How has my child been assessed to enter the EAL programme?

Your child is recommended by the homeroom teacher and is given a baseline assessment in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

 When does EAL take place?

It is part of the school day and your child will have between 2 and 5 lessons each week depending on the level of support needed.  These may take the form of pull-out sessions or in-class help.

Why is my child not removed from French lessons to go to EAL?

EAL is not timetabled at the same time as French, because we like the flexibility to work with pupils during unit time in the classroom, and if pupils were removed from French lessons, this would restrict what we could offer. Also, if pupils were integrated into French at a later date, they would be even further behind.

French is often the one class where EAL students feel equal to their English speaking peers.  It is a chance to learn a foreign language alongside English speaking friends who are also learning new language skills.  Research proves that students who are encouraged to use multilingual skills will develop greater cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking skills.

Which lessons does my child miss to go to EAL?

We withdraw the pupils when they are doing language or unit work with their homeroom teacher.

What does my child do during the EAL lessons?

We focus on the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.  We also work on grammar and vocabulary enrichment.  We support the unit vocabulary that the students are working on in their homeroom.

How long will my child be in the programme?

That depends on how quickly they progress in English.  The average student receives support for 2 years.  However, some exit the programme sooner and others stay in for longer.

 How can I help in my home language?


  • Listen and talk every day about the school day
  •  Read to your child
  •  Talk about a story written in English and explain challenging concepts


How can I help my child with their English?

  •  Hear your child read.
  •  Provide your child with CDs and videos of stories in English.  If possible have                    dual language versions.
  • Provide your child with a dual language or picture dictionary.
  •  Talk to your child in English – maybe they can teach you!


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