school portals
school portals
Address

4 Hampstead Avenue
Highgate SA 5063

Contact Details

Email: dl.1063_info@schools.sa.edu.au
Phone: +61 8 8271 9622

Learning / Intensive English Language Program (IELP) /

Eligibility

Last Updated 17/12/2025

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Intensive English Program

The Highgate Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is designed for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are learning English as an Additional Language. IELP collaborates closely with students, their families, and relevant agencies to support students through the transition of settling into a new school and culture. Our school community embraces diversity and values the opportunity to build positive relationships with families new to the school.

Eligibility

To be eligible for IELP, students newly arrived in Australia, whose first language is not English, need to:

  • be a refugee, migrant, or approved temporary resident.
  • be born overseas in a non-English speaking country.
  • meet eligible visa conditions.
  • enrol within 18 months of arrival for students in Reception or year 1 and within 12 months of arrival for students in Years 2-6.
  • live within Highgate IELP’s designated catchment zone including: Beaumont, Frewville, Fullarton, Glen Osmond, Glenunga, Hawthorn, Highgate, Kings Park, Kingswood, Linden Park, Malvern, Mount Osmond, Myrtle Bank, Netherby, St Georges, Unley Park, Urrbrae, and Westbourne Park.

With approval, eligibility may also be considered for:

  • Australian citizens or children of Australian citizens if English is not their first language and they meet the criteria above.
  • Students born in Australia who speak English as an Additional Language and enter school for the first time needing to further develop their English language skills.
  • Students who have returned from overseas and have limited or no English.

 The following diagram shows which families are in the catchment area for the Highgate School Intensive English Language Program.

Enrolment Procedures

Enrolment requires completing the necessary forms, including an expression of interest form (available on our website) and includes a brief tour of the school. You will need to provide a copy of the student’s passport, birth certificate, visa, and proof of residency or address.

Interpreters can be arranged upon request, with up to 48 hours needed for organisation.

Teaching and Learning

Our Intensive English Language Program (IELP) aims to prepare students for a successful transition into mainstream schooling and to help them build the confidence needed to engage with their new community in Australia. Students receive support to optimise their learning and develop their English vocabulary through core and new concepts across the South Australian Curriculum in small classes. A variety of teaching strategies are employed to engage students, enabling them to effectively learn and apply their knowledge in different contexts.

The duration of a student’s stay in the IELP depends on their prior schooling and level of English proficiency. Students typically remain in the program for twelve months, or longer if necessary. During the program, students undergo continuous assessment to provide evidence of their development and readiness to transition. Transition programs are organised to ensure students can successfully continue their education in their chosen mainstream schools.

Interpreters, Bilingual School Services Officers (BSSOs), and Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) are available to support families and students as needed.

Integration

While actively developing their English skills at Highgate, students are further supported in their transition to mainstream schooling through integration with the broader school community. This includes participation in a variety of whole-school programs such as Technology, Science, HASS, Physical Education, and the Arts. Students also engage in assemblies, sporting activities, school-wide events, and celebrations.

Transport to School

While attending IELP, transport assistance may be available for students who:

  • have an eligible visa sub-class.
  • are under 10 years of age and
  • live more than 1.75 kilometres from Highgate IELP.

For more information or to enrol please contact the school on 8271 9622.