EAL (English as an Additional Language)

English is the medium of teaching at Bromsgrove, despite a high percentage of our students having English as an Additional Language (EAL). We believe that all students have a right to access the curriculum, which is why we base our EAL provision on a model of Sheltered Immersion. Students on the EAL programme are well-supported at BIST and it is the objective of the EAL department to improve proficiency in English to a suitable enough level to be able to access the curriculum independently.

Children who enter the school during the Foundation stage at our Early Years campus can learn English sufficiently enough to cope with the demands of a year 1 classroom. However, children arriving in higher year groups often need additional support in English language. For students in Year 1 and Year 2, we offer an EAL programme for those whose English language skills are emerging and developing. Our aim is to ensure that their level of English is proficient enough to cope with the demands of the Year 2 curriculum in the Primary School.

Tier 1 – General EAL support

At BIST, we believe in creating an inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. Our dedicated primary teaching team is committed to supporting all learners, including those acquiring English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Our teachers receive regular training to ensure they are equipped with the strategies and resources needed to effectively support all EAL learners within the classroom. They differentiate their instruction and adapt learning activities to meet diverse needs, enabling all students to access the full curriculum and reach their potential.

Tier 2 – Intensive EAL

For children with a higher level of need, we offer Intensive EAL support. This provision focuses on providing inclusive support within the classroom setting delivered by specialist teachers, enabling students to learn alongside their peers and fully participate in the school community.

Our teachers differentiate their instruction to meet the diverse needs of EAL learners, ensuring they can access the curriculum and make progress in their learning. This includes adapting teaching materials according to student’s needs, using visual aids and concrete resources, and providing clear explanations and modeling.

Beyond the classroom, we then offer bespoke interventions for students who require additional support with phonics, reading, writing, speaking, or listening skills. These interventions are tailored to individual needs and may include small group work or one-to-one support.

Our goal is to empower EAL learners to develop their English language proficiency while also fostering their confidence and overall academic success.

The Secondary EAL provision

Intensive English

This is for Years 7-9 students who require support above and beyond the standard EAL programmes. Students are withdrawn from English, and Science lessons for specific English Language support. Students must have a basic level of English to access this programme.

Key Stage 3 EAP

This is for students in Years 7-9 who require additional English language support to access the curriculum. The support they receive is adapted to suit the student, and could be in the form of small group sessions or specific support in lessons while following the standard curriculum.

Key Stage 4 EAP

This is for students in Years 10 and 11 who are following a modified GCSE pathway. EAP is one of their option choices. Students study this with the EAL team who work together with the English faculty to prepare students for the English Second Language iGCSE.

In-class Support EAP

EAL teachers provide in-class support to students whose first language is not English. The EAL teachers may co-teach or work with students in small groups. This provision ensures that the planning and delivery of lessons takes into account the specific needs of our EAL students.