Institute of English Studies (IES)

Overview

The Institute of English Studies (IES) offers an Intermediate English as a Second Language (ESL) program and an Advanced ESL program for Upper School students. At the Middle School, the IES offers a Beginning ESL program and an Intermediate/Advanced ESL program.

At the Upper School, the Intermediate program is an intensive program of classes designed for ninth grade students with basic communication skills in English. The Advanced program is designed for higher-level students in ninth and tenth grade with a strong background in English. Students entering at this level must already be able to take several mainstream classes in English.

The IES curriculum includes traditional skill-based ESL classes, content-based instruction (math, science, history, and literature), and mainstream courses at the student's grade level. All levels of ESL study are intended to support international students as they adapt to American culture and make the transition to mainstream academic and college-preparatory classes. Students receive individualized tutoring to meet their particular learning needs in mainstream courses. Tutoring is available throughout their stay at HPA.

Advanced ESL Structure and Expression

Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Intermediate ESL Structure
Students work to further develop their knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary and to improve their English skills in reading, writing, discussion, and oral presentations. Students also complete summary and vocabulary assignments to support the work they do in their core courses, in addition to research and service projects throughout the year.

ESL Introduction to Hawaiian History and Culture

Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Intermediate-level ESL students study Hawai‘i’s volcanoes, creation of the Hawaiian island chain, Hawaiian myths and legends, the monarchy period, and major events leading up to statehood and modern Hawai‘i. Emphasis is placed on outlining and summarizing reading assignments, taking lecture notes, writing reports, giving presentations, and student interaction. Students travel to historical and cultural places of importance on the island of Hawai‘i. This course also offers practice in the skills necessary to be successful in a mainstream history classroom.

ESL Introduction to Science

Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Intermediate-level ESL students study a variety of topics in physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Emphasis is on outlining and summarizing reading assignments, taking notes from lectures and reading, conducting experiments, writing lab reports, giving presentations, and student interaction. This course also teaches students the skills necessary to be successful in an American science classroom. 

ESL Introduction to World History

Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course prepares students to take the core World History course. Students study a survey of topics in world history and work to improve their vocabulary knowledge and reading proficiency in English. Students practice reading history texts, utilizing strategies for finding and remembering main ideas from a text, taking notes from lectures and readings, making presentations, asking questions for clarification, and participating in class discussions.

Intermediate ESL Comprehension and Expression

Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Students read from a variety of sources including ESL texts, traditional folktales, and American and world literature (short stories and novels). Literary analysis, creative writing, expository essays, reading, listening, and speaking all are practiced in this course, weaving together both skills-based exercises, such as vocabulary learning, summarizing, and note-taking, discussions, and research connected to a literary selection.

Intermediate ESL Structure

Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course offers instruction in grammar and vocabulary based on textbook practice, real language use, in-class speaking, and writing activities. Vocabulary study is an important goal of this course, therefore, students are required to complete weekly independent vocabulary study followed by in-class paired practice.