EAL: English as an Additional Language The EAL Department exists as a language support for those pupils whose first language is a language other than English. And who, although reasonably fluent and coherent in everyday communication find themselves somewhat limited in their four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) when it comes to the academic
English required for GCSE and A level studies. There is no syllabus as such, as each pupil is assessed individually and then the support is tailored to their needs as highlighted by the assessment and feedback from their tutors and subject teachers. Internationally accepted courses based on OUP HEADWAY and English File publications are used as the foundation for most lessons. On-going assessments grade their progress until the final stage for exams that are one of the requirements for university entrance.As most universities require proof of ability to study in English to degree level, the IELTS exam is the internationally accepted university entrance qualification that the pupils for whom English is a second language prepare for. There are four IELTS modules that develop academic skills through practical listening, speaking, reading and writing lessons in the English language. The exam is designed to test at a level of 1 - 9. The grade needed depends on the individual university but most require a minimum of 6 - 6.5. As most pupils assessed here at Stowe are within the bands of 4 - 5, the course is adapted to bring them up to the required academic level and so far all our pupils have been accepted into the university of their choice, some of them attaining a very commendable grade 8. Timetabling of EAL will depend on the individual pupils' ability - they may drop another foreign language to study English as their foreign language with the EAL Department, Upper School pupils may attend in 'free' study periods as their needs dictate. When a need for EAL is highlighted by a Head of Department or Tutor it is fitted around the pupil's timetable and availability. This assistance of course requires parental approval as it does incur an extra cost, referred to in the School Extras booklet.
