ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)

English language underpins every mainstream subject, giving the EAL department a unique role in supporting pupils' academic goals.

Lessons are provided on a needs basis in small groups, allowing lessons to be tailored to the specific language requirements of individual students. With that in mind, EAL support is provided for students from different language backgrounds who have limited experience of using English in an educational setting who benefit from additional language support.

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Small class sizes provide the best possible environment for students to improve their English language skills and equip them for academic success across the different subject areas. Lessons encompass reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in addition to subject specific assistance with language-based subjects such as History, Geography and Science.

The aim of our English teaching programme is to develop in the learner the 4 basic aspects of communication: understanding, speaking, reading and writing. We aim to develop the increasing ability to understand a native speaker of English in different contexts and the progressive ability to sustain a conversation with English speakers; taking into account different accents. Children practice language simulating everyday situations. The language taught in the classroom acquires increased meaning since it has immediate functional use around the school.

In Forms 1 to 3, students receive a combination of tailored EAL lessons in small groups and assistance in mainstream English lessons where they are encouraged to take part in drama productions, class debates and whole-class projects. This allows EAL students to practise their skills in a more realistic setting and encourages their integration into the mainstream class.

From Form 4 onwards, EAL students can study towards the iGCSE English as a Second Language qualification which tests reading, writing and listening skills, in addition to a separate speaking component.

In the Sixth Form, those wishing to pursue a University degree taught in English will then prepare for the IELTS exam, an internationally recognised external examination which encompasses the language skills covered over the course of their secondary education.

Our programme aims to send children back to mainstream English classes when we believe they are sufficiently prepared to follow the literacy scheme without the need for so much individual assistance.

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