Welcome to the EAL/D learning hub page. The English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) Program at Baulkham Hills Public school exists to develop confident, independent and balanced individuals with the skills necessary to achieve their potential in all aspects of life. The EAL/D team is made up of two permanent teachers, two New Arrival Program (NAP) teachers and two Student Learning Support Officers (SLSO). We have over 500 students who come from Language Background other than English (LBOTE). Our aim is to work with our teachers, students and the wider community to improve the whole school experience for all. We also aim to provide experiences to develop student’s knowledge, communication skills and awareness of their community, their responsibility towards it and to take pride in their cultural diversity.

Specialist EAL/D teachers and NAP teachers work with students, who are newly arrived from overseas, as well as design learning experiences to enable more advanced second language learners to cope with the demands of mainstream classes. SLSOs support students who are developing literacy skills and those who are transferring established literacy skills from their first language to English. We assist EAL/D students to both learn English and learn through English. We support students in accessing language across the curriculum while their English language skills develop. We also support students’ well-being by being a part of the Learning Support Team.

Through the Cultural Awareness and Inclusion Team (CAIT) we strive to support, our staff, students, families and the wider community through translated communication, interpreters, reporting, focus group meetings, cultural celebrations and education around the diversity of our school community.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your child’s learning or other questions about EAL/D at BHNPS.

Thanks

Narelle Lucas