English as a Second Language (ESL)

Buxton offers three levels of ESL classes aimed at improving students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills with instruction in grammar and vocabulary. Advanced ESL is a TOEFL prep course in the fall and an advanced ESL conversational class in the later terms. ESL students also take the corresponding English class based on grade level.

Beginning ESL aims to improve the students’ speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills through contextualized materials that incorporate grammar and vocabulary. Based on students’ interests and needs, possible topics include holidays, culture, food, media, movies, music, politics, various sciences, and so on. Regular assignments include oral presentations, keeping journals, and summarizing and responding to news articles.

Intermediate ESL continues to address the four skills (speaking, listening, writing, and reading) and integrates grammar and vocabulary with emphasis on reading and writing. Students are exposed to different types of texts, such as poetry, short stories, news/magazines articles, diaries, blog posts, and so on. Regular assignments include short essays, oral presentations, keeping journals, and summarizing and responding to news articles.

Advanced ESL, for seniors, is a TOEFL Prep course in the Fall, and becomes an advanced ESL conversational class in Winter and Spring.

ESL students also take the corresponding English class (I, II, III) based on grade level.