EAL (English as an additional language)

Moira House pupils enjoying lessons and days out

Moira House students visiting places of interest

The EAL department supports every student at Moira House for whom English is a second language. Our aim is to enable each student to access the curriculum and achieve her learning potential. EAL students are assessed before entry to Moira House and again on arrival in order to determine the level of support necessary.

The important skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are developed by means of direct support, usually in small groups or classes, using modern materials and course books.

Students are entered for a range of EFL examinations to enable them to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Among these are the Cambridge KET and PET, the Cambridge International IGCSE in English as a Second Language, or Trinity College Integrated Skills examinations. In the Sixth Form the main focus is on preparation for the Cambridge IELTS examination, the university entrance test.

It is recognised that EAL students could have difficulty in subjects which are heavily language based, so curriculum support is provided in some subject areas. The EAL department also offers a programme of trips and outings to enable overseas students to learn more about British culture. One of the most popular visits is a residential trip for Year 12 students in the summer term to either Bath or York.