English as an Additional Language

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

EAL courses are for students who will benefit from specialist English language instruction in order to understand and use English more fluently and accurately for communication and study purposes.

Currently, two courses are provided with flexible content according to the students’ needs:

1 English as an Additional Language (EAL) in place of English classes.

2 Additional English (AENG) in place of a language other than English (LOTE).

1 English as an Additional Language (EAL) Course

In EAL, selected students study language and literature in small classes.

The study of literature includes guided reading to develop multiple reading skills and an awareness of literature. Texts are selected according to students’ vocabulary and language level as well as their age and level of interest. Students complete an academic writing task, such as an essay.

Language lessons focus on non-fiction texts, providing students with a range of academic reading skills such as scanning, close reading for detailed comprehension, identifying main idea and supporting points, and recognising common text types. Oral language is also developed, moving from basic communication towards academic language proficiency, and students may be required to prepare and deliver an oral presentation.

In addition, regular extensive reading in EAL classes encourages students to develop a personal reading habit. Research indicates that, over time, this significantly improves students’ reading skills, expands their vocabulary, and improves their writing. We strongly encourage students to read at home daily to support this.

2 Additional English (AENG)

Additional English is offered (as well as EAL) to selected students as an alternative to a language other than English (LOTE) in order to further improve their English proficiency and language skills to meet the demands of studying all subjects in English.

Language lessons focus on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing and include vocabulary and grammar. With regard to grammar, our goal is practical application of grammar in speaking and writing.

Please note that in either class, support is sometimes given for the specific language demands of other subjects. In these lessons, students engage with their content area topics with the guidance and support of their EAL teacher according to their needs.