Intensive English Centre (IEC)

IEC News

This term, Evans Intensive English Centre has a diverse range of opportunities and programs available to students.  A variety of interests, needs and skills are being addressed and developed through programs and events such as Pacific Waves, ABCN interACT, Links to Learning, the Student Leadership Team, Song Room and Refugee Week.   

The Pacific Waves program has already begun and will continue to run for the remainder of this term. As a part of this program, students from Samoa, Fiji and Tonga participated in a tour at Western Sydney University in week three. They met inspirational professors and mentors from similar backgrounds and increased their awareness of educational pathways. 

Senior students across a range of classes within the IEC have been attending the ABCN InterACT program. This program aims to develop students’ interpersonal skills including communication, critical thinking and problem solving; raise students’ aspirations; and increase their awareness of personal, educational and vocational choices available. They are working with mentors from the internationally renowned professional services firm, Ernst and Young, and attending workshops at their offices in the CBD. 

The Links to Learning program is a ten week alternative education program which provides students with the opportunity to improve their English and develop employment and life skills in a learning environment different from the regular classroom. Over the course of ten weeks, students have the opportunity to learn all about radio production and development, learning skills such as photography, poetry, DJing and music mixing, and interviewing and journalism skills from experienced, professional facilitators. The program is conducted at Blacktown Youth Services Association (BYSA), a purpose built youth centre with a range of facilities tailored specifically to young people. At the end of the program, the students will develop and star in their own radio show, which is then presented to their peers and teachers at Evans High School.

The Student Leadership Team has grown this term following the election of eight new members. We look forward to seeing these students contribute to the whole school leadership program and take on new responsibilities within the school and greater community. 

The Song Room is working with the IEC again this term. We are fortunate to have Jane, our creative arts instructor, working with so many students to help build their communicative and creative expression skills. 

We are looking forward to the Refugee Week celebrations that will commence in week nine. Students are working hard to prepare and practise their speeches and performances for this event. 

Staff and students from The Intensive English Centre are looking forward to a busy term with so many rich and valuable programs and events set to take place.

By Ms Blakeman