CATS Extra is a specialized academic program designed for international students who have not yet met the English language requirements to join regular classes but are aspiring to earn their High School Diploma. The program offers students a tailored academic curriculum delivered by dedicated teachers with extensive experience in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction.
During Orientation Week, we will review each international student’s English language skills to ensure that they receive the right level of support and determine whether the CATS Extra program would be beneficial.
A highly immersive program, CATS Extra is taught in small classes and provides a structured, supportive and academically focused environment to help students achieve the language fluency and academic readiness needed to transition into the mainstream curriculum at CATS Academy Boston.
Grades:
8 – 10
Start Dates:
September or January start
Average Class Size:
14
Entry Requirements:
All international students will sit an English Language test to assess their English language level upon arrival at the school. Any student who tests below the school’s ESL 2 level language requirement may be enrolled into the CATS Extra program.
Program Costs:
Refer to our Tuition Fees.
Course Duration:
CATS Extra is usually completed over two semesters. However, students who make rapid progress may complete the program in just one semester
CATS Extra is a one-year program delivered over two semesters. However, students who make rapid progress may complete the program in just one semester by successfully finishing CATS Extra B and achieving the required assessment score to transition into mainstream classes.
In this program you will:
CATS Extra is a specific program for international students who wish to improve
their English while working on their High School Diploma and gaining graduation credits.
It is designed for students who are entering Grades 8, 9 and 10 and whose English proficiency falls below the minimum entry
requirements for direct admission into regular classes, and who may struggle with the academic curriculum as a result.
The CATS Extra Academic program offers students a tailored academic curriculum delivered by dedicated teachers with extensive experience in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction.
All four courses in the CATS Extra curriculum have been specifically designed for international students at beginning comprehension levels of English and language acquisition.
CATS Extra English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Students develop language skills in reading comprehension and reading strategies, spelling ability, vocabulary expansion, the writing of various sentence types, and the use of appropriate grammar in real life contexts. Additionally, students become familiar with the writing process. Students develop language skills, critical thinking, and learning strategies required for academic success. Using authentic and relevant content, the class prepares students to work effectively and confidently in an academic environment.
CATS Extra Conversation
Focusing on communication, students build language, critical thinking, and writing skills by developing their English language ability in the areas of speaking, pronunciation, listening, note-taking, reading, writing, and grammar. Course content includes a range of activities that help students feel comfortable communicating in academic and social situations. Activities include presentations and speeches, persuasive speaking and writing, storytelling, role-plays, and the study of history and culture.
CATS Extra Literature
An introductory literature course that utilizes ESL skills and strategies such as predicting, skimming, making inferences, and understanding text references in order to aid students in their English language acquisition. Student-centered activities incorporate speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar exercises throughout the course. It helps students expand both their passive and active vocabulary knowledge. In this class, students are introduced to literary terminology and literature. Often working in pairs and groups, students also demonstrate understanding of the course material by doing research, writing reports, making posters, and giving presentations. Course materials include adapted literature resources.
CATS Extra Social Science
The course helps students develop language skills, critical thinking, and learning strategies required for academic success. With an emphasis on American culture and American history, students study civics and community, politics, and geography, learn about communities in the world. Instruction includes material on reading strategies, interpreting maps, timelines, charts, and graphs, as well as vocabulary-building activities and glossaries. Students are expected to undertake research, write reports, and give oral presentations.
All international students will sit the Oxford University Press Placement Exam during orientation week to
assess their English language level and to determine if they would benefit from entering the CATS Extra program.
Students will then be placed in either CATS Extra A (lower level) or CATS Extra B (higher level) depending on their placement exam scores.
CATS Extra is a one-year program delivered over two semesters. However, students who make rapid progress may complete the program in just one semester by successfully finishing CATS Extra B and achieving the required assessment score to transition into mainstream classes.
