EAL Support
English as an Additional
Language (EAL)
The purpose of our EAL program is to ensure that all students are receiving the appropriate instruction and support they need to be successful in school.
The EAL program is provided for those students who are non-native speakers of English and are not able to participate fully in the academic program. Once the EAL team determines the English proficiency level, a student may receive support in a variety of ways.
Language learning is a collaborative and social process that takes place most effectively in situations where the context is authentic and meaningful. The best place for this to happen is within the mainstream classrooms. English language learners receive support and specialized instruction in English language acquisition from qualified EAL staff on a regular basis. Beginning and progressing EAL students benefit from an individualized program of language support designed to meet their academic needs, while participating in their academic classes as much as possible. Students receive direct and indirect support from EAL specialists and mainstream teachers. They also receive differentiated support within their grade level and subject area classes from their teachers, including EAL staff. This service model is consistent in both the Elementary and Secondary Schools. EAL falls under the umbrella of Student Support Services.
The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is a requirement of enrollment for all new students in Grades 1-12 who qualify for services as determined by the WIDA test. Students who receive an overall score below 4.5 will be placed in the program, and charged a one time fee of €1500.00. This fee is not recurring and they will not be charged again if they continue in the EAL program for a second year.
Elementary School
Depending on the WIDA test result, students may be chosen to take the EAL (English as an Additional Language) class in order to help them bridge the language gap and ensure better academic performance. In addition, the EAL team works with the homeroom teacher to ensure that scaffolding and differentiation strategies are put in place for these students.
In Elementary the EAL class happens at the same time as the World Languages classes, so students enrolled in EAL are not able to take a foreign language.
Middle & High School
It is important to highlight the difference between social and academic language. Whilst a student might be proficient in the use of social English (everyday social situations, both written and spoken), they might not have been exposed to academic English (the language used in class and textbooks).
In Middle School the EAL class happens at the same time as the World Languages classes, so students enrolled in EAL are not able to take a foreign language.
The EAP (English as an Academic Language) class is available for students in grades 9 and 10. This class takes place during the elective block. Therefore, students enrolled in EAP are also able to take a foreign language.
Students joining the school in grades 11 or 12 are expected to have the desired level of proficiency in English which will allow them to cope with the demands of the IB programme without language support.
