English as an Additional Language (EAL)
We value and celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures at St. Mary’s.
We know that pupils learn best when they feel safe, accepted and valued—and that is especially important when they are learning English in addition to their home language.
Pupils who are learning English as an additional language have a dual task:
- To develop their understanding of English and to become confident English speakers;
- To be able to learn through English.
Our provision for EAL learners:
To ensure excellent outcomes and to support our EAL children to acquire English more rapidly, we use a wide range of strategies at St. Mary’s.
Our EAL provision is woven through the mainstream curriculum, which is used as the context for language development.
Key elements of our EAL provision include:
- Working in partnership with parents: parents are invited to meet with the EAL Lead and this meeting forms an important part of the initial assessment of each child’s proficiency in their first language. By understanding each child’s prior knowledge and experiences, staff are better equipped to tailor support on an individual basis.
- Lessons that are context-rich, immersive, and meaningful, with opportunities to develop vocabulary and oracy skills.
- A culturally inclusive curriculum that includes representation through diverse texts and traditions.
- Classroom displays and resources that reflect pupils’ lived experiences and home languages.
- Ongoing monitoring and review of attainment and progress.
- The offer of an extra-curricular club to provide targeted support in developing foundational skills including oracy, phonics, reading and writing for those pupils who are at the early stages of English language acquisition.
- Regular multicultural events, such as our annual International Welcome evening, Cultural Enrichment days, and assemblies to mark key cultural celebrations.
For further information regarding EAL provision, please contact our EAL Lead: Mrs Cronin
