EAL (English as an Additional Language)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) refers to students who speak a language other than English at home and are learning English alongside other subjects.

What makes EAL special at HLAW is the diversity it brings, including different cultures, languages and perspectives that enrich our whole school community.

In Year 7, the EAL curriculum is designed to support students in developing both their English language skills and their understanding of key aspects of life and learning in the UK.

Students begin by writing their autobiographies, enabling them to build confidence in personal writing while valuing their own experiences and backgrounds. They are also introduced to British values and encouraged to reflect on how these principles apply to their everyday lives.

The EAL programme follows the themes and content of the mainstream curriculum, with a strong emphasis on academic language, subject-specific vocabulary and strategies to support full access to all areas of learning.

As part of their studies, students examine the concept of heroism through a range of inspirational texts featuring both real-life figures and fictional superheroes, helping to develop reading comprehension, critical thinking and personal development.

A significant emphasis is placed on the development of grammatical accuracy and spelling proficiency, with students engaging in systematic phonics instruction and consistently applying correct grammatical structures in their written work.