English As An Additional Language (EAL): What You Should Know
English as an Additional Language (EAL) plays a crucial role in supporting international students who plan to study abroad in English-speaking environments. For students applying to UK boarding schools, mastering English is not just about meeting entry requirements or academic success—it’s about thriving socially and fully integrating into school life. EAL programmes are designed to provide tailored language support, helping students bridge the gap between their native language and English.
Share This Article
Table of Contents
What Is EAL?
EAL stands for “English As An Additional Language”. It is a specialised programme that provides targeted language support to help students who need the necessary English skills for academic success or social integration in an English-speaking environment, such as a UK boarding school. EAL goes beyond basic language instruction, by integrating language support within the broader curriculum to ensure that students can actively participate and succeed in all subjects.
How Do EAL Programmes Work At Boarding Schools?
When international students enrol at a school, their level of English proficiency will be assessed as part of the admissions process. After assessment, students who require additional language support are often placed in EAL programmes upon arrival. These programmes ensure that students can cope with the challenges of the English-medium curriculum. The specific requirements vary from school to school, but students typically have to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency to determine if they need to be placed in an EAL programme or not.
How Is English Proficiency Tested At Boarding Schools?
Before a student can be admitted, the UK boarding school will typically assess a student’s English proficiency through a combination of written and oral tests. Schools may use standardised tests such as IELTS or Cambridge English exams to evaluate language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additionally, many schools conduct their own assessments, including interviews or diagnostic tests, to better understand a student’s specific language needs and determine the appropriate level of EAL support.
How To Prepare For Your EAL Assessment?
EAL programmes are not designed to be punitive, but rather to ensure that students thrive in a new language environment. That said, students should also consider focusing on improving their overall English proficiency before applying to a school. Here are some preparation strategies you can use before taking the EAL assessment.
- Practice Tests: Taking practice tests for IELTS or Cambridge exams helps students familiarise themselves with the format and types of questions.
- Focused Language Study: Regularly working on reading comprehension, writing essays, and listening to English media helps develop well-rounded skills.
- Speaking Practice: Engaging in conversation with native or fluent English speakers to improve spoken language confidence and fluency.
Example Of An EAL Programme
At Concord College UK, Sixth Form students sitting for A Levels will be assessed for English, among other core subjects. EAL students will be assigned to an EFL course in addition to their other academic courses leading to the IELTS English exam in Year 13, which qualifies students for university.
Types Of EAL Support And Programmes
There are different ways EAL support can be provided to students:
- One-on-One Tutoring: Personalised sessions focused on the student’s specific language challenges, offering targeted help in areas like grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Small Group Sessions: EAL learners with similar proficiency levels work together in smaller classes, enabling more interactive learning and peer support.
- Integrated Learning: In this approach, EAL students attend regular subject classes but receive additional language support from EAL specialists who collaborate with subject teachers to modify lessons and assignments for language learners.
In general, it starts with an assessment of each student’s language proficiency upon arrival. The school then creates individualised learning plans based on the student’s level, age, and academic requirements. Some students may need intensive language support, while others require occasional help.
Do Students Have To Pay For EAL Programmes?
In most cases, yes. If the school deems that the student requires additional EAL support, the student or family will have to bear the cost of the duration of the course.
How Do EAL Programmes Fit Into The Overall School Curriculum?
Some schools offer separate EAL lessons during free periods or after school, allowing focused language support but potentially making the student’s schedule more intensive. In other cases, EAL is embedded within regular lessons, with specialists working alongside subject teachers to adapt materials, making language learning part of the overall curriculum. Many schools use a hybrid approach, where students begin with dedicated EAL classes and transition to regular lessons as their English improves. While EAL may initially intensify the student’s workload, it ultimately helps them by providing language support that makes academic content more understandable, reducing the impact of language barriers on learning.
Summary
Apply For A UK Boarding School - Contact Us
Join our UK Study newsletter and get helpful articles on UK study, admission tips, courses and more delivered to your inbox.
