EAL

We are a comprehensive school providing high quality education to all students, regardless of their background or ability. At All Saints, we take great pride in the inclusivity of our students who represent over 40 different languages.

We strive for each and every pupil to attain their optimum potential and we encourage them not only to improve their English literacy skills but also to develop their home languages.

At All Saints, we promote language learning as we believe the ability to communicate in multiple languages is a great asset, it is empowering, improves cultural sensitivity and maximises employability skills. For these reasons, we celebrate Language Day every September. A day where students can celebrate diversity and learn about different cultures, traditions and languages.

 

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.’ - Nelson Mandela

 

NEW ARRIVALS: Learning English as an additional language

All new arrivals, including the Year 7 cohort, are assessed and assigned an EAL code to represent their competency in accordance with the statutory measure of English Language Proficiency as instructed by the DfE. This five‐stage scale of English proficiency maps the progress from beginner to fluent users of English and the codes are as follows:

  • Code A. New to English
  • Code B. Early acquisition
  • Code C. Developing competence
  • Code D. Competent
  • Code E. Fluent

By assessing students on arrival, we are able to put the necessary interventions in place as soon as possible in order to provide the best start for the student.

  • Newly arrived students with limited English complete an induction process and are buddied up with other students in their year group who speak the same language. During this induction, they enjoy a school tour and complete an activity booklet which helps them understand school routines and learn basic vocabulary needed to be able to communicate with staff and peers and have a great start.
  • Weekly English booster sessions are offered to A/B students. The following gives a brief overview of what is covered:
    • Listening – the alphabet, numbers, dates, directions, most common questions, appropriate replies.
    • English usage – appropriate words for use in cloze exercises such as connectives, appropriate tense, function words, articles, determiners etc
    • Reading – reading text to be able to identify punctuation, layout of the text, meaning of the whole text, grammar, vocabulary.
    • Reading and writing – following instructions and responding to questions.
  • Differentiated resources and individual help is provided by staff members and support staff in all subjects to ensure A/B students can access the curriculum effectively. Students have access to a school laptop in lessons which is used for translation purposes.

 

How parents can support

The following websites may prove helpful as they include activities and games, all which help with English language development.

 

 

Bilingualism: speaking a different language at home.

At All Saints we promote bilingualism, and we encourage language learning. For that reason, we offer students in Year 10 and Year 12 who speak an extra language fluently, the possibility to gain an extra GCSE or A-level qualification. Students who are willing to prepare for their language exams are offered a range of resources in their home languages and guidance on the different exam specifications. Some of the languages we offer are: Italian, French, Spanish, Russia, Polish, Arabic, Portuguese or Bengali.

 

Importance of home language

 

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding EAL and language learning, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Mrs L. Pueyo Agudo

Lead Practitioner and EAL Coordinator

lpueyoagudo@allsaintsschool.co.uk