English as a Second Language (ESL)

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With students from Mexico, Russia, Korea, China, and other countries, Randolph-Macon Academy has a long history of providing ESL (English as a Second Language) services. R-MA is a co-ed college-prep military school.

The English as a Second Language program requires that ESL students enter R-MA with a minimum score of 30 on the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP).  While R-MA will consider SLEP scores submitted as part of the admissions packet, we do not accept these scores for placement into English or ESL classes. Placement is determined by the score achieved on the SLEP Test taken upon arrival. 

International students whose English capabilities fall below the score of 30 on SLEP Tests submitted as part of the admission’s packet are required to attend the ESL Summer School session prior to being admitted in the Fall.
 
The current ESL program features a curriculum that addresses the needs of the second language learner in the skill areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Grammar study is a key component at each of the first three levels (ESL I, ESL II and ESL III), while reading, writing and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Prep are the primary focus of the Introduction to Mainstream English offering.
 

ESL I Grammar and Vocabulary

Goals for this course include comprehension of basic grammar, from “to be” to the past continuous and beyond. Grammar is introduced in conversation form. It is reinforced through readings and writing exercises.  Vocabulary development is also a main focus. Book reports, projects, short story study, weekly journal writings and a taste of idioms are also included.

ESL I Reading and Writing

This course works to develop sentence level and paragraph level writing skills for beginning ESL students. It includes intensive work to extend reading comprehension abilities through reading response writings, comprehension exercises and discussions. 

ESL II Grammar and Vocabulary

This course is designed for intermediate level language learners. Goals include a reinforcement of basic grammar, an introduction and intense study of more complex grammar, including further development of conversational skills, reading skills, writing skills and vocabulary development. Journal writings, idiom study, book reports, projects and an introduction to TOEFL are included.

ESL II Reading and Writing

This course works to improve paragraph level writing and essay writing skills for intermediate ESL students. It includes intensive work to extend reading comprehension abilities through reading response writings, comprehension exercises and discussions. 

ESL III Reading and Writing

ESL III is the third level of courses offered to international students.  It is designed for students whose English level is high intermediate.  There are two course offerings within ESL III: Composition/Grammar and Reading/Vocabulary.  Grammar, vocabulary and essay writing are stressed at this level.  In ESL III, students continue to develop their communicative competence by interacting orally and in writing with other English speakers, understanding oral and written messages in English, and making oral and written presentations in English.  They communicate on a variety of topics at a level commensurate with their study, using more complex structures in English and moving from concrete to more abstract concepts.  They comprehend the main ideas of the authentic materials they listen to and read and are able to identify significant details when the topics are familiar.  Students develop the ability to discuss in English topics related to historical and contemporary events and issues.  Goals for this course include developing, increasing, and refining the language skills of the students, guiding the students in preparation for the TOEFL, preparing the students in grammatical English, and assisting each student as he or she moves toward total integration in the R-MA curriculum.

Mainstream English 

Mainstream English is designed to be the first mainstream Literature and Composition course for international students who have completed ESL instruction. The course awards standard English credit and is offered in two sections: Literature/Vocabulary and Composition/Grammar. The classes include readings and projects accomplished in our regular 9th and 10th grade English courses. These courses fulfill all of the requirements of the current regular English courses, but also address the specific language needs of ESL students.  The first quarter is an intensive study of the literary devices and concepts needed to accomplish this level of English study as well as an introduction to utilizing complex grammatical structures in MLA style essay writing.  While the second, third, and fourth quarters follow the coursework typical of the 9th and 10th grade English programs, the approach to instruction addresses the specialized needs of ESL students.