Cabramatta Intensive English Centre
Welcome
Cabramatta Intensive English Centre (IEC) supports newly arrived migrant, refugee and international students learning English as an additional language or dialect.
What students learn
At the IEC, students develop English skills for school and everyday communication, study a range of key learning areas including English, mathematics, science, geography, history, commerce, literacy, art, information technology, personal development and sport. Students also receive an orientation to the Australian school system. This supports them to build confidence and prepare for a successful transition into mainstream high school.
Program Length
- Most students attend for 6–12 months
- Students are regularly assessed to identify appropriate support to address their individual learning needs.
Next steps after the IEC
When students complete the IEC, they are supported to transition to their next pathway, typically their local high school or for students aged 17+, TAFE or employment pathways.
Support for students and families
We work closely with families and schools to support each student’s transition. They are supported by a school counsellor/psychologist experienced in migrant and refugee wellbeing, as well as bilingual staff who provide language support.
The IEC learning environment
We provide a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and refugee backgrounds. Our programs help students develop their English language skills while fostering a sense of safety, belonging and connection within their new school community.
More information
For more information about Intensive English Centres,
visit:
Why study at Cabramatta IEC?
Each Intensive English Centre (IEC) is linked to designated local high schools within its catchment area. A student’s residential address determines their allocated IEC and local high school.
Cabramatta IEC supports students from schools across the suburb of Cabramatta, including Cabramatta West as well as students from the following designated high schools: Bonnyrigg High School, Canley Vale High School, St Johns Park High School and Fairvale High School (shared with Fairfield IEC).
Families can check their intake area by using the School Finder tool.
Students typically transition to their designated local high school when ready.
For more information about schools within the intake area or transition pathways, please contact Cabramatta IEC.
All students and families should contact the Cabramatta IEC to arrange an enrolment appointment. Staff are available to assist with enrolment enquiries throughout the year.
How to enrol
Families who are Australian or New Zealand citizens, or who hold permanent residency, are invited to visit Cabramatta IEC in person to speak with staff regarding enrolment enquiries.
Families on temporary visas can find information about eligibility and application requirements through the Temporary Residents Program. If further clarification is needed, please contact Cabramatta IEC by phone (02 9727 3562) or visit the centre in person. Our multilingual staff are available to provide guidance and support throughout the enrolment process.
To be eligible for enrolment in an IEC, a student must:
- be at least 11 years old and under 18 years of age
- speak a language other than English as their first language and required intensive English language instruction to enable them to participate in secondary education
- be newly arrived in Australia and enrol within 6 months of arrival
- apply to an IEC/IECHS as the first enrolment in an Australian school or transferring with 6 months of arrival
- be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a Norfolk Island permanent resident, an approved provisional visa holder or an approved temporary visa holder
Learning and School Experiences
Students participate in an intensive English language program designed to develop their communication, literacy, and learning skills.
The program helps students build confidence in using English while continuing their education in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Students follow a structured daily timetable that includes English language lessons, classroom learning and opportunities to participate in a variety of school activities.
Students develop skills in:
- English across all subject areas
- Numeracy
- Subject knowledge and understanding
- Reading, writing, speaking, and listening
- Classroom participation and engagement
- Understanding Australian school routines and expectations
Subjects taught at Cabramatta IEC
Students are also encouraged to take an active role in school life and build connections within the school community.
This may include orientation and wellbeing programs, sports, settlement support, excursions, cultural activities and whole school events.
These experiences help students build confidence, develop a sense of belonging and prepare for a successful transition into mainstream schooling.
Regular attendance is important to support student learning, engagement and progress throughout the program.
Multicultural Support
We recognise the importance of maintaining strong communication with families.
- Bilingual School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) assist students and families in different languages including Arabic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Kurdish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Khmer, Serbian and Croatian
- Interpreters are available for meetings and school communication
- Cultural understanding is supported through teaching programs, student wellbeing initiatives, multicultural events and celebrations, as well as programs that promote inclusion and prevent discrimination.
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Peace Day
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
CORE Community BBQ
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Athletics Carnival
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
After school Homework & Tutoring Programs
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Refugee week
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Parent Teacher Night
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Swimming Carnival
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
International Study Tours
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Female Empowerment
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Green Day - Collaboration with Commonwealth Bank volunteers.
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Parliamentary representative visits the school
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Multicultural Netball Carnival
School Engagement, Events and Activities:
Boys and Girls Empowerment Event.
Skills Workshop Programs:
Gardening Program
Skills Workshop Programs:
Digital Design
Skills Workshop Programs:
Fitness
Skills Workshop Programs:
Dance Group
Skills Workshop Programs:
High Potential and Gifted Education ( HPGE)
Skills Workshop Programs:
Environment
Skills Workshop Programs:
Brain Food
Skills Workshop Programs:
Drumming
Skills Workshop Programs:
Art Therapy
Skills Workshop Programs:
Basketball
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Watson's Bay Excursion
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Sydney Botanic Gardens Excursion
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Australian Museum Excursion
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Opera House Excursion
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Sydney's Darling Harbour Excursion
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Western Sydney Zoo
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Tahlee & Rivendell Camp - In collaboration with Sydney Indo Chinese Refugee Youth Support
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Sublime Point & Sharky's Beach Excursion
Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Parliament House
Parent Engagement Programs:
Parent Excursions
Parent Engagement Programs:
Parent English Classes
Parent Engagement Programs:
Parent Art Classes
Parent Engagement Programs:
Floral Arrangement Session
Ready to enrol?
Take the next step towards joining our school community today. Our friendly staff are here to support you and answer any questions you may have.
Contact us on 02 9727 3562 to learn more about our programs and how to get started.
More detailed information about TRP can be accessed through the link below.
More detailed information about DEI program can be accessed through the link below.
Call, email or visit us
IEC office is open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm during school term.
- cabramatta-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au
- 9727 3562
- Aladore Ave, Cabramatta NSW 2166
Community Support
- CORE Community Services supports our students and families through wellbeing programs, school essentials assistance, and community initiatives that promote inclusion, engagement and student success. CORE Community
Community Support
- Mounties Group supports our students and families by providing essential school supplies and assistance that helps students feel prepared, supported and ready to learn. Mounties Group.
Community Support
- Rapid Relief Team supports our students through the ongoing supply of Smart Cookies for school programs, helping ensure students feel nourished, supported and ready to participate. Rapid Relief.
Community Support
- The Lebanese Muslim Association supports our students through wellbeing programs and funding assistance for IEC excursions, helping create meaningful learning and community experiences for students. LMA.
Community Support
- Macarthur Bulls FC supports our IEC students through soccer development programs, participation opportunities, and donations of sporting equipment that encourage teamwork, confidence, wellbeing and active engagement in school life. Macarthur Bulls FC
Community Support
- U by Kotex supports our students through the ongoing supply of hygiene products for female students, as well as educational programs and resources that support our PDHPE teachers and student wellbeing initiatives. UbyKotex.
Community Support
- Basketball NSW supports our students through sporting equipment donations and engaging basketball programs that promote teamwork, participation, wellbeing and student engagement. Basketball NSW.
Community Support
- Amnesty International supports our IEC community through the ongoing funding of annual IEC events, helping create meaningful opportunities for student engagement, inclusion and celebration. Amnesty International.
Community Support
-
Colgate supports our students through the donation of dental care packs, helping promote student wellbeing, hygiene, and healthy daily habits.
Community Support
- Commonwealth Bank supports our school community through its annual support of the Green Day event, helping promote student engagement, wellbeing, and community connection. CBA