Supporting EAL Students at Our Lady of the Visitation School

At Our Lady of the Visitation School, we recognise and celebrate the linguistic diversity of our pupils. Any student who speaks a language other than English falls under the EAL (English as an Additional Language) category, including those born in the UK. We see multilingualism as an asset and a source of pride. With over 20 different languages spoken by our students and staff, we value and share the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds within our school community.

Our Approach to Teaching EAL Students

We are committed to quality first teaching, where all class teachers carefully consider the needs of EAL pupils in their planning and instruction. Working closely with the EAL coordinator, teachers ensure that EAL students feel welcomed, valued, and supported in their English language acquisition. To enhance speaking and listening skills and reinforce learning, we incorporate games, songs, and practical activities. Pre-teaching key vocabulary related to class and literacy topics helps students build confidence and participate fully in lessons.

Celebrating Linguistic Diversity

In the summer term, we highlight our diverse community with a Cultural Day. Children and families are invited to the school to share their culture, food, music, dance, and art. Children wear the national colours of the selected country and present their own culture to others. We all share and learn from our experiences.

A Multicultural Community

We are fortunate to have a multicultural community where a variety of languages are spoken, enriching our school with global perspectives. This diversity fosters a strong sense of belonging, making Our Lady of the Visitation a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.