English as an Additional Language

The Primary School English as an Additional Language (EAL) department:

• Supports students' integration into an English-speaking environment so that they feel comfortable at our school.
• Tracks students on an EAL continuum specific to English-language acquisition. 
• Helps students develop confidence, skills and knowledge to assess the Primary Years Programme curriculum. 

All English additional language learners are integrated into the regular classroom. Students who are new to English receive Initiation to English lessons in small groups during homeroom time for the first six weeks of school. EAL teachers work alongside homeroom teachers to plan, differentiate, teach and access students using the Primary School EAL continuum.
 

The Secondary School English as an Additional Language (EAL) department:

• Aims to develop language learning strategies as well as provide exposure to English.
• Focuses on the four skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, writing.
• Supports language learning across the curriculum. 

Students will:

• Encounter different forms and registers of the language through written and visual texts.
• Learn how to interact in a number of formal and informal situations.
• Give presentations and participate in discussions on a variety of subjects.
• Learn how to use reference tools and technology.
• Receive a vocabulary book to assist in their acquisition of academic English across the subject areas.

In addition to specialized EAL lessons, students will attend regular class lessons with differentiated materials and additional teacher support. In class they will be exposed to academic language and higher level concepts which will challenge their thinking skills and improve their vocabulary.