English as an Additional Language (EAL) refers to students whose first language is not English. When we are looking at the EAL provision we are putting into place within schools we must be mindful that EAL learners will be at different stages of English language acquisition, students can range from complete beginners to advanced bilingual.

Another thing to consider when implementing EAL provision is that students coming from overseas will have different educational experiences in their first language, students will be working at different levels of ability in their first language and therefore the ability of an EAL student cannot be assumed based on their English Language ability.

What the data tells us

The percentage of pupils in English primary and secondary schools who were recorded as EAL was 16.2% in 2013 (Education Endowment Foundation, 2013), this number is continuing to rise. The proportion of students recorded as EAL varies widely across the English regions, ranging from 6% in the South West and North East of England to 56% in inner London 2013 (Education Endowment Foundation, 2013). With this data in mind we need to think about how we are meeting the needs of EAL students in our classrooms and what ways are best to supporting the learning of these students.

What you can do to support EAL students

Use visual Learning

The use of images to support students learning is a simple way to increase the vocabulary of students, this could be using images on your PowerPoints, labelling items around the room or providing picture cards for students.

Let students use their first language

If another student speaks the same language, allow the students to sit next to each other, they will be able to discuss ideas and build confidence through this. You can also use aids such as dictionaries and Google translate, but do not let students rely on these aids.

Provide clear instructions and non-verbal prompts

Providing clear, short instructions will help students understand some of the words and will help them to understand sentence structure. Whilst doing this you can provide non verbal prompts for example if you say “I want you to write a story” use a non-verbal prompt that helps the student understand they need to be writing.

Provide 1:1 support

As an EAL student it may be intimidating to speak in front of the whole class, by going to the student to check understanding will help you build a relationship so they know you are there to help and support them. For a student who is new to English you may want to ask closed questions and eventually you can progress to higher order questions such as “how does…?” “What would happen if…?”

Provide additional resources

These can include word banks with different types of language e.g. personal language, questions, everyday verbs, everyday nouns, assertions and proportions. You can also prepare key words supported by visuals for students to take home to look at with parents and create displays to reinforce key words. You can involve the students when making these resources.

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