Helping International Pupils Thrive in an English-Language Environment by Ms. Deepika Hopf

Moving to a new country is a leap of faith. For parents, one of the biggest worries is often the language barrier. You might be asking: "Can my child join an English-curriculum school if they don't speak the language?" or " “Will they be able to make friends and thrive socially and academically?”

At Wellington College International Pune the answer is a resounding yes. We understand that excellence begins with inclusion. We see emerging English as a strength and an opportunity for growth, not a limitation. We see it simply as a skill to be developed. Our mission is to build confidence from the very beginning, ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and celebrated from their first day.

The following outlines how our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports children and families.

A Warm Welcome

We know that children learn best when they feel happy, safe, and secure. If a child joins us with emerging English, our first priority is to ensure they feel welcomed and supported. We begin by building a strong foundation of belonging. Our specialist teachers focus first on practical, everyday English, helping children develop the language they need to move confidently around the school, ask for help, and form friendships. New pupils are paired with a buddy, including peers who share their home language, so they always have a friendly face to support them in the classroom, playground, and lunch hall.

Support in every classroom

Parents often ask if their child will be separated from their peers. While we do provide targeted sessions to develop English skills, the majority of your child's day is spent in the classroom with their friends.

Families can feel confident that their child will be fully supported during lessons. Our highly skilled class teachers are trained to support language learners across all subjects and use purposeful strategies to make learning accessible, such as:

• Visual Aids: Using pictures, diagrams, and word mats to explain concepts without relying solely on spoken words
• Clear Instructions: Speaking clearly and allowing extra thinking time for your child to process information and presenting learning in small steps
• Collaborative Learning: Providing opportunities to work supportive peers who use English confidently and support them in their learning

A Pathway from Foundational Communication to Academic Excellence>

Every child learns at a different pace, which is why our support is personalised. As your child settles in and their conversational confidence grows, our support evolves with them.

We gradually guide children toward academic English, the precise, subject-specific language needed to understand Science experiments, write History essays, or solve Maths word problems. Our aim is full fluency, enabling your child to move confidently from lively classroom discussions to independent study. Whether through gentle guidance or a tailored learning plan, we support each child in bridging the gap between their potential and their achievement.

Keeping the Home Language Alive

We believe that joining an English-speaking school should never mean leaving your home culture behind. On the contrary, your family’s linguistic and cultural background is a valuable asset. We actively encourage you to continue speaking your home language with your child, as strong skills in a first language support faster and deeper English learning. We view our relationship with you as a true partnership, communicating openly and collaboratively about your child’s progress to ensure they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

A Global Community Waiting for You

Your child will be part of a truly international community, where friendships span cultures and continents. Through sports, arts, and co-curricular activities, children connect through a shared language of play, creativity and collaboration. Whether scoring a goal on the football pitch, performing on stage, or exploring their creativity in the art studio, every child finds their place, builds confidence, and discovers the joy of belonging.