EAL Program Introduction

For the majority of our students, English is not their first language, and we recognize that developing strong English skills takes time, encouragement, and the right kind of support. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program has been carefully designed to provide this support in a structured yet nurturing way. Our goal is to help multilingual learners build the language skills they need. 

Our Philosophy: Growth Through Support and Inclusion 

Language is more than just a subject—it is the key to understanding, expressing, and connecting. The EAL lessons are designed to bridge language gaps while reinforcing classroom content, helping students to connect their developing English with what they are learning in other subjects.  

Our approach reflects the school’s wider educational philosophy: a holistic focus on the child, combining character development, higher-order thinking, and success skills with intercultural competence. We are empowering children to access, understand, and contribute to the world around them through interdivisional events, ASA's and competitions.

Matching Support to Student Needs 

Discoverers

Building foundational skills in listening, speaking, and early literacy. 

Explorers

Can use English for everyday communication and are expanding their vocabulary and grammar. 

Explorers Plus

Ready for more complex reading and writing tasks, focusing on accuracy and academic expression. 

Achievers

Refine their fluency, comprehension, and writing structure to prepare for full integration into mainstream English Language Arts.  

Lesson Structure and Focus 

Each student attends three EAL lessons per week, in addition to their regular English Language Arts classes. These lessons are intentionally structured around three key skill areas:

Phonics and Spelling

Students learn how words work, focusing on sounds, spelling patterns, and pronunciation. This builds decoding and fluency skills necessary for reading and writing success.

Grammar and Writing

Share the core values and standards of Cambridge Model Schools to foster deeper professional exchange and future cooperation. 

Reading and Comprehension

Through guided reading and discussion, students build vocabulary, infer meaning, and develop critical thinking strategies that transfer to other subjects.

This tri-focus model allows us to give attention to the core components of language acquisition while ensuring balance and continuity with the broader curriculum.

Expected Outcomes: Building Confidence and Competence

The EAL program is not just about language—it’s about growth, confidence, and inclusion. Our expected outcomes extend beyond improving vocabulary or grammar. We aim for students to:

• Strengthen foundational language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. 
• Gain confidence to express ideas clearly in academic and social contexts. 
• Develop independence and self-awareness as learners. 
• Engage more fully in classroom discussions and group work.
• Transfer their English skills to all subject areas. 

Progress is monitored through mid-year and end-of-year assessments, teacher observations, and student reflections. When students demonstrate readiness, they move to the next learning band. This flexible model encourages growth and celebrates achievement at every stage. 

We’ve seen early signs of success: increased engagement, confidence, and collaboration in classrooms. Students are more willing to speak, read, and write independently. Teachers can tailor lessons better, and the learning environment is more inclusive.  

Looking Ahead 

As our school community continues to grow, EAL will remain a vital part of our mission. With ongoing assessment and strong family partnerships, we aim to empower globally minded learners who thrive in both English and their native languages.