EAL at Langley

EAL students come from diverse linguistic, cultural and educational backgrounds. Some may have a solid foundation in English, while others may be relative beginners. We recognise this and build our programmes to suit. We know that some of our pupils come from countries with a well-established and structured education system, and that families are looking for a school that can develop all their child’s talents whilst exposing them to a top-class English education. Others arrive at Langley because of a talent in a particular area and need some support to accelerate their English language skills. Both are welcome here. Our EAL pupils are no different from pupils across the school in many ways; each child comes to us with unique needs and experiences and our job is to recognise and nurture those talents. Our school is diverse, and our EAL programme caters for this diversity. Unlike many boarding schools, Langley takes a firm approach to integration. Our boarders and international students are fully integrated into the life of the school. We do not have nor do we encourage a ‘school within a school’ approach. Our research with families demonstrates clearly that the full school experience is a priority, equipping pupils for the next stage in their life where work and university are equally diverse.

Effective EAL instruction is not the same as traditional English language teaching. EAL teaching requires tailored teaching strategies that integrate language development with subject content. Our experts employ various methods, such as visual aids, peer support and differentiated instruction, to help EAL students understand complex concepts and vocabulary. Emphasising speaking, listening, reading and writing skills simultaneously, Langley’s EAL Team ensures students are prepared to engage fully in all aspects of school life.

One of the core goals of EAL programmes is to accelerate the ability of the pupil or student to participate in mainstream lessons. We aim to include pupils in as much of the curriculum as possible, as early as practically possible. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where language diversity is seen as an asset rather than as a barrier. We review progress frequently, and any support intervention needed is delivered as quickly as possible to ensure that the pupil’s confidence remains high.

Support for EAL students extends beyond the classroom. We provide additional support, such as one-on-one sessions, help with homework, and access to language learning systems and apps that support learning.

Assessment in EAL education isn’t all about exams and tests, though we do monitor progress regularly. Our team is both a supportive ear and a supportive voice, advocating for our pupils across the school to make sure they have the support they need. Regular monitoring and feedback help make sure that our pupils progress at a solid pace. Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, means a lot to our pupils, and we make sure that we notice and acknowledge their achievements. Our success with EAL students is demonstrated by many exceptional GCSE and A Level performances in students’ second languages.

The benefits of EAL programmes extend far beyond language acquisition. They help build a more inclusive school environment where all cultures and languages are respected and valued. Students learn empathy, cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate across linguistic and cultural boundaries – skills that are increasingly important in a globalised world.