English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The EAL department teach and guide international students through their external examinations - I ELTS, English GCSE and IGCSE.
All overseas pupils who do not have English as a first language can be supported by the EAL department to further develop their English language skills.
This support includes:
- Small group or one-to-one tuition.
- Examination preparation in IGCSE, English GCSE and IELTS.
- EAL Club. A weekly club for International students who can just come for a chat, get help with their work, practise their English and make friends.
The EAL department offers a flexible approach that is structured around individual needs and circumstances. Classes focus on enhancing language skills, exam preparation and additional language support for specific subjects to ensure that pupils succeed in their studies and are able to go on to English-speaking universities if they so wish.
Parents, pupils and/or members of staff may request help at any time. This support may be short term to meet a certain need - e.g. 6 lessons to brush up on interview technique or longer term and the department works with the student, parent and tutor on a flexible basis.
The EAL department offers optional, but highly recommended, English for Specific Purposes sessions for all international students in the Sixth form. The idea of these sessions is to familiarise students with ideas, terminology and concepts that are common in the English language and in Great Britain, and which, for all AS and A2 students are crucial. The sessions will be particularly useful for those students studying Business Studies and Economics.
** IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS measures the ability to communicate in English across the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Universities use it as an indicator of students' academic study skills and top universities are likely to demand a score of 7 in every skill. The test is taken in May during the pupils' first year in the Sixth Form.
Quick Links: International Students