English as an Additional Language (EAL)
At Olchfa School, we are proud of having pupils from many different ethnic backgrounds. Around 40% of our pupils identify as being from a minority ethnic background. We see each child as an individual and aim to provide a secure and caring learning environment in which all students flourish and realise their potential.
At Olchfa, we can speak over 35 different languages and dialects!
We have a full-time specialist teacher to support pupils in their English language acquisition, supported by two bilingual Teaching Assistants. Support is provided both in-class and through small group teaching.
Where necessary, pupils can be provided with appropriate support and resources to help with their progress in English language development, such as bilingual dictionaries, online digital resources and assistive technology.
What is EAL?
The Department for Education (DfE) has published guidance on the definition of EAL:
“A pupil’s first language is defined as any other language than English that a child was exposed to during early development and continues to be exposed to in the home or in the community.”
At Olchfa we have a significant number of pupils who use English as an additional language. We recognise that cultural and linguistic diversity is a rich resource for the whole school. We also recognise that pupils’ achievement is linked to a welcoming environment in which they feel valued and confident.
Assessment
We assess all pupils new to English using the Bell Foundation Assessment Framework (The Bell Foundation’s EAL Assessment Framework for Schools, Support Strategies and digital EAL Assessment). The assessment toolkit is a cross–curricular tool to help practitioners to observe, document and accelerate the ways bilingual pupils start to use English as a tool for learning. The toolkit helps to target language development through listening, speaking, reading and writing. It helps practitioners to inform their planning and target the pupil’s next steps.
If you have any questions about our EAL provision, please do not hesitate to contact the school by email (mail@olchfa.org.uk) or telephone (01792) 534300.