English as a Foreign Language
Pupils for whom English is not their first language will not always study the full range of subjects in the curriculum. A decision about their individual curriculum will be based on the results of the Placement Test that they sit when they first arrive in the school. As their language ability improves, their curriculum is reviewed by the Head of EFL in consultation with their tutor, Houseparent and the Deputy Head (Academic). Such decisions effectively become part of a needs analysis for each pupil, and the first principle of the EFL Department is to match teaching provision to the requirements of the individual pupil.
For each pupil the following questions are asked:
- What will the pupil need good language skills for in the future?
- Where is the pupil starting from: what is their present language level, and do they have any particular problems?
- What would the pupil like to learn (which may be different from what they need)?
- How does the pupil want to study (people have very difference preferences about how they learn)?
In some cases, foreign pupils do not receive EFL lessons either if the parents have requested this, or it is felt that they can fully access the curriculum without the support of the Department. It is always possible for these pupils to be supported by the Department should the need arise. More capable sixth form pupils are generally allocated 5 lessons a week, out of one option block, depending on their level of English, and on how many academic subjects they are studying.
When a pupil’s entry into the school has been confirmed, the school may require him or her to follow an intensive programme of English study if their level of English is considered to be weak. Following the Placement Test, the student’s score is taken into consideration when determining which subjects he or she will be capable of studying. An intensive English programme generally consists of between 8 and 12 lessons. The aim is to target students’ English in order to improve it enough to cope with the subjects that they do study.
Head of Department
Mrs J Simpkins BA, Celta, Dip TESOL
Email Mrs Simpkins
EFL teaching staff
Mrs G Murphy BA, Celta
Mr R Tickner BA, MA
Miss D Maughan BA, Celta