EAL

Upon arrival, overseas pupils are tested to determine their level and need for EAL, and lessons are timetabled accordingly. Pupils are taught in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Most pupils have 2-3 lessons per week in the EAL Department. Sixth form pupils (Years 12-13) normally have EAL during study periods.

Pupils in the sixth form follow an IELTS preparation course. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, and is the English language qualification required for admission to most UK universities for non-native speakers. The test consists of four modules - reading, writing, speaking and listening - graded from 1-9. University requirements vary according to establishment and course, but most of the top universities ask for a score of at least 7. Pupils should already have a very good level of English (Advanced: Council of Europe Level C1 or C2) before beginning the IELTS course. We also provide curriculum support with AS and A2 level subjects, as required.

In 2010-11, twenty-nine of our Upper and Lower Sixth form pupils sat IELTS. 83% of these had an overall score of 7 or above, and 24% of these pupils achieved a score of 8 (compared to only 10% of pupils worldwide achieving this score). Our pupils' average score was 7.34. EAL pupils in recent years have gone on to study at prestigious universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, KCL, LSE, Imperial College, Bath, Warwick, Bristol and Durham.

What the pupils said:

"I enjoyed having lively lessons."
"EAL helped me directly with what I was doing in English Literature poetry."
"I really enjoyed the EAL lessons I had this year."
"The improvement is huge!"
"EAL helped me go through my science notes."
"It helped me do my essays for all subjects."
"It is fun in discussions in class."
"I learnt more writing skills so it is easier to write articles."
"EAL makes me feel more confident in speaking."
"The improvement in English is helpful in any subject."
"EAL helps to deal with Economics and Business Studies essay writing."
"EAL has been my favourite lesson in Brighton College! Thank you very much!"