Marsden Intensive English Centre
Marsden High School's Intensive English Centre is dedicated to instilling a love of learning English, while helping newly arrived students prepare for the academic, social and emotional demands of high school in Australia.
Intensive English Centres (IECs) provide intensive English tuition to newly arrived, high school aged students whose first language is not English. In addition, the IECs provide orientation, settlement and welfare programs to prepare students for learning in a NSW government high school and to participate in Australian society.
When students arrive to a country with a new language they may learn some English skills quickly from other students, friends and family however, everyday language skills vary from the language used in education. The courses we offer uses not only English words, but also ideas and concepts that differ from the everyday language. At the IEC, we teach our students the language used within the education system. We achieve this through the study of English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Commerce, Art, Music, Computing Studies as well as Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Our teachers are not only trained and experienced as English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers, but are also trained in a wide variety of high school subjects and provide a stimulating learning environment incorporating the latest technology.
Enrolment
All eligible newly arrived students of high-school age from overseas whose first language are not English, are required to attend the On-Arrival English Proficiency Test at an Intensive English Centre (IEC) before seeking enrolment at a local government high school.
Students are eligible to sit for an English Proficiency Test if:
- They are between the ages of 11 and 17
- They have an eligible visa for English Support: Australian/NZ Citizens, Permanent Residents, and some Temporary Residents (some fees may apply with the Temporary Residents Program
- They have completed at least Year 5 equivalent in their country of origin
- They live within the catchment area of Marsden IEC. For more information, please contact the IEC Office.
After the test, if the student: - Passes the test, they will be provided a copy of the results to support the enrolment process at their local high school.
- Does not pass the test, they will enrol with an IEC for 1 to 4 terms (depending on their circumstances), and once graduated, are to enrol with their local high school.
For assessment and enrolment enquiries, please contact us via telephone or email. Please note, we require documentation to be sent to us before we can confirm a booking.
Our appointments are only held during school terms. Our office is closed during the school holidays.
At the IEC we do not learn only English and other subjects, we learn about what it means to be courageous, to have self belief and above all, the need to be kind to others. The teachers at the IEC are all helpful, kind and they care about us.
The teachers explain what we need to improve and what is already good and they are always there to help us with our difficulties.
The IEC is a place to make friends that come from all around the world. I made many friends there and they will always be in my life. With them, I learn about the culture and traditions of their countries too.
-Reflection from Marsden IEC graduate
For more information about Intensive English Centres and how they support newly arrived students, visit the NSW Department of Education website.
International Student Program at Marsden Intensive English Centre
CRICOS Provider Name: NSW Department of Education
CRICOS Provider Code: 00588M
DE International Website: https://www.deinternational.nsw.edu.au/
The Marsden IEC supports students from schools across [insert intake area – e.g. local suburbs, region or district].
You can check whether your address is within the intake area using the School Finder tool. Most schools have designated local enrolment areas, which may change over time.
Students attending the centre may transition into [list associated secondary schools] once they are ready to move into mainstream classes.
For more information about schools within the intake area or transition pathways, please contact the centre.
Referrals to the centre are made through the NSW Department of Education or local schools.
All students and families should contact the centre to arrange an enrolment appointment before attending. Staff are available to assist with enrolment enquiries throughout the year.
How to enrol
Families who are Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents can complete the online enrolment application.
If you are unable to enrol online, you can complete the Application to enrol form and submit it to the school.
For more information, visit:
If your child does not live within the local intake area, you may apply for an out-of-area enrolment. Applications are considered in line with the department’s enrolment policy.
Families on temporary visas can find information about eligibility and application requirements through the Temporary Residents Program.
Students participate in an intensive English language program designed to develop communication, literacy and learning skills.
The program supports students to build confidence using English while continuing their education in a supportive learning environment.
Students follow a structured daily program that includes English language lessons, classroom learning and opportunities to participate in school activities.
Students build skills in:
- English language development
- reading, writing, speaking and listening
- classroom learning and activities
- understanding Australian school routines
Students are also supported to participate in school life and build connections within the school community. This may include excursions, cultural activities and opportunities to participate in school events.
These experiences help students feel confident and connected as they prepare to transition into mainstream schooling.
Regular attendance is important to support student learning and progress throughout the program.
Student and family support
The centre works closely with students and their families to support wellbeing and successful engagement with school.
Staff provide guidance to help students adjust to school life and build positive relationships with teachers and peers.
The centre communicates regularly with families about student learning, progress and school activities.
Support may include:
- student wellbeing support
- orientation to Australian school systems
- links with local community services
Multicultural support
We recognise and value the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students and families.
Support may include:
- interpreters
- community language support
This support helps families communicate with the school and stay connected with their child’s learning.
Call, email or visit us
Our office is open Monday to Friday [8am to 3pm] during school term. For enquiries about enrolment, intake areas or associated schools, please contact our centre.
Marsden-i.School@det.nsw.edu.au
Marsden Intensive English Centre, 8 Rhodes Street Meadowbank NSW 2114
Host school: [Insert host school name]
