EAL

Introduction

Slough and Eton is a culturally diverse school. We are proud that over fifty languages are spoken at home among our students who come from different ethnic backgrounds.

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department’s aim is to support and extend the language development of all bilingual/multilingual students. Learners who are new to English, or are in the early acquisition stage of language development, join our induction programmes and are supported in mainstream lessons, particularly in English, Maths and Science. The support is organised in a way to ensure students are equipped with basic literacy skills and can fully access the subjects they study.

KS3

EAL Beginners – Induction Programmes

Newly arrived English beginners attend an intensive induction programme for two to six lessons per week. Each of our programmes is designed to provide students with the basic skills necessary for participation within the mainstream. The programmes cover topics included in mainstream lessons to ensure the language development of students is contextualised. Our groups are small in size, so that students can progress quickly. In addition to induction programmes, we also support our newly arrived English beginners in mainstream lessons – working closely with class teachers to ensure our EAL students get the support they need.

KS4

We offer two English courses for students who are new to English and for our more advanced learners – ESOL and IGCSE ESL, respectively. In addition, the department also provides language support for our KS4 bilingual/multilingual students within mainstream lessons.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) by Edexcel

This course is for students who have arrived in the UK recently. It has been produced especially for EAL students and covers topics such as work, leisure, health and community. It has 3 components: Reading, Writing, and Speaking with Listening and is examined by Edexcel. Students can be entered at Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 with the possibility of being entered for Level 1 and 2 (GCSE equivalent) after two years. It is a very practical course, designed to support English used in everyday life and the workplace. It is compatible with ESOL courses taught at tertiary colleges.

IGCSE ESL (English as a Second Language) by CIE

The course is an international English language examination for foreign language speakers offered by CIE.  It is suitable for students who already have a reasonable foundation in English. The course is language based and reinforces the GCSE English course. Other areas include grammar, idiomatic language and vocabulary enrichment.  In addition, functional language skills cover note taking, summary writing, form filling, listening techniques and more. Entry to this examination gives EAL students the opportunity to gain an extra GCSE grade as well as an alternative English qualification, while at the same time reinforcing their work in GCSE English.

Enrichment Activities

  • The EAL Department offers students many opportunities to get involved. They include:
  • Afterschool homework and language development clubs run daily
  • Reading and vocabulary development programmes during Tutor Time
  • Mother Tongue (Home Language) GCSE and A Level examination preparations e.g. Arabic, German, Persian, Polish, etc.
  • Annual EAL discovery trips to London and beyond
  • Young Interpreters Scheme for students across all year groups
  • Involvement in the annual International Refugee Week

Qualifications

KS4

Qualification

Examining Body

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Edexcel

IGCSE ESL (English as a Second Language)

CIE

 

Staff

Mr J Ziomek

Curriculum Leader / Head of Year 12 - jzi@slougheton.com

Mrs Z Nesselfeld

EAL Teacher

Mrs S Khan

EAL Support Assistant

Mrs H Fielding

EAL Support Assistant
Miss N Kaleem EAL Support Assistant