English as an Additional Language

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) department provides a supportive environment for students new to the UK. By celebrating cultural diversity and offering personalised learning tracks, the school ensures that language barriers do not prevent students from integrating into our school community.

Support for your Learning

All Year 7 students complete Dyslexia and Dyscalculia testing when they arrive at Cecil Jones Academy. EAL students undergo additional assessments in listening, speaking, reading, and writing at the Languages Centre to ascertain their level of written English, the results are mapped against DFE codes (A through E) to determine the level of support needed.

The induction of EAL students at Cecil Jones is highly personalised and depends upon what the pupil needs. All students who are assessed at Category A receive 1 hour a day of 1:1 tuition, initially for a two week period. This is to establish a foundation in the English language and assist pupils learning British culture and the education system.

Work in the Languages Centre focuses on 5 key aims:-

• A structured learning environment
• A personalised approach to induction and integration
• A model for monitoring and mapping progress prior to language acquisition and beyond
• A resource base and teaching area with opportunities for independence
• A social and information centre for students, family and community.

The Languages Centre (which is found in the SEND Department area) is open to students before the start of the school day and it is a social venue at both break and lunch times. Learning support assistants are available after school to help students with any homework or any other concerns they may have.

Working with Students
We work with students in a variety of ways. We work with them individually, or in small groups, to provide additional language support. This is usually in the form of grammar and vocabulary support and takes place in the Languages Centre. The four skills assessed, using the Bell Foundation Assessment, are listening, speaking, reading and writing. We also provide in-class support for students to help them access the curriculum, alongside their peers, in subject lessons taught by specialist subject teachers.

Homework Club
Homework club is run in the SEND Department every lunch time and after the school day, from 3.10pm until 3.30pm. 

Break time and Lunch time
Break time and lunch time in the Languages Centre provides an excellent opportunity for students to get together, in a relaxed environment, for some supervised, practical English-speaking sessions. We have two rooms open for socialising, our quiet room which is primarily used for completing homework and our games room which is primarily an area to socialise.

Working with Parents
We can provide language support for you if, for example, you need to contact the office if your child is unwell or needs to leave early for a medical/dental appointment etc. Please call Reception and ask to speak with a member of the EAL team.