EAL

English as an Additional Language

The EAL department caters for and supports a number of pupils of different nationalities with their English language learning, as well as across the whole curriculum.

The aims of the department are:

• To develop and maintain the skills as set out in the Brighton College curriculum.  
• To integrate pupils culturally and socially into the school community. 
• To provide pupils with the necessary language and skills to fully access the school curriculum at GCSE, AS and A2 level.
• To give subject-specific support to pupils in their chosen  GCSE, AS and A2 subjects.
• To prepare pupils for EAL examinations such as IELTS, to facilitate university entry.

The EAL centre is a friendly, welcoming department, run by Mrs. Judith Dynes and Mr. Nat Harding, who have over 25 years of EAL teaching experience between them. Both teachers are involved in all other areas of life at Brighton College.

Pupils are taught in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Once their level and needs have been determined, pupils are expected to attend the centre for a set number of lessons per week. Pupils are also encouraged to use the facilities and resources at the EAL centre during study periods.

COURSE OF STUDY

Pupils in the fourth and fifth form follow an Upper Intermediate level English language course, focusing on the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, in addition to intensive grammar and vocabulary work. There are regular tests and an internal examination. In addition to this, the EAL department provides support with curriculum subjects. This is determined largely by pupils' needs, and ranges from helping plan and correct essays, to teaching subject-specific vocabulary to reading and discussing a text. We also work very closely with the English department to support pupils throughout their English GCSE course.

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 - and candidates are placed on a scale of 1-9 for each of these when they take the examination. University requirements vary according to establishment and course, but most ask for an average score of between 6.5 and 7. We also provide curriculum support with AS and A2 level subjects, as required.

RESULTS

Last year, over 30 of our pupils sat IELTS. 77% of these scored 7 or above, and no-one scored below 6.5. Last year's Upper Sixth EAL pupils also did extremely well in their A2 levels. Over 90% scored all As and Bs, and 40% of these pupils got all As, making a total of 50 A grades between 18 pupils.

These pupils have gone on to study at prestigious universities such as Cambridge, UCL, 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!"