Academics

English Language Learning Program

The English Language Learning (ELL) program provides students with an opportunity to learn and improve their English through a variety of activities both in and out of the classroom.
In class, students will develop conversation skills and improve pronunciation by participating in class and group discussions. They will practice writing sentences, paragraphs and essays in order to improve their written expression. The classes also focus on improving students' grammar and vocabulary through a wide range of lessons and assignments. The classes are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

Our ELL Summer Camp

In the Summer
The King’s-Edgehill ELL Summer Camp is an immersive, welcoming experience where students build confidence in English while enjoying the very best of Canadian summer life. Our two-week program combines focused English language learning with a wide range of activities, excursions, and shared experiences that allow students to use English naturally, socially, and joyfully every day.

Students live on our beautiful, historic campus in a well-supervised residence, creating a true community experience. They enjoy meals together in our dining hall and in local restaurants while exploring the region. From classroom learning to outdoor adventures, students are supported by caring staff and encouraged to take risks, make friends, and grow in confidence.

List of 4 items.

  • In the Morning

    Classes run Monday to Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, with a focus on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Small class sizes allow teachers to personalize instruction and respond to each student’s language level. Lessons are interactive and practical, helping students build the skills they need to communicate clearly and confidently both inside and outside the classroom.

  • Activities and Excursions

    Afternoons, some evenings, and weekends are filled with engaging activities and local adventures that give students many opportunities to use English in real-world situations. On campus, students can choose from a variety of options including sports, arts, games, and wellness activities. Off campus, students explore the local community and iconic Nova Scotia destinations such as historic towns, beaches, parks, walking trails, museums, and the Halifax waterfront. These shared experiences help students build friendships, independence, and cultural understanding.

  • End of Camp Trip

    At the conclusion of the program, students take part in a 2–3 day end-of-camp trip to a special destination in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island. This trip is a highlight of the program and brings together everything students have learned. All meals, accommodations, transportation, and activities are included, and students are fully supervised by King’s-Edgehill staff throughout the trip.

  • Why Families Choose Our Summer Camp

    • A balance of structured English learning and meaningful real-life practice
    • A safe, supportive residential experience on a historic Canadian campus
    • Small classes, caring teachers, and strong supervision
    • Rich cultural and outdoor experiences in one of Canada’s most beautiful and welcoming regions

2025 Dates

ELL Throughout the Year

In the Classroom
At King’s-Edgehill School, English learning is part of everything we do. Our English Language Learning (ELL) program is designed to help students build confidence as they learn, live, and belong in an English-speaking school community. Language development happens throughout the school day in dedicated ELL and EAP classes, in academic subjects, and through co-curricular and residential life, where students use English in authentic, meaningful ways. Each student is thoughtfully placed in classes that reflect their current level of English, and as their skills grow, they are carefully supported in accessing more academically demanding courses. We invite you to explore how our historic campus, caring community, and personalized approach help students thrive academically, socially, and personally.

What Makes Our Program Different

  • Expert, dedicated teachers with deep experience supporting multilingual learners
  • Small class sizes that allow for individualized instruction and meaningful relationships
  • One-on-one support available to meet students’ specific language and learning needs
  • Early and ongoing language assessments, with placement, level of support, and program fees tied to scores on the TOEFL Junior language assessment, administered twice per year
  • Clear progression into mainstream classes
    • Students who reach a CEFR level of B2 or higher are encouraged to participate fully in mainstream academic courses
    • Ongoing support remains available through classroom teachers and the ELL Teaching Team
  • A two-week ELL Summer Camp, offering students an early opportunity to build confidence, strengthen English skills, and transition smoothly into school life
  • Strong partnerships with local universities, ensuring our program reflects current research and best practices
  • A culturally responsive, wellness-focused environment that values students’ identities, languages, and sense of belonging
  • A vibrant school life, including athletics, arts, clubs, and boarding experiences that create authentic opportunities to use English every day
  • Accessible technologies that support learning and assessment while language skills continue to develop
  • A beautiful, historic campus in Windsor, Nova Scotia, rooted in rich Canadian tradition
  • An exceptional location offering natural beauty, a strong sense of safety, and close proximity to a major city and international airport

List of 2 items.

