EAL (English as an Additional Language)

Students choose one subject fewer than native speakers of English and normally in Year 9, EAL replaces a further foreign language subject. Classes are between 1-8 students and take place in the welcoming EAL classroom.

Students come to 2 EAL classes a week, although some pupils who only study English (and not another foreign language) will have 4 hours a week. During this time they may work towards taking an external Cambridge English qualification in
June.

Normally students take the Cambridge English ‘First For Schools’ examination. This exam is taken at a local examination centre, and is internationally recognised. It tests students’ Reading & Use of English (grammar and vocabulary), Writing, Listening and Speaking skills. This exam is an excellent additional qualification to have, and is valid for life. There is an additional charge for this, and you will receive more details, if this is an appropriate level exam for your child to be entered for.

In addition to working towards taking a Cambridge English exam, students receive support with their course work and independent study tasks for other curriculum subjects, develop their vocabulary for those subjects, and improve their productive skills (writing and speaking) in supportive, small, friendly groups. The EAL Department works closely with other subject teachers in order to find out how to best support the EAL students in those subjects. There is no charge for group EAL lessons in Year 9.

Students choose one GCSE subject fewer than native speakers of English, and attend EAL classes in place of another subject. Classes are typically up to 12 students, depending on the number of students requiring EAL in Year 10/11, and take place in the welcoming EAL classroom.

Students come to 3 EAL classes a week. Lessons are a combination of support with course work for other subjects, help with subject revision for exams, additional preparation for IGCSE English exams, and support for their Higher Project Qualification (HPQ, Year 10). There is a focus on improving writing skills and any other language development work relevant to students’ individual needs. The EAL Department works closely with other subject teachers in order to find out how to best support the EAL students in their other subjects. There is no charge for group EAL lessons in Years 10 & 11.

Students may also work towards taking an external, Cambridge English exam at the end of Year 10. This is normally the Cambridge First For Schools examination or the Cambridge C1 Advanced English examination. These exams test students in the skills of Listening, Speaking, Writing, Reading & Use of English (grammar and vocabulary).

These exams are taken at a local examination centre, and are internationally recognised. They are excellent additional qualifications to have, and are valid for life. There is an additional charge for these exams and you will receive more details on this during the year. The C1 exam is recognised by many universities as a proof of English qualification, and is valid for entry to UK universities and universities in other English speaking countries.

Students whose first language is not English, may be advised to have EAL lessons if they need to improve their English language skills. These classes take place in the welcoming EAL classroom. The lessons are a combination of general English language development, and support with their other subject options and their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). We can also help them with writing their personal statements for application to universities, and with any particular area of English they need to improve on. The EAL Department works closely with other subject teachers in order to find out how to best support EAL students in their EAL sessions.

A Level pupils who are applying to go to university in the UK or other English speaking countries will need to provide proof of proficiency in the English Language, and the EAL Department can prepare students for the IELTS test (International English Language Testing System), if they do not have a relevant qualification for their university application. The level of support needed on the A Level programme will be discussed with the students in the first week of term, and you will be notified as to what we recommended for your son/daughter. Typically an A Level student would have 1-2 EAL lessons a week on a one to one basis. Lessons take place where the student has free time within their timetable, and usually start in the second week of the first term. Additional charges for EAL lessons in the Sixth Form can be found on the Felsted School website.

As IB students already study English as part of their course, there are no further English lessons provided by the EAL Department. However, IB students are welcome to attend the weekly EAL drop in session, for support with written work and any other language development work relevant to students’ individual needs. IB students should check carefully the English Language requirements for the specific university courses they intend to apply for. It may be that a university requires additional proof of competence in English. If this is the case, individual lessons can be arranged with the EAL Department in order to prepare students for a relevant test (all lesson charges are listed on the Felsted School website). This test is typically the IELTS Test (International English Language Testing System).