English as an Additional Language

The EAL teacher works in partnership with Bailiwick schools to help meet the needs of pupils who are learning through English as an Additional Language.

These days it is not uncommon for teachers to find pupils in their classrooms who have English as an additional language. Schools in Guernsey are no exception.

Some of the mother tongue languages we find in Guernsey are Portuguese, Latvian, Polish, French, Spanish, Thai and Urdu.

It is understandable that pupils with EAL will frequently come under the umbrella of special educational needs at the school they attend because EAL is seen as a 'need'. However, it is important to appreciate that a lack of English fluency does not necessarily mean that the pupil has special educational needs.

Most of these children have already attended school in their own country and so have prior knowledge and skills, especially in areas such as Maths and Science. For this reason they should, as far as possible, be placed in teaching groups which reflect their cognitive abilities rather than their ability to speak English.

Some argue that there should exist a modified curriculum for those who do not have English as their mother tongue. Yet the whole curriculum is an ideal language-learning syllabus. It provides pupils with a real purpose for using the new language.

Pupils with EAL also tend to learn much faster when the language is put into a relevant context.

How Do EAL Students Often Feel On Arrival?

The term culture shock is sometimes used to describe the initial period of adjustment in a new country. It outlines the anxiety and helplessness that can be felt. Many children adapt easily but others find it more difficult. Some children may experience feelings of frustration or display behavioural problems, whereas others withdraw and become anxious. Adjustment may be difficult and can be a lengthy process. The EAL teacher serves to aid this adjustment by helping these pupils to communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas successfully in English.

What is the Role of the EAL Teacher?

• To offer information and advice to schools on the inclusion of EAL pupils in the school environment and how best to support their learning across the curriculum
• To work in partnership with class teachers in identifying gaps in English competency and set targets for ongoing improvement
• To carry out assessments and monitor the progress of pupils
• To support pupils with EAL on an individual and small group basis
• To provide written reports for both the school and parents.
• The EAL teacher visits pupils who are newly or recently arrived in Guernsey. These pupils may have little or no English, or may have a good level of English but would benefit from an initial boost of additional support to aid their language learning.
• The aim of the EAL teacher is to help raise levels of competency in English. By the end of their support, the pupils' knowledge of English will be at a sufficient standard to enable them to follow the curriculum with ease and in this respect, be on a par with their peers.

Making a Referral

When the school is notified that a pupil with EAL is due to start at the school, the Headteacher should contact the SEN & Children's Services Manager.

The school should then complete the referral form and ensure parents are made aware that the referral is being made when they meet parents on entry to the school. The referral form is sent to the SEN & Children's Services Manager.

The EAL teacher will then carry out an assessment to determine what the child's needs are and what support should subsequently be received.

The EAL teacher works closely with the Literacy Support Service.

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