EAL

English as an additional language.

Pupils who arrive at Hamstead Hall Academy with English as an additional language are assessed to determine their EAL needs. Those who are new to English will initially be taught ‘survival’ classroom language which will equip them with vocabulary and phrases which will help them navigate their way through classes. They will also be buddied up with a pupil who speaks their first language. Over 40 languages are recorded among the student body of Hamstead Hall.  As a result we usually find someone to give first language support in the early weeks. However, if no one speaks the pupil's first language, then an interpreter will be sought and be in all classes with them for the first 4 to 6 weeks.

Newly or recently arrived EAL pupils will begin by having one-to-one or small group English language lessons but will go into regular classes for all other subjects. We have an ongoing ‘How Language Works’ programme which helps teachers develop the knowledge and strategies needed to deliver the language of their specialist subject as well as the content. This programme helps all EAL learners, including those born in the UK who have been learning English for many years, to develop the academic registers of English they need to succeed in all of their curriculum subjects.