1. Primary English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support Welcome to the 2015 Parents’ EAL Information session for the British Primary Section. Head of EAL – Karen M Rowe EAL Coordinators Annie Bagley and Paul Harding

2. Information session structure About the EAL department What is EAL? How do we support EAL?

3. Our aim Independent learning

4. Who we are Katerina Klimes Lucille Gerber Annie Bagley Sarah Beddoes Jennifer Chou Jo Bennett Corne Coetzee Lize Dawes Paul Harding Jaya Hiranandani Michael Emeny Eveline Leane Gareth Kennedy Reception Year 1 (Infant Coordinator) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 (Junior Coordinator) Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Boosters

5. What is EAL? EFL versus EAL English as a Foreign Language students learn English as a subject, generally for business and/or pleasure purposes. As an English as an Additional Language student, your child is already competent in a first language and is becoming a bilingual learner. Your child needs to function in two languages in daily life.

6. Stages of language acquisition: pre-production – the silent period early production – one & two word phrases speech emergence – simple phrases and sentences intermediate fluency – more complex sentences advanced fluency – near-native level

7. How we support EAL: assessing children English knowledge and skills are assessed in four key areas: Oral skills (speaking and listening) Vocabulary Reading Writing Assessments combine class teacher & specialist teacher appraisals, alongside more detailed language evaluation by the EAL support staff. Your child is learning within an English medium setting and curriculum - our aim is to give the support needed for his/her success, parallel to that of native English speakers.

8. How we support EAL: tailored programmes Once a child is identified as an EAL learner, we tailor a programme of support for his/her particular needs. Elements of this programme may include: - Co-teaching - In-class support - Withdrawal within or from the classroom New learners receive intensive ‘booster’ sessions designed to help integration into the classroom.

9. Foundations for learning We recognise that your children have diverse experiences & backgrounds and encourage them to make links between these home experiences and their school learning. We provide practical activities because children learn best from hands on experiences. Your child feels secure and esteemed in a supportive environment. Your child is encouraged and not continually corrected. Mistakes are part of the process of learning.

10. Teaching for learning Together we plan, deliver and monitor your child’s learning. We ensure your child receives: language which is appropriate to his/her level of development language which is meaningful language based on concrete experiences learning supported by visual & contextual practice Your child will engage best when the focus is on meaning and purpose rather than spelling and grammar!meaningpurposespellinggrammar

11. Partnerships for learning We recognise the importance of you & your family in helping your child to learn successfully. Because of this, we: –Inform you of what we are doing in school –Advise you on how you can help your child learn –Regularly update you on your child’s progress Your role: Continue to develop your child’s first language. Talk & read with your child, developing concept understanding. Support with homework - discuss using both languages.

12. Aiding progress: Encourage your child to: be attentive in class and listen carefully ask questions socialise with English speakers Give them: Help and support at home Sufficient rest and down-time

13. age motivation personality learning aptitude level of English language at entrance language family and strength of first language experiences Unique factors

14. How long will a child need EAL support? It is important for everyone to understand that speaking English fluently in social situations does not mean that English learning has finished. It takes a number of years to catch up fully with the academic language needed for success in school. At TES we are committed to ensure that all children achieve their learning potential.

15. Additional language learning advantages: Research says bilingual learners: –Become smarter –Filter information better –Have better memories –Are more socially adept and culturally aware –Have improved decision-making skills –Find it easier to learn other languages –Are highly valued in the job market –Are less prone to developing Alzheimer's Disease in old age!

16. Just for fun! Which are the most spoken languages in the world? But … the British Council estimates over one billion people are learning English right now!