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English as an Additional Language |
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On this page: Introduction |
Types of EAL Pupils |
DfES Materials for Parents |
Hounslow Provision and Support |
Introduction
English as an additional language (EAL) is a term which encompasses both English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and English as a foreign language (EFL). ESOL was previously known as English as a second language (ESL).
ESOL can be described as the necessary learning of English for survival and social purposes in any English speaking country by people whose home language is not English. EFL refers to the learning of English for travel, study, business or as a leisure pursuit.
Types of EAL Pupils
The DfES has established the following information about different types of pupils with EAL:
• Many pupils acquiring EAL were born in this country to fully bilingual families and started school speaking the language of the home but aware of English as the language of the community. These pupils generally acquire English rapidly in Foundation (Reception) and Key Stage 1 classrooms.
• Some pupils have little experience of English before starting school because the heritage language is the language of their home and their local community. Nevertheless, if they start in the nursery or Foundation class, these pupils also usually make rapid progress in English.
• However, older pupils arriving in the country face a greater challenge. They need to learn to speak, read and write in English at the same time as maintaining their curriculum learning, which is also through the medium of English. For these pupils it is vital for their schools to know about their previous schooling in order to ensure that they receive the most appropriate support.
DfES Materials for Parents
The Department for Education and Skills has leaflets giving parents information in eleven different languages about the school curriculum, how to help children to read and write, special educational needs and many other subjects. You can download a document containing information about the publications available in 11 minority languages; Arabic, Chinese, Gujarati, Punjabi, Turkish, Vietnamese, Bengali, Greek, Hindi, Somali and Urdu. Read more from the Parentscentre's "Other Languages", accessible from the Links button above.
Hounslow Provision and Support
Hounslow Language Service
Hounslow Language Service provides specialist staff who work alongside school staff to help bilingual pupils develop their English and succeed in school subjects. The Mother-tongue section also helps pupils maintain and develop their first language skills.
For pupils who are newly arrived in the UK, HLS provide support in the following ways:-
• Additional English Teaching
• Some first language support in schools and some first language teaching (Mother-tongue section)
• Specialist Language teachers to work in the classroom alongside class teachers and subject teachers.
HLS make teaching materials in different subjects to help your child. Some of these materials are in English and Mother-tongue. They provide specially devised materials to help bilingual children understand school curriculum subjects.
Bilingual teachers in the Language Service can help in communication between home and school in such areas as:-
• Information about your child's progress
• Any problems or queries
• Advice on choosing subjects and careers
• Pastoral care
• Information about the British school system.
Visit HVEC's section "Hounslow Language Service".
Hounslow Translation & Interpretation Services
Hounslow TIS offer professional interpretation and translation services across a range of ethnic minority community languages as well as graphic design services. Services are offered free of charge to Hounslow residents. A quick response can be provided for supported in-house languages. These are: Panjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Somali and Albanian.
You can call them during office hours on the Language Helpline: 020 8583 2299. Read more from "Hounslow Translation & Interpretation Services", accessible from the Links button above.
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