EAL: English as an Additional Language

An individualised approach is adopted when working with EAL pupils at Falinge Park. Pupils’ needs are diverse and therefore so is our teaching. This can include one-to-one sessions to build confidence, pre-teach vocabulary and focussed interventions for specific curriculum areas. We also support International New Arrivals who are at the early stages of their language journey by working through a programme of intervention which encompasses speaking, listening, reading and writing and works towards ensuring the pupils have the skills and confidence to thrive in lessons. Early stage EAL pupils also have the opportunity to complete the Ascentis ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualification ranging from Entry Level 1 to Level 2. The ESOL course can be selected as an option for suitable pupils to study in years 10 and 11.

EAL clubs are available at break time and lunch time where we encourage our EAL pupils to communicate with each other using one (or more) of the 43 languages that are spoken in school. They are able to play games, socialise, complete homework and seek support from the EAL staff members. We offer a wide range of opportunities within school as well as partnership agency work which has included working with Skylight Arts to develop confidence, focus and strength through circus skills, involvement with the international Walk with Amal project and completing the iheart programme in collaboration with Europia to encourage confidence and resilience for our EAL pupils.

Pupils are assessed upon entry to the course to determine which level of the ESOL course they should follow. These assessments are carried out by class teachers and encompass reading, writing, speaking & listening elements. 

The pupils then follow a curriculum which invites them to develop their skills across a number of topics throughout the year. During each half term there is a focus on a skill area which then leads to the completion of an expert assessment. Using this as a guide, pupils are then scheduled to sit an ESOL assessment which feeds into the pupils’ end of year grade. Pupils have the opportunity to move up to the next level of qualification in Year 11 if all of the standards for their Year 10 qualification level are met.