English as an Additional Language

When pupils for whom English is not their first language join the school in the early years or in the prep school, the EAL department will assess their level of proficiency in English and make a recommendation. The younger the pupil is, the less likely it is that they will need language support to cope with the normal school day. However, if it is deemed necessary, the EAL department will provide support in the form of:

• EAL lessons
• In-class support
• Support for the pupil’s teacher or form tutor in how to facilitate integration and progress in language

EAL lessons with one MFL (no mainstream English lessons)

These lessons, happening instead of one MFL and of mainstream English are suitable for international students who have a greater need to improve their English language skills than to study two European foreign languages (MFL). These lessons are designed to help students refine their general and academic English, as well as give students language support to help them succeed in their other subjects.

EAL lessons with one MFL and mainstream English lessons

These lessons are suitable for international students who need to improve their English language skills rather than study two European foreign languages (MFL), but who can take part in the mainstream English lessons with the rest of their year group. These lessons are designed to help students refine their general and academic English, as well as give students language support to help them succeed in their other subjects.

EAL support lessons and mainstream English lessons

These lessons are suitable for international students who need to improve their English language skills, but who can take part in the mainstream English lessons with the rest of their year group. These lessons are designed to help students refine their general and academic English, as well as give students language support to help them succeed in their other subjects. In most cases, EAL support is given instead of a modern foreign language (MFL), but not always. This depends on the student’s GCSE choices and the availability of the timetable. Students fitting this description aim to come out of Year 11 with an IGCSE English First Language qualification.

EAL lessons aimed at second language learners

These lessons often take the place of an MFL as well as the mainstream English lessons. They are suitable for international students who have a greater need to improve their English language skills. These lessons are designed to help students refine their general and academic English, as well as give students language support to help them succeed in their other subjects. Students in this path will aim to obtain an IGCSE English as a Second Language qualification.

IGCSE English as a Second Language and IELTS

Due to the nature of language learning, some of these students will progress more rapidly than others. When pupils start Year 11, if we deem it in their best interest, we may start their preparation for IELTS, which they would then sit early in Year 12.

The English as an Additional Language Department decides exactly how much English support is necessary for a pupil to access the curriculum and advises EAL students which English language qualification would be the most suitable for entrance to higher education in the UK and overseas.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Course

The IELTS course is suitable for international students who wish to study at an English-speaking university and who do not already have an English language qualification acceptable for British or American universities. It is also suitable for international students who have already gained an English language qualification but wish to improve their English language skills. The registration for IELTS tests is not included in the EAL fee.

In-class EAL Support

Some EAL students need very targeted, subject-specific support in order to succeed in all their subjects. To this end, the EAL department employs two Teaching Assistants whose primary responsibility is going into lessons with pupils who are weak in English or who need some one-to-one support in specific subjects. The deployment of the TAs is based on level of need, prioritising health and safety, exam classes, and level of need.

Tutorials

Occasionally, students need help understanding feedback or changing the way of working in their subjects. When this happens, they can be assigned an EAL teacher as tutor to help them improve in the different areas where they need to.

After-School EAL Support

Some EAL students have very specific language needs. An EAL teacher is usually available after school to help with specific problems and give support.

EAL Pupils with Additional Educational Needs

Some EAL students have very specific language needs. EAL pupils who need targeted speech or spelling support can receive help from an EAL teacher. EAL pupils with very specific difficulties may need to see a specialist for assessment purposes or for support at an extra cost if this cannot be done in School.