WASNJ｜Struggling with English after transferring into Upper School? Our tailored in-school language programme helps students confidently navigate the international pathway
When exploring international education, many parents share the same concern:If a child transfers into an international school during Upper School, with a relatively weak English foundation, can they truly keep up with an English-medium curriculum?
This is a very real—and very important—question.
In fact, students transferring into international education during Upper School are not uncommon. Compared with peers who have been immersed in an English environment since primary school, these students often demonstrate adequate comprehension but show clear weaknesses in expression, writing, and academic language structures. Crucially, these gaps tend to be amplified during the IGCSE and A Level stages.
It was precisely for this reason that, from this academic year onwards, WASNJ has formally introduced the Language Acquisition Programme—a foundational initiative designed specifically for Upper School transfer students. Through additional, and in some cases intensive, language instruction, the programme aims to establish English as the core infrastructure underpinning all subject learning.
In addition, with WASNJ’s 1:1 ratio of Chinese and international teachers and a highly diverse, international student body, students are immersed in an English-rich environment on all fronts. Whether in classroom instruction, peer discussions, or a wide range of campus activities, bilingual communication is embedded throughout daily school life. This ensures that language learning extends beyond just memorising grammar and is instead internalised and reinforced through authentic use—allowing students to truly learn by using the language.
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