  • ELL Program Details

    It is our goal to provide as much English support and guidance as possible to your children. One way of measuring students’ language development is through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Junior language assessment. This test, combined with regular class assessments, helps English as a Learned Language (ELL) teachers to identify those who are most in need of support. The TOEFL Junior test records students’ language abilities on a proficiency scale, A1 (Beginner) - B2 (Upper Intermediate). Once a student has reached the B2 level, they may take the official International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) or the official TOEFL test at one of the registered test centres around the world. Students may contact our ELL Coordinator for information on when and how to book and prepare for the tests. A 6.5 on the IELTS or 85 on the TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Testing) is equivalent to a C1-2 (mastery) on the CEFR (Common European Frame of Reference) scale.    
     
    As we continue to work with our ELL learners, please be advised of our policy:
     
    To help students develop their English skills and succeed in their classes, students learning English as a second (or additional) language may receive extra support. Students who have achieved a B1 or lower on any section of the TOEFL Junior assessment (A1: Beginner, A2: Elementary, B1: Lower Intermediate), may be scheduled to receive additional English support during select spare periods or evening sessions. Once students earn a B2 (Upper Intermediate) or higher on all test sections, as well as approval from their class teachers, they will no longer be required to attend support sessions during spare periods or evenings.
     
    We would like to provide additional support during some spare periods or evenings.

  • Extra Support Sessions

    ELL Classes

    Language Labs Senior Academic Building

    Students will be using the Pathways program and a variety of online resources during lab time to help practice and improve their English skills.
    • Grade 6-9 students will have lab time in scheduled ELL classes.
    • Grade 10-12 students should refer to the list in Ms. Folker’s room to identify when they have lab time.
    Students are also expected to use the program and practice on their own time as well.

    Grade10-11 Afternoon Tutorial Sessions

    Students receive English help in all subjects (projects, paper writing, homework, and activities in math, geography, science, history, etc.)

    Grade 10: Days 1/3/6
    Grade 11: Days 2/5/7
    Time: 2:30-3:30 pm

    Grade 6-12 Evening Tutorial Sessions 

    Students receive English help in all subjects (projects, paper writing, homework, and activities in math, geography, science, history, etc.)

    Days 3 and 6
    Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

    Grade 12 IELTS and/or TOEFL Tuesdays 2:30-4:30 pm

    Ms. Folker will work with students to prepare for the IELTS and/or TOEFL tests.

ELL Programs

The ELL department at KES offers three programs to enhance the life and learning of our international students. We are confident that these language practice opportunities, along with class instruction and support, will help your child to become more confident and proficient when using English. 

List of 4 items.

  • Language Lab Support

    We are pleased to offer additional support for our English language learners. Besides course instruction and tutorial support groups, students will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen their English skills through language lab exercises. The software required for language lab tutorials is Rosetta Stone, an interactive program that provides opportunities to practice reading, writing, comprehension, vocabulary and grammar skills. These sessions will occur several times a cycle during students’ spare periods. Students will work independently during language lab. ELL staff will be able to track their progress, and meet with students each cycle to review and practice language concepts. Students will write a proficiency test upon arrival in August or September and based on the results, students may be required to enroll in the lab program. Students testing below a B2 level on the CEFR will require additional support in English and will be enrolled in the ELL program and its additional support systems.

  • TOEFL Junior Testing

    Student progress will be assessed throughout the year with the TOEFL Junior testing system. This is another great addition to the King’s-Edgehill ELL program being implemented. Students will be tested at the start of the school, the end of November, early March and at the end of May. The TOEFL Junior system is scaled with the TOEFL and IELTS scoring systems and the CEFR, all of which can be used to indicate student language ability and progress as they work towards preparing for university entrance.

  • ELL Drop-in Support

    Additional ELL drop-in support tutorials will be offered after classes and two evenings each week. Students will be encouraged to go to the ELL lab/drop-in centre for extra help with homework and proofreading of assignments. This will provide the opportunity to ask for extra clarification of materials covered in the core subjects and to have written assignments proofread before they submit the final drafts.

  • Duolingo Testing

    ELL Students can take the Duolingo English Test to assess their English language skills. To learn more about the Test Guidelines and cost CLICK HERE.

