ESL/ELD Programming - Secondary
The Welcome Centre conducts assessments for all secondary students entering the system who are new to Canada, and whose first language is a language other than English.
The purpose of this initial assessment is to gather information about the student’s educational background, identify academic skills, and literacy proficiency in Mathematics and English. Recommendations regarding English and Math placements will be provided to the student and the school.
Get Started
How does a Newcomer student register school in grades 9-12?
- Click here to learn how to register. Submit the student’s registration form online and upload all immigration documents, proof of address and high school records. On the website, use the “Find a School” tool to find out which school is the student’s catchment (home) school.
- After submitting the registration form, call the Welcome Centre to book an assessment appointment 905-521-2554.
- The student and parent/caregiver attend an appointment with the required documentation at the Welcome Centre.
- After the assessment, school staff will contact the family to complete the registration process and timetable the student.
For Welcome Centre details, location, and hours click here.
A Language Proficiency Assessment:
- Gathers information regarding educational history and background
- Assesses students to determine proficiency in Mathematics, English and first language.
- Identifies the appropriate level of language and literacy acquisition.
- Informs teachers of program adaptations and instructional strategies.
- Provides information on programs available within the school board and the community.
Who Needs to be Assessed?
- Students who are new to Canada, entering the Ontario school system for the first time and whose first language is not English.
- Grades 9 to 12 students who are re-entering the Ontario school system after an absence of one term.
- Any students from a French language school in Canada.
- All International students.
- All students who attended schools where English was not the language of instruction.
- Homeschooled students.
Pertinent documentation may include some or all of the following for the Assessment:
- Birth Certificate, Canadian passport or citizenship certificate
- Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence Document
- Refugee Documentation
- Other Immigration Documents (i.e. study permit, visitor record, and etc.)
- Proof of Address and Telephone Number
- School documents (report cards, transcripts), if available.
About ESL/ELD Programming in Secondary Schools
HWDSB offers English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) courses at the secondary level to assist students in acquiring English language proficiency. Students who require English language support at the secondary level are required to attend the nearest secondary school that offers ESL and ELD programming.
The following HWDSB schools provide ESL/ELD programming:
| Bernie Custis Secondary School 1055 King Street East Hamilton, ON Website |
Glendale Secondary School 145 Rainbow Drive Hamilton, ON Website |
Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School 1770 Upper Sherman Hamilton, ON Website |
Westdale Secondary School 700 Main St. West Hamilton, ON Website |
Secondary MLLs work to complete 30 credits needed for graduation and can substitute up to three ESL or ELD credits for compulsory English credits.
The goals of HWDSB’s ESL/ELD programs are to:
- Assist the Newcomer student with English language acquisition;
- Provide orientation to Canadian society and culture;
- Develop basic interpersonal communication skills in English;
- Enable students to graduate from Secondary schools with the academic language and skills needed to be successful in Canadian post-secondary institutions and workplaces.
Contact
Contact
If you have any further questions regarding ESL/ELD programming, please contact HWDSB Welcome Centre at 905-521-2554.