OUR EAL provision
Catering for a variety of learners, the EAL department offers support to students with varying levels of proficiency in the English Language, aiding in accessibility and promoting achievement and independence.
Our EAL Provision at The Highcrest Academy
The EAL (English as an Additional Language) department at The Highcrest Academy provides tailored support for students at varying levels of English proficiency. Our goal is to ensure every student can fully participate in lessons, achieve their potential and develop independence and confidence in English.
Our Aim
We aim to enable our EAL students to fully engage with all areas of the curriculum by:
- Developing students’ English language skills for academic and social purposes
- Supporting students to become confident, independent learners
- Helping students gain knowledge and skills that enrich their personal and future professional lives
- Assisting students in integrating into the school community
- Building confidence in the mainstream classroom environment
Our Students
The Highcrest Academy is proud to have a vibrant bilingual and multilingual student community. Some students are recent arrivals to the UK, while others have been living here for several years. Across the school, approximately 23% of students speak English as an additional language, and around 42 different languages are spoken at home, reflecting the wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds within our school.
EAL students are integrated into mainstream lessons with structured support from our specialist LSA, who provide personalised English intervention and assist with learning in all subjects. With tailored guidance and encouragement, we aim for all EAL students to make progress in line with their peers.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where every student can thrive academically, socially and personally, celebrating the rich diversity of our school community.
Celebrating Multiculturalism
We value the rich cultural diversity of our student body and celebrate the variety of languages spoken within the school. We:
- Promote appreciation of all cultures and languages
- Celebrate International Mother Tongue Day
- Encourage the use of first languages alongside developing English proficiency
- Foster strong social connections across cultural groups
In-Class Support
EAL LSAs work alongside subject teachers to help students succeed in mainstream lessons. Support may include:
- Clarifying teacher instructions
- Translating key information where necessary
- Assisting with reading, writing and comprehension
- One-to-one support for students requiring extra help in specific subjects
We also integrate technology to support language learning, with iPads available to assist with translation, definitions and independent research.
EAL Interventions
Students identified for additional support work with our EAL LSA in dedicated intervention sessions. These focus on developing:
- Vocabulary and grammar
- Spoken and written fluency
- Reading comprehension and literacy skills
- Confidence in participating in mainstream lessons
Interventions are tailored to students’ individual needs, ensuring they can engage fully with all subjects.
Bedrock Vocabulary Programme
All KS3 students, along with selected KS4 EAL students, use the Bedrock vocabulary programme to strengthen their English skills. The programme is accessible both at school and at home, allowing students to practise independently and at their own pace.
Students are encouraged to earn a minimum of 20 points per week, with higher point totals leading to faster progress. This gamified approach motivates students, helping them expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop stronger writing and literacy skills more quickly.
Literacy Support
Literacy is central to learning at The Highcrest Academy. EAL students benefit from:
- A literacy carousel in Years 7 and 8, focusing on writing and grammar
- Fortnightly library lessons across KS3 to support reading skills and explore literature from around the world.
These initiatives, alongside focused support, enable all students to make consistent progress in using English confidently in everyday and academic contexts.