English as a Second Language (ESL) Lessons

The Cathedral School offers an ESL Program from Year 7 to Year 10 at no additional cost, integrated within the mainstream school. The ESL program focuses on improving grammar, vocabulary, and the four macro skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, ensuring students can achieve their full potential in all subjects. The ESL Program is mandatory for all International Students from Year 7 to Year 10.

Integrated within mainstream schooling

The ESL Program is integrated within mainstream schooling. This has the advantage of avoiding having to attend a separate international school or English college first, and instead allows new international students to make friends with Australian students from the outset. They are immersed in the English language and culture from their first day at school which fast-tracks their transition, boosts their confidence and improves their ability. Students attend ESL classes for period 1, each Tuesday through Friday. The remainder of their school day is as per the normal timetable; international students join their year-level classes alongside their Australian peers.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Subject

English Subject Options in Years 10–12

As student’s progress into the senior years of schooling (Years 10, 11 and 12), they are able to select an English subject best suited to their level of English ability. For students whose first language is not English, The Cathedral School strongly recommends choosing the subject English as an Additional Language (EAL English).

This subject provides significant advantages:
• Smaller class sizes allow for more individual support.
• Content and assessment are designed to meet the needs of EAL learners.
• In Years 11 and 12, EAL English is a General Subject, and therefore contributes towards the students ATAR eligibility.

Importantly, EAL English also satisfies the requirement of “English” in any university course that lists English as a prerequisite.

By choosing EAL English, international students are best positioned to succeed academically while meeting university entrance requirements.

Learning at The Cathedral School made a world of difference to my future. Now as a teacher at the school, I always begin with the needs, interests, and motivation of my students to create a classroom that is engaging, professional, and hopefully transformational.”

KIT PERRY – ESL Teacher & Cathedral School Alumni

Tutoring for ESL/EAL

After-School Tutoring

At Cathedral, we offer a robust after-school tutoring program that runs weekly from the start of Week 2 through to the end of the school year. These sessions are led by Heads of Department, specialist teachers, and other experienced tutors, including senior students. For international students working to improve their English skills, this provides an excellent regular opportunity to focus on language development in a supportive environment. Whether you need help mastering grammar, improving reading comprehension, building vocabulary, refining pronunciation or preparing assignments, these after-school sessions allow you to work deeply with subject or language specialists. Students are welcome to schedule these into their study planner to ensure consistent progress, or drop in whenever they need timely support.

Private Tutoring (One-on-One / Small Group Support)

In addition to group-based after-school support, Cathedral provides opportunities for more personalised private tutoring or small-group support tailored to your individual English learning needs. International students can arrange private sessions with specialist teachers to clarify specific areas—such as writing skills, speaking fluency, listening comprehension, or exam preparation. These private sessions allow for more focused feedback and a pace attuned to your personal learning style. Such targeted support complements the broader after-school offerings and can be especially valuable for students who seek to accelerate their English proficiency or address particular challenges.

Study Programs

International Students

Study in tropical Australia. Explore programs ranging from one-term, to one-year, for students in Years 7 to 11. 

Study Abroad Program Summer School Program

Education Agents

International Students

Students applying to enrol at The Cathedral School may deal directly with the school registrar or may use the services of one of our approved education agents.

Education Agents
Enquire
REGISTER TO RECEIVE YOUR ENROLMENT PACK VIA EMAIL.