At Shiplake College we welcome and support pupils whose first language is not English. English as an Additional language (EAL) lessons are offered to pupils by Mrs Wallace (EAL teacher). The pupils are assessed when they arrive at the school or at the start of the academic year to determine their needs. The pupils are taught on an individual basis or in small groups and have at least one lesson per week, but most have more.
The lessons are planned to meet the individual needs of the pupils. The Year 9 pupils may need more support with oral or listening skills, but older students usually require more help with their writing and reading comprehension.
Many pupils require a recognised qualification in English for entry to a UK university and may struggle in GCSE English. Mrs Wallace prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE qualification in English as a Second Language, which is recognised for most courses at British Universities. Pupils usually take the IGCSE ESL exam in May in Year 11.
Some international pupils in Sixth Form prepare for the IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) examination for university admissions. This exam tests reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students can sit the exam at the University of Reading or in centres around the world. To best meet the needs of all learners, we also prepare some pupils for Cambridge KET, PET and First exams. EAL lessons with Mrs Wallace are paid for by parents.