English as Additional Language (EAL)

English as Additional Language (EAL): Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent

Our curriculum gives children the best possible start to their school life by developing them socially, emotionally, physically and academically in an environment which values cultures, communities and individuals. Our diverse student population with a wealth of linguistic and cultural backgrounds is at the heart of our community. We celebrate this diversity and work to ensure each learner has equal access to the curriculum and thrives within the English education system. 

Implementation

Oracy is a high priority in our school. Our staff are committed to nurturing the English language skills of our multilingual pupils. We focus on developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

Pupils with EAL are supported to develop their use of English- everyday language alongside the academic language and subject- specific vocabulary in the classroom.
Our school community recognises the need for pupils to be able to communicate effectively. We believe in building strong foundations for secure language development through listening well and speaking clearly. The sentences that pupils hear, say and read support them to develop the skills to write purposefully. Through supporting pupils to develop the skills to complete this independently, staff assist pupils to be ambitious and enthusiastic about their learning. 

Impact

Pupils who are completely New to English are assessed so that teachers are able to plan for the appropriate support in the classroom. Formative assessments are updated each term on Sonar Tracker to track the progress of each child as well as considering pupils’ proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Interventions take place inside the classroom. We communicate regularly with parents. For example, we provide information leaflets in home languages for the Phonics information workshops. We strive to support pupils to apply their knowledge to a range of situations and to be able to communicate this through the use of oral language and writing.