The English as an Additional Language (EAL) department at Clifton College Preparatory School aims to enable new pupils to adapt to life at Clifton College, bearing in mind the variety of differing backgrounds and cultures they represent.
This involves building each pupil’s confidence through the improvement of linguistic skills and a smooth integration into the mainstream school syllabus; widening their understanding of British customs and culture; and the provision of continued pastoral and curricular support. There is a mixture of individual and small group lessons, tailored to each pupil’s needs.
Teaching
Our goal is to give each child the chance to develop all four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with a particular focus on oral communication. Pupils are grouped so as to facilitate meaningful, communicative teaching and learning. They are taught in small groups or individually, depending on their needs.
In the Lower Prep (years 4-6), EAL tends to be delivered in small groups, or as 1-1 lessons. Support is also available in class for pupils who require it; this is reviewed regularly with subject teachers and may lead to extraction from lessons, or reduction of intervention when pupils grow in confidence.
In the Upper Prep (years 7 and 8), pupils receive 3 lessons a week of EAL in a small group (current classes are between 3 and 5 pupils). Content includes grammar, vocabulary and cultural topics, aimed at broadening both skills in the English language and understanding of life in the UK and other English speaking countries. There are opportunities for pupils to learn about each others’ cultures and backgrounds too.
Why Study At Clifton College?
Clifton is home to a diverse, multinational student body. Our personalised provision aims to support pupils and enable them to access the mainstream curriculum. The fully immersive linguistic environment helps pupils quickly attain fluency and achieve their potential.
Through regular meetings with subject teachers and analysis of data and progress, we are able to identify pupils who might require additional help with a particular subject or topic: for example in the lead up to examinations. A set of targeted lessons can then be arranged to support a pupil, with a particular focus or aim.
The pastoral House system and liaison with House parents means pupils are supported holistically throughout their time at the Prep School.
