At Park Road Academy, our intent is to create an inclusive, language-rich environment where pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL) are supported to thrive both academically and socially.

We aim to:

• Celebrate and nurture the cultural and linguistic diversity of our school community.

• Ensure that all EAL pupils can access the full curriculum and develop fluency in English.

• Value the role of a pupil’s first language in supporting cognitive and linguistic development.

• Foster independence and confidence in our EAL learners, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Our teaching strategies are tailored to meet the individual needs of EAL learners through a wide range of approaches and support mechanisms, including:

• Assessment on Entry: All EAL pupils are assessed on arrival to determine their level of English proficiency. This allows us to tailor support based on individual needs.

• Differentiated Teaching: Teachers adapt classroom activities to ensure language is both challenging and accessible, using strategies such as:

  • Activating prior learning through discussions, games, and the use of first languages.

  • Providing a rich context using visuals, diagrams, and organisers to aid understanding.

  • Making English explicit by modelling key vocabulary and structures, using tools such as colourful semantics and writing frames.

  • Promoting independence through visual timetables, peer support, and scaffolded tasks.

  • Vocabulary development using flashcards, translation activities, knowledge organisers, and pre-teaching of key terms.

• Flash Academy: We use this digital platform to accelerate English acquisition. It provides:

  • Curriculum-mapped lessons and interactive challenges.

  • Support across all language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

  • Game based learning with leaderboards to boost motivation and engagement.

Our EAL provision ensures that pupils make strong progress both in their English language development and across the wider curriculum. The impact of our approach is evidenced through:

• Improved English proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

• Increased confidence and active participation in class discussions and group work.

• Accelerated vocabulary and grammar acquisition through targeted strategies and digital tools.

• Independent learning skills that enable pupils to navigate tasks with growing autonomy.

• Positive integration into the school community, supported by peer collaboration and bilingual buddy systems.

We regularly assess and review the progress of our EAL pupils using tools such as the EAL Proficiency Framework, ensuring interventions remain effective and pupils continue to thrive in all areas of school life.