the option to take an English as an Additional Language (EAL) subject once entering mainstream schooling.
All student transitions into mainstream take place at the end of a school term.
Applying for Wesley’s English Language Preparation Program
Students who do not have English as their first language are required to sit an English language assessment test provided by the Australian Education Assessment Services (AEAS). The AEAS test provides a guide for the minimum recommendation of time a student may need on the program.
Once we have received the AEAS test results, the application for the ELPP will be processed, and a videoconference interview with the College will be scheduled.
The AEAS test can be completed in Australia or in the student’s country of origin.
For more information, visit aeas.com.au or email admin@aeas.com.au.
ELPP has been a great program for me, and it does help a lot of new students like me who just come from other countries and don’t speak fluent English as their first language. There are a lot of things I was able to practice in ELPP before I went to mainstream study. First of all, I could focus and improve my English in a short period of time. Secondly, I was able to learn more about Wesley College and prepare for the mainstream with ELPP’s seamless integration into the Wesley main program, such as study and sports activities. Finally and most importantly, the part that helped me the most is that I was able to make friends before I started in the mainstream. This helped me deeply because we could help each other when we didn’t know anyone else in the mainstream, and it made my blending into the mainstream much easier. The teachers really paid attention to me and I do feel that they care about me. ELPP has been a well-designed program that made Wesley College even more attractive for international students.
As parents of two ELPP students, we cannot overstate the invaluable support provided by the program during their crucial time. Moving to a new country presented numerous challenges for our children, especially in adapting to the English language and academic expectations. Through personalized instruction, engaging activities and targeted language support, the program equipped them with the linguistic skills and confidence needed to excel in their studies. Moreover, the program forged meaningful connections with their peers and teachers within the Wesley community. The teachers put high enthusiasm into teaching that they became mentors, guides and sources of unwavering support. The program not only helped them overcome language barriers but also instilled in them a love for learning and the resilience to face future challenges. The nurturing environment fostered a sense of belonging and encouraged their active participation in classroom discussions and various project assignments. We'll forever be grateful for the program and all the teachers' unwavering support and the profound impact it had on our family.
"I started at Wesley College in the English Language Preparation Program (ELPP) and went on to complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) in 2022. ELPP not only improved my English skills but it helped me adapt and understand what to expect in mainstream classes. I studied economics in the IBDP and now I’m thrilled that I have been accepted into the University of Cambridge in the UK to study Economics. It’s a great course with opportunities for me to work with world-famous experts in economics, which I’m really excited about."
“I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Actuarial Studies. I started my Wesley studies in ELPP. It really helped me transition to mainstream classes in a different country as the Wesley teaching style was very different. My classes were challenging but interesting and I enjoyed having more opportunities to learn art, play summer and winter sport, study music and perform in different concerts!”
“I’ve recently started my undergraduate studies at Penn State University, USA. With the help of the ELPP teachers, I was able to quickly adjust to the Australian learning environment and the style of studying. My favourite part of Wesley was the cocurricular life and I really enjoyed playing badminton and basketball at after-school training and during Saturday matches. I was actively involved with the Publications, International Relations and Debating clubs and was Captain of the Boys First Badminton team. Wesley provided me with such an amazing environment to live, learn and develop my abilities.”
"My whole ELPP experience actually served as a good adaption phase. The teachers were really helpful and compassionate. I would say ELPP really helped me fit into the whole Wesley environment and helped me adapt. It helped not only with English but also how to communicate with people from other cultural backgrounds."
"The ELPP was a good place to practice our oral language. It was a totally different approach to learning grammar and my teacher explained how it was different. Learning this way was much more helpful. It was different to how I learnt in China and I think my grammar is much better now."
ELPP articles
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Learning about others through language acquisition
One of the wonderful things about learning a foreign language is what you can learn about other cultures. Four Year ...
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Victorian Global Learning Awards 2023
Natalie Siritzky, International Student Coordinator accepts the Award on behalf of Tracey Peng, with Winnie Lao and Jill Caple, Head ...
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Preparing international students for learning in Australian classrooms
The pandemic disrupted many aspects of onsite learning at schools, not least Wesley College’s in-house intensive English program for international ...
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