Gateway to ACS Athens English Our Way -- Spring 2013

TO ENROLL IN Gateway to ACS Athens: English Our Way CONTACT MS. MARIETTA GARBIS AT 210-6393-200, EXT. 302 OR garbism@acs.gr ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Mar. 28, 2013

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Develop your skills and confidence in using the English language as you explore school life and culture at ACS Athens. This program is designed for students who are non-native speakers of English and who seek entrance to grades 4 -10 at ACS. Instructors, who are experienced members of the ACS Athens faculty, will work with students in three groups (Elementary, Middle and High School), which will often come together for large group activities. Classes will be structured so that students are active participants who will be called upon to use the English language as they engage in a wide variety of individual and group activities in many disciplines, including Mathematics. Students will develop their English speaking, writing, reading, thinking and listening skills as they learn about life at ACS Athens and explore issues related to the theme of what it means to be a responsible global citizen in a changing world. Students’ performance will be assessed throughout the course in a number of different ways. Recommendations for admission to ACS Athens will be made on the basis of successful performance on a final assessment at the end of the course. Success in the program requires consistent attendance: students who miss more than one class session will be asked to withdraw from the program without a refund of tuition. TUITION: 500 euros

The Institute for Innovation and Creativity is an initiative of the American Community Schools of Athens.

Learning  Enhancement  Programs

Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. April 6,13, 20, 27; May 11,18, 25; June 1, 8

Language Skills

Oral/Aural Skills Learn to listen by showing respect Learn to communicate in appropriate ways Learn to communicate about different topics Learn to form an opinion and defend it orally Learn appropriate thematic vocabulary Learn appropriate subject-specific vocabulary Learning correct pronunciation

Writing Learn to compose coherent units of meaning with a beginning, middle and end Learn to write clear sentences Learn to write coherent paragraphs Learn to form an opinion and defend it in writing Learn to engage in process writing individually and as a group Learn to produce a response Learn to produce a reflection Learn to complete different forms of journals and to write about their own thinking and learning

Reading Learn sound-letter correspondence Learn some basic reading techniques as: Finding the main idea of a text Making inferences Reading for meaning Analyzing texts Thinking critically about a text

Approaches to Learning

Attitudes Learn to be good listeners Learn to be respectful of peers, adults, school property, the environment Learn turn-taking skills Learn cooperative learning skills Learn to work in groups Learn to appreciate the community Learn organizational skills Learn to meet academic obligations Learn to be life-long learners

Special Strand Thinking about, understanding and doing mathematics in English.

Learning Outcomes Students will develop their mastery of the following skills and attitudes:

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Former Gateway students have said: “In the beginning, I thought it would be a huge nightmare to take me away from my summer. But after a couple of days, we became like a family....” E.E., grade 10 “The most interesting thing is that I learned what the school is like and what the American educational philosophy is...I believe that in September I will feel more comfortable with the knowledge I have gained.” S.M., grade 10 “For the first time in my life I did research with another group of students and on my own. I’ve never done research on a subject before, and that’s what I found interesting...I am so pleased to have spent the two weeks here learning many new things and enjoying myself.” M.S., grade 10 “I learned many new things, and I got a taste of what international school means.” I.S., grade 7 “I am sure that you respect my work, as much as I respect you (my teachers), and I know that you will give me what it takes to become a great student...I will be happy to be in your classes next year.” M.B., grade 10