English as an Additional Language
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Hatch End High School is a larger than average secondary school, with nearly two thirds of students whose first language is declared as not to be English. A significant number are currently classed as having Early Language Needs (over 80% of students in total are from minority ethnic groups). A large proportion of students require support, especially those who arrive with a very limited knowledge of English and those who are new to literacy as well. Gujarati and Somali are the most spoken languages, after English, in the school.
The school has been awarded the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust Cultural Diversity Quality Standard at Gold Level in the Autumn Term of 2011. It was highly recommended for its inclusive approach in all work, activities and opportunities.
The English as an Additional Language Department ethos supports, implicitly, the principles of Inclusion and Bilingualism where all students from a wide range of social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, have the right to access the curriculum and participate in all aspects of school life. We recognise that many of our students are Trilingual and we celebrate this diversity. This is fundamental in ensuring all English as an Additional Language students make the same good progress as others. All languages and cultures are valued equally. Our team works hard to inspire and challenge students of all abilities to achieve their full potential academically and to develop a strong sense of belonging to the school community.
With this in mind and with many English as an Additional Language students at an early stage of learning, the English as an Additional Language Department plays a vital role in offering a variety of support for students who speak other languages.
Support falls into the following categories:
Induction Day
English as an Additional Language students are given an initial assessment of their level of English fluency which then informs the type of support they would be given.
Beginner Provision
Students who are new to English attend an 8 week EAL induction programme. This course is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and writing skills. The focus is on developing students' ability to access their mainstream classes.
Curriculum Collaboration
The English as an Additional Language teaching staff provide advice and support on strategies and resources to all curriculum areas. This involves both the English as an Additional Language teacher and the identified subject teachers planning together to meet the needs of all the students in the class.
Language Development Option
This is a timetabled option for Year 10 students who have recently arrived in the country and are at a beginner level of English fluency. Within these lessons, work from other curriculum subjects is supported. Grammar and language is also taught with an emphasis on improving writing skills.
Exam arrangements/entitlements
In public exams, students may be entitled to extra time and a bilingual dictionary. Students, depending on their level of English Language proficiency, will also have the opportunity of gaining a Functional Skills Qualification.
Parent support and developing community links
The school values its minority communities and celebrates every culture, marking this each year with a dedicated Culture Day in the school calendar. We are proud of our strong links with EAL families and welcome volunteers from our EAL communities into school life. Information is regularly translated into other languages to make school systems and functions more accessible to parents
EAL Progress and Assessment
Targeted EAL students are regularly assessed, with progress and targets set in accordance with Bell Foundation Proficiency grades. Students' progress is also monitored in collaboration with mainstream colleagues across the curriculum
Parents' Evenings
English as an Additional Language staff attend Parents’ Evenings in order to inform parents of their child’s progress in English Language Proficiency.
Staff Contacts
For any queries, please contact the EAL Department at btarasiewicz@hatchend.harrow.org.uk