The purpose of the IEC is to provide intensive English support for newly-arrived, high school aged students, including international students. Year 6 students may also apply to enrol in the IEC.
The IEC provides support to help students and their families adapt to Australian life and culture through the use of specially-trained counsellors and bilingual support staff. This support includes parent programs such as the families in cultural transition course which is offered in Arabic and the skills workshops programs for students.
Regular attendance is very important because the student's time in the IEC is limited and it is important to maximise this valuable chance to learn English before entering high school.
Schools in New South Wales
All students between the ages of six and fifteen are required by law to attend school in New South Wales.
Miller IEC provides English instruction for newly-arrived migrant and refugee students from language backgrounds other than English, who are 11 years of age or above. These students are entitled to study English in Miller IEC for approximately three to four school terms.
Students in the IEC study subjects which are part of the NSW School Curriculum such as English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Drama, Music, Physical Education, Design and Technology, and Computing Studies. These subjects prepare them for a successful transition into high school at the end of their English course.
The IEC also teaches the nationally-accredited "Certificates I-II in Spoken and Written English" (CSWE) courses.
An introduction to Australia
At Miller IEC students are provided with a range of educational and cultural experiences which help them to prepare for success in Australian schools and society.
These kinds of activities are an important and valuable part of the curriculum in all Australian schools.