Program Descriptions

The Lord has created humans with a wonderful ability to communicate and the ability to use this gift to glorify Him. Our goal at Cedars Christian School is to enable new students to discover and develop the ability to communicate in English and come to appreciate the structure and principles of the English language. As students grow in their knowledge of English, they are able to share with others in the classroom and thereby enrich the whole student body by the diversity of their experiences.

Students, who are in their first year at Cedars Christian School and for whom English is a non-native language, are required to be enrolled in English Support Classes and depending upon the results of their initial testing, they may also receive support in the form of ESL. All students, even those who have fulfilled the ESL component of the program are required to attend English Support Classes. These programs should be viewed as opportunities to build on skills and to become proficient in academic English.

ESL

The school, after an assessment, determines the level of ESL support each student requires. It is our aim to enable students to be competent communicators and to help them achieve the academic goals they aspire to. In small groups, students who require this support will be given instruction in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills during the school day.

In addition to daily, specialized ESL instruction, students will also attend regular content area classes, indculding daily English/Language Arts classes. The focus of High school ESL instruction will be to prepare the students to meet university entrance requirements.

High school students are required to meet the credit requirements for graduation as set out by the BC Ministry of Education and must be able to function at a grade level before taking credit classes.

Homestay Program

Our homestay program is a valuable component of the International Education Program. It allows students from the ages of 15 to 18 to stay in a nuturing, Christian, family atmosphere. Students who stay in a Canadian homestay develop a much greater grasp of the English language and a better appreciation of Canadian culture.

Great care is taken to select homestay families who are dedicated to providing a safe environment and who support the vision of Cedars Chrisian School. All families and homes are interviewed and inspected and are requried to meet strict guidelines. Family members over the age of 18 are required to complete a criminal records check.

Every effort is made to match students with homestay families who will be compatible. Should problems arise, our International Program Co-ordinator is available to assist, oversee, and to provide ongoing support for all placements.

Homestay placement provides an opportunity for the student and homestay family to experience different cultures and to develop life-long friendships.