Assessment of English Language Level
When students first apply to PBIS, they take an English entrance test. They are then placed in a year group and classes that are appropriate to their level of English.
If your child has studied in an English-based learning environment in the past and has attained the level needed for his or her age group, or if they are an English native speaker, they will join mainstream lessons straight away.
EAL – Forms of Support
EAL support is provided for students from different language backgrounds who have limited or no experience of using English as a means for learning.
EAL lessons allow students to participate and succeed within the mainstream curriculum, and develop their reading, writing, listening, speaking and study skills. Support is also given for homework and class assessments across the different subject areas (specifically for history, science and geography – the most language-based subjects), and assistance in preparation for quizzes, tests and exams.
The following EAL support programmes are offered at the Secondary School:
Full EAL - an intensive immersion programme - 14 English lessons, three Maths, three Science, two Geography, two History, two PE, one Art, one Music, one Drama, one ICT.
EAL [seven - eight lessons] + Mainstream (all other subjects) - four English lessons per week that focus on language plus three - four lessons in place of both foreign languages offered at KS3.
EAL [six lessons] + Mainstream (all other subjects) - four English lessons per week that focus on language plus two lessons in place of either French or German.
EAL [four lessons] + Mainstream (all other subjects) - four English lessons per week that focus on language.
If a student begins in Full EAL, they normally remain in the programme for up to one year. Besides English, students will study maths, science, art, music, PE, ICT, drama, history and geography. Students are tested in December, March and June. If the student has made enough progress, they will move into mainstream lessons.
Modern Foreign Languages and EAL Students
Students initially focus on English learning in place of other foreign languages. However, we offer the option to learn at least one foreign language once the student is confident in English. French, German and Spanish are available for all students in Key Stage 3.