What is EAL?
EAL refers to children who do not speak English as their first language. As some families speak more than one language fluently, we prefer to call it English as an additional language (EAL) rather than English as a second language.
EAL refers to children who do not speak English as their first language. As some families speak more than one language fluently, we prefer to call it English as an additional language (EAL) rather than English as a second language.
At BIS, children who receive EAL support are usually new arrivals to the school who have had little experience of speaking English at school before.
At BIS, children who receive EAL support are usually new arrivals to the school who have had little experience of speaking English at school before.
Research by professor Jim Cummins says that a child who is just beginning to learn English can develop social and conversational fluency quite quickly. However, it can take much longer for a child to develop the proficiency in English necessary to achieve academic success. This is why it is essential that children are supported throughout the different stages of English acquisition.
Research by professor Jim Cummins says that a child who is just beginning to learn English can develop social and conversational fluency quite quickly. However, it can take much longer for a child to develop the proficiency in English necessary to achieve academic success. This is why it is essential that children are supported throughout the different stages of English acquisition.
The EAL Department at BIS works to support children with identified EAL needs to promote their language acquisition and curriculum access.
The EAL Department at BIS works to support children with identified EAL needs to promote their language acquisition and curriculum access.
Find out more about EAL at BIS here