English as an Additional Language
Dean Close School has a department dedicated to the support of pupils whose mother tongue is not English. Between 30 and 40 pupils each year take EAL at different levels. The department is staffed by three fully-qualified teachers who offer pastoral and academic support. One member of the department is also in charge of the Overseas Student Group. All students who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL) receive specialist lessons which focus on the development of the English language skills of speaking, reading, writing and listening. The teaching of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation is encompassed within these four skills.
Pupils' capabilities are assessed on entry to the School and at regular intervals throughout their School careers. They are taught by experienced teachers in small groups that are designed to maximise their progress, support their studies in other areas of the curriculum and prepare them for internationally recognised examinations of English as an Additional Language.
These examinations are especially important for international students intending to study at universities in the United Kingdom or America as they form part of the essential entry requirements. They include exams from the Cambridge suite at all levels, IGCSE English as a Second Language in Year 11 and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in Years 12 and 13.
In Years 9, 10 and 11 teaching takes place in small groups of up to eight and is generally in place of French. Occasionally, EAL takes place outside the timetable if a pupil has a particular desire to study a Modern Foreign Language. In Years 12 and 13, lessons take place during study periods. The quantity and number of pupils in a group depends on individual needs and timetables.
A charge is made for EAL support which is added to the bill each term. Please click for fee information.
For further information regarding any aspect of EAL support, please contact the Head of Department, kmorgan@deanclose.org.uk