English as a Foreign Language

English as an additional language (EAL) is a term used by the Department for Education (DfE) to refer to a pupil whose first language is other than English. The first language is the language to which the child was exposed in early development.

Children who fit within this definition may also continue to use a language other than English at home or in their community.

While EAL pupils share many common characteristics with their native English colleagues, their learning experience differs because they learn in and through another language.

At Weston, we have a small but diverse community with over 40 languages spoken by staff and students. We also have our own EAL HUB run by Mr Maguire.

The purpose of the EAL HUB at Weston is to provide bespoke support for our EAL children by teaching them in a nurturing practical way.

At Weston, according to the needs of each EAL student, we provide a bespoke English curriculum that aims to:

• Make all students feel welcome and part of the school community
• Develop pupils’ integration in all curriculum areas
• Advance their acquisition of the English language in listening, reading, speaking and writing.
• Grow their social interactive skills

The EAL HUB also works with Southampton Language Services and EMAS to provide students with additional school support. It is also a place for teachers and support staff to discuss and share ideas on how to best support EAL learners

Should you require any further information, please get in touch at: info@westonsecondary.co.uk