ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)

As a centre of excellence, the EAL department provides experienced and specialist help for students whose first language is not English and offers students a fantastic opportunity to improve their English skills. Individual students are encouraged to develop their skills at their own pace to ensure that they feel comfortable and can benefit from all that is on offer at Clayesmore.

Coming into the Sixth Form, a student’s language skills are assessed and an individual programme will be devised for each person. Lessons are taught in small groups or on a one- to-one basis.

Throughout their time here, a student’s progress is carefully monitored and EAL staff members liaise closely with other subject teachers on a regular basis to ensure students get all the support they need. We can provide help with the specialist vocabulary and terminology of A Level and BTEC subjects and help with academic writing will be given where necessary.

The EAL Department also prepares students for internationally recognized qualifications in the Cambridge Assessment English suite of examinations for Higher Education. These qualifications are becoming increasingly important as they can help to ease visa applications, particularly for those from nonEU countries. For students hoping to go to a university in the UK, UCAS points are awarded for high grades and levels. Success at CAE/CPE (see below) will also give students access to universities in Canada, Australia and the USA. If required, we can also prepare you for IELTS.

Exams offered by the Department:

• Cambridge First Certificate (FCE)

• Cambridge Advanced (CAE)

• Cambridge Proficiency (CPE)

• International English Testing System (IELTS)

If you require any more information, please contact Lydia

Chmielewski, Head of EAL