We are proud to be the only middle school in Darwin and Palmerston offering an Intensive English Unit to support students for whom English is an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D).
The IEU is specifically designed for students who come from countries where Standard Australian English (SAE) is not widely used, and it provides a supportive environment to help them transition into the Australian school system.
- Personalised Language Support
Tailored instruction based on individual language assessments.
- Specialist Assistance
Dedicated EAL/D teachers and Home Language Officers provide targeted support.
- Comprehensive Care
Focus on both academic and emotional support to ease the transition
Migrant students face unique challenges as they adapt to a new culture, language, and educational system. Sanderson Middle School understands the complexities of this transition, which is why our specialist teachers, including Home Language Officers, work closely with each student. They provide additional support through differentiated instruction, scaffolding, and a focus on both language acquisition and overall well-being.
Students aged 11 to 14 are assessed upon enrolment to determine their English language proficiency, ensuring that each child is placed in an appropriate level of English instruction.
Upon enrolment, each student’s language development is assessed to enable placement into an English class at an appropriate level. Students in the MIEU are grouped in classes according to their English language development and, where possible, their age.
MIEU students are a highly diverse group, including those:
- born overseas and beginning middle school with minimal or no exposure to English
- entering middle school with little or no exposure to English, but with schooling equivalent to that received by their chronological peers in English
- entering middle school with little or no exposure to English, but with little or no previous formal schooling
- entering middle school with some exposure to English, spoken and/or written
All new students wishing to enrol at Sanderson Middle School will need to arrange an appointment time with the Assistant Principal to discuss enrolment. Please call 7923 0500 to make an appointment.
Please print the Student Enrolment Form and bring the completed form to your appointment.