EAL

Our aim is to develop English language learners into students who are comfortable and confident in not only using English for everyday use, but also in academic contexts.

EAL in Year 7 is divided into 2 levels. Those who have a basic command, of the language, join our High Intensity English programme (HIE) for the year. They receive 11 periods of English, learning essential language skills, grammar and vocabulary through a variety of engaging topics; also learning about the diverse world around them.

Those with a slightly higher level, join a programme that runs alongside English. Like the HIE programme, students learn essential English skills, grammar and vocabulary through topics that engage and challenge them. They also have an introduction to literature, as well as developing key writing skills, such as writing to describe and persuade. Additionally, they build their academic speaking confidence with presentations, discussions and debating skills.

“Learning another language is like becoming another person”

Haruki Murakami

Topics

Term 1

Who are you? - Home is where the heart is
The different ways we learn

Term 2

Family and traditions - Why we laugh - Do your best (What we learn from failure)
Tell me what you eat and The great food waste scandal

Term 3

Buyer’s choice - making sustainable choices
All in a day’s work

Students are assessed against the Common European Framework Reference (CEFR) of languages, which range from beginner, A1 to advanced C1. These are assessed in all skills areas, speaking, listening, reading and writing. In order to exit the EAL programme, students are expected to reach a minimum CEFR level in all skills for that year level. For example, this would be B1+ for Y8. As the students move up the year levels, so the expected level of English increases for all subject areas. The EAL department uses formative assessment, with peer and self assessment a key feature, so students are clear of the goals they have to achieve and what they are required to do to reach success.

Grade 8 (B2+)

Writing: The student can write competently across all school subjects. They feel confident in analysing, arguing, persuading and hypothesising as well as discussing probability. They can explain and describe in good depth and detail. They also have a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical constructions and only make few typical EAL errors, typically when extending themselves. Students can write to describe , narrate inform and persuade confidently. Speaking and Listening: Their speaking and listening skills are close to the same level as first language peers, although will have a more limited range of vocabulary. They only make occasional slips in grammar and vocabulary, particularly if the focus is more on meaning. They sometimes need guidance on how to express more advanced language, especially in academic contexts. Reading: They can comprehend all subject specific texts, although gaps in vocabulary will mean dictionaries are sometimes needed, but the student has become better at guessing unknown words from context.

Grade 5 (B1)

Writing: Students can write longer cohesive texts but still use models to support them. Their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary means they can write shorter texts to argue and persuade, describe and explain, but still at a fairly simple level. They are starting to proofread their own writing. Speaking and listening: The student is quite confident discussing familiar topics, and taking part in pair work and group discussions. However they will still make more simple mistakes in tense, especially when the focus is on communicating ideas and there are still gaps in their vocabulary. This means they can’t express more complex ideas clearly or may misunderstand points when listening. Listening to school level texts at this level if unsupported is very challenging. Reading: The student can understand some subject specific texts and understand the main ideas. However, lack of vocabulary will mean they may miss deeper ideas.

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