- Applied Studies and the Arts
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Dual Credit Programs
- Early Years Programs
- Environmental Program
- ESL and ELD
- First Nations Métis Inuit Education
- Guidance and Career Education
- Language/English
- Learning Technologies
- Mathematics
- Safe Schools
- School Counselling & Social Work Services
- Science
- Special Education
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
- Specialized Co-op
- Student Pathways for Success
- SWIS (Settlement Workers in Schools)
- We Are One Video Contest 2012
- 12th Annual TVDSB Art Festival
For information about Adult ESL and locations, please click here.
For a list of Elementary ESL/ELD teachers and schools, please click here.
ESL and ELD support for English language learners
The Thames Valley District School Board supports elementary and secondary students with learning the English they will need to be successful in school. This is different from the English they will use with their friends or family outside of school.
There are two types of support in TVDSB for English language learners:
- English as a Second Language (ESL) support is appropriate for students who have attended school and can read and write in their first languages at an age-appropriate level.
- English Literacy Development (ELD) support is appropriate for students who have missed all or some of their schooling or who cannot yet read and write in their first language at an age-appropriate level.
Who is eligible for ESL/ELD support?
ESL/ELD support is available for the following English language learners:
- students born in Canada who speak a language other than English or a different variety of English
- students born outside Canada who speak a language other than English or a different variety of English
How does TVDSB support English language learners?
In elementary schools, ESL/ELD teachers work with students in their regular classroom, in a group, or individually. ESL/ELD support programs are developed with the classroom teacher based on each student's needs.
In designated secondary schools, students can take up to five ESL or ELD courses toward a secondary school diploma. Beginning-level students can take courses in different subjects created for English language learners (e.g., Math, Civics, Geography, History, etc.).
How do I register an elementary and secondary English language learner for school in TVDSB?
Elementary
You can get information about ESL or ELD support at your local elementary school. After talking with you, the school staff will discuss your child's needs and suggest appropriate program support.
Secondary
City of London and Middlesex County
- You can get information about ESL or ELD at your local secondary school. Full ESL/ELD Programs are available at:
- HB Beal Secondary School, London
- Montcalm Secondary School, London
- Westminster Secondary School, London
- All secondary English language learners living in the city of London and Middlesex County must visit the Reception, Orientation & Assessment Centre for an Initial Language Assessment prior to completing a school registration.
Elgin County and Oxford County
- All secondary English language learners living in Elgin County are entitled to attend East Elgin Secondary School for ESL/ELD courses.
- All secondary English language learners living in Oxford County are entitled to attend ESL/ELD courses at Huron Park Secondary School.
- Newcomer students will be assessed at these schools following registration.
Reception, Orientation & Assessment Centre (ROAC) please go to www.tvdsb.ca/roac.
For more information on the
International students
Find information for students coming to TVDSB from outside of Canada on the International Students. Please go to www.tvdsb.ca/international
Interpretation services
If needed, the school can arrange for an interpreter to assist you in parent-teacher interviews or to discuss your child's progress. Please talk to your school's Principal, ESL/ELD teacher, or SWIS worker.
ESL classes for adults
Adult ESL classes in TVDSB are offered through Adult and Continuing Education. These classes are held during the day, nighttime, or weekend. Adult ESL Courses are designed to meet the needs of adult learners whose first language is not English, regardless of the length of time in Canada.
For more information about Adult ESL, please click here.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS-London)
- Settlement Workers in Schools play an integral role in familiarizing newcomers to a new school system and community. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people helping us create a more inclusive environment in our schools
- SWIS-London is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and is a cooperative initiative involving three community agencies – the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, LUSO Community Services and South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre
- Settlement workers proactively contact newcomer parents (and youth in secondary schools) to assist them with their settlement needs; refer the families to more specialized community resources as needed; provide group information sessions for newcomer youth and parents, often in partnership with school staff; and provide orientation about the settlement needs of newcomers for school staff
For details and contact information, please go to www.tvdsb.ca/swis.
For information on ESL/ELD in elementary and secondary schools, please call Jeffery Robinson - Learning Coordinator, ESL/ELD K-12 at 519-452-2000, Ext. 20431, email: esleld@tvdsb.on.ca
