EAL - English as an Additional Language
Our school is experienced in welcoming children from all around the world. The majority of children at Harbour (approx. 90%) speak or hear other languages at home and are, therefore, learning English as a second or third language. These children are supported by our EAL teachers in small groups to help them acquire the English language skills necessary to access the full curriculum.
Our EAL team works with small groups of children from groups 3-8 both in class (‘push-in’) and in the EAL room (‘pull-out’). Group 2 children receive support in class. Depending on a child’s level and individual needs, our EAL specialists support children to develop their understanding, speaking, reading, reading comprehension and writing skills. English learners are also supported by an EAL specialist in the classroom to ensure that lesson content is understood and that students can participate at an age-appropriate level, while learning the language.
Children from groups 0 and 1 do not receive extra EAL support from the EAL team; younger children acquire language through play and appropriate early years curriculum learning in the classroom situation.
How are English learners supported?
New children, who are possible candidates for EAL support, will be assessed during the first few weeks. If a child is referred to EAL for ‘pull-out’ support, parents will be informed directly by either Pamela or Sara (EAL coordinators). The children acquire English by working in meaningful and relevant contexts. Our classroom and EAL teachers use translanguaging as a tool for understanding and developing academic skills whilst learning English. Should you wish to know more about translanguaging, you may refer to the website from Crisfield Educational Consulting (https://www.crisfieldeducationalconsulting.com). The following video offers a good introduction to translanguaging: Translanguaging short film (''Embedded with permission'' - Full Copyright- Crisfield Educational Consulting),
A child’s progress in all areas of English - understanding, speaking, reading and writing - is monitored by the EAL team using assessments based on the European Framework for language learning. When a child has reached a level where they can access the class curriculum with little support, they stop receiving ‘pull-out’ EAL lessons. They may continue to receive some support in their class from an EAL specialist.
What can I do to support my child’s language development?
Research shows that the best way to support language development is to continue to develop home language skills. We actively encourage parents to maintain their home languages. For instance, talking to and reading with children in their home languages supports the development of their social and academic languages.
It is also important for students to rest and participate in social activities after school.
The booklet below gives more information and advice for parents of multilingual children.
Our EAL policy can be found here
