SEN and ESL Curriculum | International School Hyderabad

ESL/ALL

At Indus International School, Hyderabad, we recognize that learner diversity, including linguistic diversity, is central to the IB philosophy. The ESL Department ensures that ESL students receive equitable opportunities to access the curriculum and demonstrate their learning. We are committed to reducing barriers, fostering inclusion, and enabling all students to succeed as lifelong learners.

The ESL Support Framework

Placement & Individualized Support

Students begin their ESL journey with a placement assessment that evaluates their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the English language. Based on the results, individual learning plans are designed and implemented in alignment with the IB’s inclusive access arrangements. Support is provided either one-on-one or in small groups, carefully tailored to each learner’s stage of language acquisition to ensure meaningful progress and confidence as regards the English language.

Differentiation & Mainstream Integration

Students undertake an ESL Placement Assessment to evaluate their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The outcomes of this assessment inform the development of individualized learning plans, which are implemented in accordance with the IB Inclusive Access Arrangements. Instruction may be delivered through one-on-one sessions or small-group support, aligned to the learner’s stage of language acquisition with the objective of facilitating measurable progress and building academic confidence. Transition to mainstream classes is determined through systematic review of progress, and students continue to be closely monitored to ensure effective integration and sustained success.

Language Development Across Programmes

At IISH, language development is embedded throughout the IB continuum to ensure progressive growth and access to learning. In the PYP, focus is on building early literacy skills, expanding vocabulary, and developing sentence structure through inquiry-based learning experiences. As students transition into the MYP, the emphasis shifts to strengthening academic language and structured writing and equipping learners with strategies to access subject-specific content across disciplines. Support is further extended in terms of advanced academic writing, mastery of subject-specific terminology, and preparation for examinations.

IB Accommodations in eAssessments for ESL/ALL Learners

The ESL Department, in alignment with the IB Access and Inclusion Policy, ensures that Additional Language Learners (ALLs) receive equitable opportunities to access the curriculum and demonstrate their learning. Inclusive access arrangements may include additional time, the use of a reader, or a word processor, all of which require formal authorization by the IB. These accommodations, consistently applied in both classroom learning and assessments, are designed to reduce language-related barriers while maintaining academic integrity. The school views linguistic diversity as a strength and remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every learner can succeed.

Progress Monitoring

Student progress is closely monitored through periodic assessments, progress reports, and inputs from students and subject teachers which provides a clear picture of growth over time. Regular updates are shared along with practical strategies to support learning, ensuring a strong partnership with stakeholders. The ESL department also places a strong emphasis on early intervention and addressing challenges promptly to ensure that the learning process is not affected.

Our Commitment

Equity: Every learner is entitled to fair access to learning opportunities with the necessary support.

Inclusion: We see linguistic diversity as an asset and ensure ESL students are fully integrated into the school community.

Agency: Students are active participants in setting goals and reflecting on their progress.

Collaboration: ESL facilitators, subject teachers, parents, the counseling & SEN department (if required), and the school leadership share responsibility for supporting ESL students.

Alignment with IB: All support is consistent with the IB guidelines, ensuring that learning and assessment remain accessible, fair, and rigorous.