English as an additional language and Statements
A small number of pupils within Milton Abbey School learn English as a second language.
Some will be literate in other languages, some will be learning to speak English as well as to read and write in English, and others will be able to hold conversations in English but will need help to use and apply it across the curriculum. Some may not need extra provision, and others may need specific support with specialist or colloquial vocabulary. They will need strategies for accessing text and differentiated or alternative outcomes to tasks.
The Learning Support Department will support such pupils as necessary, and will support mainstream staff as appropriate by:
- Carefully planned and structured teacher talk.
- Ensuring pupils have ample opportunities to listen to well spoken, Standard English and to engage in activities before being asked to make a spoken or written response.
- Developing pupils’ spoken standard English through activities in which they are required to listen to, and engage in, extended talk, in settings where their efforts can be supported and developed (e.g. through collaborative work in small groups).
- Making links between spoken and written English which clarify explicitly the similarities and differences.
- Some pupils may be entered for the First Certificate in English examination.
- Specific E.A.L. lessons may be implemented.
The School ensures that those pupils arriving with English as an additional language will be well cared for and help and guidance will be given to ensure there is adequate access to parents and guardians by telephone and e-mail. In addition the School take pride in the fact that the Enrichment programme will include lessons which aim to educate the wider pupil population so that they develop a greater understanding of the different cultures within the school community. This is in-line with Milton Abbey’s anti-bullying policy and more specifically addresses any issues that may arise as a result of cultural bullying.
Where a pupil with a statement is registered at the school, such information as may reasonably be required for the purpose of the annual review of the statement is supplied to the responsible authority.
Pupils from overseas
The School provides support with the settling in process and throughout a pupil’s time at Milton Abbey via The Learning Support Department. There is a specialist on the staff specifically trained to deal with pupils from overseas and to make the cultural shift from one educational system to another as smooth as possible.