EAL

The EAL Department was established a number of years ago to cater for the needs of foreign pupils. It has supported European pupils as well as those from Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan and South Korea. EAL lessons are timetabled in such a way that lessons of other subjects are not missed.

There are resources for teaching all levels from complete beginners to IELTS candidates and classes are small, with the result that individual needs can be easily assessed and addressed.

In class, in both written and oral work, we concentrate on grammar and vocabulary and the text books used give plenty of scope for the pupils to consider contemporary issues such as the environment, the world and relationships, as well as learning about Britain and the British. We also use documentaries and films to reinforce information discussed in class or as a springboard for imaginative writing.

There is liaison between the department and other departments, especially if vocabulary problems arise and glossaries of mathematical and scientific terms provided if necessary.

Various word games and puzzles are used to increase awareness of vocabulary, with ‘Scrabble’ being a particular favourite. Some pupils have demonstrated considerable ability in the latter and the after-school ‘Scrabble Club’ is always popular, particularly with the Hong Kong students.

At present pupils take the London Board (Levels 1 - 5) Tests of English or, if they wish to apply to a British University, the IELTS tests which are held regularly at the centre in York. The London Board Tests are held in May and December in school and pupils can decide (with some guidance from the teacher) to enter for whatever level they feel is appropriate for them. (There are plentiful supplies of past papers available for practising the skills needed.) The gifted pupil could take Level 3 at the end of Year 8, for example, or he/she could wait until Year 10 or 11 the exam can be re-taken if the pupil is unsuccessful at the first attempt.

If it is felt that a pupil would benefit from joining a mainstream English set and following the G.C.S.E English course, he/she would be encouraged to do so, with the understanding that a return to E.A.L is possible if the work for G.C.S.E proves to be too demanding.

Pupils are encouraged to participate fully in the extra-curricular activities which are available, and there are visits to the theatre, cinema and local places of interest on offer. One of the highlights of the year for the Hong Kong pupils is their celebration of the Chinese New Year, when they organise traditional food and party games and invite some lucky members of the staff to the event.