English as an Additional Language (EAL) in Merlin College
EAL classes are provided to students where English is not their native language. The aim of these classes is to provide students with support to access the curriculum and aim to reach the CEFR guidelines of a B1 level of English which enables a student to access all areas of the curriculum with this level of English. However, the overall aim for our EAL students is to ensure they feel included and welcomed into our school community here in Merlin College.
Support is offered to students on a 1:1 basis and in small group settings in our EAL classroom which has an abundance of resources for students.
On initial arrival to the school, students will sit a set of exams to establish their proficiency of English. This framework can be seen in the picture below. A second assessment is completed at the end of the year to reassess students and evaluate their learning with key targets established for the next term.
In line with the CEFR framework, students are taught on a cross curricular basis so that students can access all aspects of the Irish curriculum and enhance their language skills. This is done by using dictionaries, promoting pre teaching key words in advance of their lessons, working on their literacy skills, reading and writing etc. Mainstream teachers work alongside our EAL teacher to ensure that student’s work is differentiated for their classes.
With the help of PPLI School Library Home Language Funding Scheme, we have set up an EAL library with a series of books in the home languages of our students where we promote reading at a whole school level.