Pupils who use English as an additional language, and who are identified as needing additional English language support, may be advised to have EAL lessons if they need to improve their English language skills.
“We are dedicated to internationalism at Felsted and want to do all that we can to ensure that each pupil achieves their full potential both academically and socially during their time at the School. It is our belief that the EAL support offered at Felsted will maximise their chances of this.”
Students choose one subject fewer than first-language English speakers 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.
Head Of Department: Mrs D Guerrero
Contact Details: dkg@felsted.org
Years 10 -11
Pupils who do not speak English as a first language, and who are identified as needing additional English language support, are advised, when accepted to the School, to choose EAL as one of their optional GCSE subjects. Although this will result in one fewer GCSE, it is recommended if pupils are to achieve their potential in the mainstream curriculum. Pupils’ needs are assessed and addressed through assessments and the implementation of Individual Learning Plans. The EAL Department also provides excellent pastoral care for those pupils living away from home in a new country.
Pupils come to 3 EAL lessons a week and these include:
Support with coursework for other subjects (specifically IGCSE English as a First Language)
Help with subject revision techniques for exams
Skills development in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening)
Developing academic writing skills
Year 10-11 IGCSE English as a Second Language
Some pupils who do not speak English as their first language may be advised to choose the IGCSE English as a Second Language course and exam, rather than the IGCSE First Language course and exams in Language and Literature. This course is provided by the EAL Department. The exam consists of 4 papers: Reading, Listening, Writing & Speaking and leads to an IGCSE in English as a Second Language. Pupils would not do an additional IGCSE English Literature exam. The IGCSE English as a Second Language exam is modular, meaning that it can be taken at various points during the year, and modules can be retaken if a sufficient grade is not achieved. Most English speaking university courses will accept this exam as proof of English proficiency.
Some EAL pupils may therefore have EAL lessons as well as IGCSE English as a Second Language lessons with the EAL Department.
There is no extra charge for the IGCSE English as a Second Language course.
EAL Drop in Sessions:
All EAL students are welcome to attend the weekly EAL drop in evening session (during Prep time), for support with written work and any other language development work relevant to students’ individual needs.
There are no additional charges for EAL GCSE pupils unless further one to one tuition is needed.
We are dedicated to internationalism at Felsted and do all we can to ensure that each pupil achieves their full potential both academically and socially during their time at the School.
It is our belief that the EAL support offered at Felsted will maximise their chances of this.
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, support with their other subject options and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EAL Department can also help them with writing 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 our fees page.
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. The EAL Department can also help Sixth Form pupils with writing 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. 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 fees page linked below). This test is typically the IELTS Test (International English Language Testing System).
All EAL students are welcome to attend the weekly EAL drop in evening session, for support with written work and any other language development work relevant to students’ individual needs.
EAL was a very big support to me throughout this year. It is a great opportunity for International students to have extra English lessons and the teachers helped me so much with all areas of my school work.
