ESL

In 2005 at Gordon East Public School ESL (English as a Second Language) has an allocation of two days a week.

One third of the families in the school have a language other than English. Over twenty nationalities are represented. Korean and Chinese families are the most prominent groups. Gordon East Public School is very proud of the contribution that is being made by the ESL children as they participate in all aspects of school life. The school embraces the multicultural heritage of our families.

Lessons are held in small groups, sometimes in the library and at other times within the classroom setting. The ESL children participate in their classes and as a group to run assemblies and present items as well as contributing a feature page each semester for inclusion in the school newsletter.

Recently phase 1 and 2 children participated in an excursion on Sydney Harbour called 'Lessons Afloat'. We went under the Harbour Bridge, had recess on Shark Island and docked at Clifton Gardens for lunch. The excursion was rich in English language extension and gave a valuable insight into the working harbour.