English as a Second Language (ESL)
Specialist English as a Second Language (ESL) support may be available for students who are learning English as a second or additional language.
Students needing this additional help include recently arrived immigrants or refugees, or students who were born in Australia but speak a language other than English at home (often including indigenous students).
In state primary schools, school-based or visiting ESL teachers work with classroom teachers to assist non-English-speaking students with their transition to a new language and culture.
Secondary students in most areas enrol directly into their local high schools and are supported by visiting ESL teachers. Some high schools have special ESL units where alternate programs focus on a staged transition into English language based learning programs.