EAL
For all EAL related queries, please contact Mrs Harter at eal@parkroadacademy.co.uk
What is EAL?
A pupil is recorded as having English as an additional language (EAL) if they are exposed to a language at home that is known or believed to be other than English. (Department for Education)
At Park Road Academy, 44% of our children have English as an Additional Language, and over 20 different languages are spoken across our school. We are immensely proud of the rich cultural and linguistic diversity in our community, and we see this as a strength that enhances our learning environment.
Curriculum Intent
At Park Road Academy, our intent is to create an inclusive, language-rich environment where pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL) are supported to thrive both academically and socially.
We aim to:
-
Celebrate and nurture the cultural and linguistic diversity of our school community.
-
Ensure that all EAL pupils can access the full curriculum and develop fluency in English.
-
Value the role of a pupil’s first language in supporting cognitive and linguistic development.
-
Foster independence and confidence in our EAL learners, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Curriculum Implementation
Our teaching strategies are tailored to meet the individual needs of EAL learners through a wide range of approaches and support mechanisms, including:
-
Assessment on Entry: All EAL pupils are assessed on arrival to determine their level of English proficiency. This allows us to tailor support based on individual needs.
-
Differentiated Teaching: Teachers adapt classroom activities to ensure language is both challenging and accessible, using strategies such as:
-
Activating prior learning through discussions, games, and the use of first languages.
-
Providing a rich context using visuals, diagrams, and organisers to aid understanding.
-
Making English explicit by modelling key vocabulary and structures, using tools such as colourful semantics and writing frames.
-
Promoting independence through visual timetables, peer support, and scaffolded tasks.
-
Vocabulary development using flashcards, translation activities, knowledge organisers, and pre-teaching of key terms.
-
-
Flash Academy: We use this digital platform to accelerate English acquisition. It provides:
-
Curriculum-mapped lessons and interactive challenges.
-
Support across all language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
-
Game based learning with leaderboards to boost motivation and engagement.
-
Curriculum Impact
Our EAL provision ensures that pupils make strong progress both in their English language development and across the wider curriculum. The impact of our approach is evidenced through:
-
Improved English proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
-
Increased confidence and active participation in class discussions and group work.
-
Accelerated vocabulary and grammar acquisition through targeted strategies and digital tools.
-
Independent learning skills that enable pupils to navigate tasks with growing autonomy.
-
Positive integration into the school community, supported by peer collaboration and bilingual buddy systems.
We regularly assess and review the progress of our EAL pupils using tools such as the EAL Proficiency Framework, ensuring interventions remain effective and pupils continue to thrive in all areas of school life.
What our pupils say:
"I like using Flash Academy because it's on the laptop. I have improved my spelling by practising with the Flash Academy games."
"Flash Academy is good for learning new vocabulary."
"Flash Academy is fun because you get to practise English skills in a fun way on the laptop. It's good because you can compete with your friends and see who is at the top of the leaderboard."
When to keep your child off school
Translated guidance on when to keep your child off school
Parrot Club
Pupils in KS1 and KS2 have the opportunity to join our Parrot Club. During our sessions, pupils with EAL come together to celebrate their home languages. They also strengthen their vocabulary and grammar skills through the use of discussion, team games, Flash Academy online games, bilingual books, singing, drama, craft, art, cooking, dance and music activities.
We meet on Fridays at lunch time in the Club Room.