    Ready to take the test? CLICK HERE to take the test.
     

Extras

List of 3 items.

  • Tutorial Time

    Students in the Senior School can seek extra help every school day after regular classes. Teachers will be in their class or students can email for a scheduled appointment. Junior School students can seek extra help in ELL class, during arranged tutorial time, or from their advisors.

  • Celebrating Cultures

    The student-led International Council helps to organize special excursions to celebrate important cultural days, liaise with the dining hall to organize cultural themed meals, and work closely with the Activities team to organize incredible events. These times are important to the entire school as we get to share and learn about where each of us are from.

  • What’s Cooking?

    This is one of our favourite activities. Whether it be in a language-based classroom, or during and after school activities, students are given the opportunity to celebrate their culture through cooking delightful meals.

FAQ

List of 15 frequently asked questions.

  • Do I need to bring my own sheets and pillows?

    No. We will provide sheets and pillows during the ELL camp. You may bring sheets and pillows for the regular school year; however, we will go shopping for school supplies during the camp and necessities can be picked up then.

  • How can I order a uniform?

    You can book a uniform fitting appointment through our School Store by emailing store@kes.ns.ca or we can help your child order their uniform during the ELL camp. The uniform can be billed to your account.

  • How do I set up a school account?

    You can contact our Director of Finance (1-902-798-2278) to set up a School account. If you come to the school on the first two days of the camp, we can meet and set up your School account.

  • Should I open a bank account in Canada?

    Many people have bank cards from home that work in Canada; however, students have had some difficulty using them in a few locations. If you would like, we can open a bank account for your child at the local Scotia Bank. You will be able to deposit money directly into their Scotia account and students will be able to access money easily with their debit cards.

  • Will the room my child has during the camp be the same room my child stays in all year?

    Not usually. We place students in certain rooms and dorms for the ELL camp. Once all the other students arrive in September, everyone will move to their permanent rooms.

  • Will all meals be provided during the camp?

    All meals will be provided during the camp. We have a wonderful cafeteria on campus, and we will enjoy a variety of meals at different venues while on excursions.

  • Do we need to buy a comforter or winter clothes right away?

    No. It usually doesn’t start to get colder until October, and students will have many opportunities to get warmer bedding and clothing before the cold weather arrives.

  • Will the dorm be supervised at all times?

    Yes. We have house parents, teachers, activity supervisors, a nurse and our ELL Coordinator on staff. Students will have staff with them at all times.

  • What if my child wants to go off campus?

    Students will not be allowed to go off campus unsupervised by staff for the first week of the camp. After we have given the students a tour of the town and they have settled in, they can sign out with the duty supervisor and walk into town with a friend. They must return to campus and sign back in after an hour and a half. Sign outs during the camp will be between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.

  • What will my child do during the long weekend (Labour Day weekend) before regular classes begin?

    After the ELL classes have concluded, we will take a short trip for two or three days. We usually go camping or stay in a hotel near a beach in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island.

  • Will my child be able to call me during the camp?

    Students are asked to keep all cell phones in their rooms during class time. This encourages students to make friends at the camp, practice their English and take in their new surroundings. There are also phones in the duty offices if students need to call home.

  • Is there a nurse on call?

    Yes. Our nurse lives close to campus and is on call 24/7.

  • Who do I contact if I have questions during the ELL camp?

    You can contact our ELL Coordinator, Christine McIsaac by email at cmcisaac@kes.ns.ca or by calling 1-902-798-2278 ext 3046.

  • What else will my child need or want for the camp?

    You should have a beach towel, swimsuit, indoor sports shoes, shorts, t-shirts, warm pants, a few warm shirts, a waterproof jacket, binder, paper, pens, toiletries, hat, water bottle, outdoor shoes, laundry detergent, socks, underwear, and low heeled black dress shoes. You can pack and bring these items from home, or wait to purchase them here.

  • Will there be an English proficiency test?

    Yes. During the first few days of classes we will have English and Math proficiency tests. This will help us gauge needs, expectations and learning accommodations.

ELL Coordinator

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Christine McIsaac

    Christine McIsaac 

    ELL Coordinator
    902-798-2278 ext 3046

Become a Highlander

King’s-Edgehill School is located in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People.