English as an Additional Language (EAL) - Junior School
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
At Key Stage 1, newly arrived pupils with little or no prior experience of English join their mainstream class straight away. They are quickly integrated into daily classroom life and exposed to English in a natural and supportive setting. Class teachers, working closely with teaching assistants, create an inclusive learning environment and adapt the curriculum using strategies specifically designed to support language development.
Young children are encouraged to interact and build friendships through structured group activities and games. These activities often involve classmates who are fluent English speakers and serve as positive role models for language use.
In addition to support within the classroom, targeted intervention sessions are provided for small groups of pupils who require more focused language development. These sessions are designed to boost key English skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, and are delivered in a supportive environment to build confidence and communication.
they can grow in confidence and strive for their full potential.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6)
In Key Stage 2, pupils who have limited or no English may begin in a dedicated language support class, where they follow an intensive English programme. This support is designed to help them develop the level of academic English needed to access the full curriculum in their mainstream class.
Before joining the programme, parents are invited to a meeting to share important information about the pupil’s language background and previous education. If required, the pupil’s English level is assessed to identify their individual learning needs and determine the most suitable type of support. Full details of this process are outlined in the school's EAL policy, which explains how pupils are gradually integrated over their first months at St Lawrence College.
EAL groups are offered for both Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3–4) and Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5–6). These may take the form of either a full-time intensive programme or targeted sessions focused on developing skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Activities are closely linked to the wider curriculum, ensuring that pupils are well prepared for their transition into the mainstream classroom.
EAL pupils are encouraged to take part in mainstream lessons in subjects such as PE, art, music and computing from the start, regardless of their English proficiency. This allows them to mix with peers, develop social language and gain confidence in using English in different contexts.
As pupils become more confident and their English improves, they gradually join mainstream classes for other subjects such as maths and science. There is no fixed timetable for this transition, and no undue pressure is placed on the pupils.
In their second year at St Lawrence College, pupils who have joined mainstream classes but are still developing their English skills may continue to receive some EAL support. In such cases, it may be considered appropriate for them not to take on an additional Modern Foreign Language (MFL) (e.g., French, Spanish), so they can focus fully on strengthening their English.
An EAL classrooms provide a nurturing, safe and encouraging environment. It aims to give every child a positive learning experience and a strong foundation from which they can grow in confidence and strive for their full potential.
An EAL teacher plays a key role in helping pupils become more independent and self-assured as they adjust to their new school and life in an English-speaking environment.
