Intent
At Grace Academy Darlaston, we are proud of our richly diverse school community. We recognise and celebrate the many languages, cultures, and experiences our students bring to the Academy. We view linguistic diversity as a strength, and we firmly believe that having English as an Additional Language (EAL) is an advantage.
Our EAL learners are valued members of our community and make a positive contribution to Academy life. We actively encourage students to maintain and develop their home language, understanding that bilingualism and multilingualism promote cognitive flexibility, strengthen identity, and enrich learning.
The aim of our EAL provision is to ensure that all students, regardless of their linguistic starting point, have full access to the curriculum, achieve their potential, and develop the confidence to express themselves fluently and effectively in English.
Implementation
How do we support learning?
At Grace Academy, language development is a shared responsibility. All teachers are teachers of EAL, and Quality First Teaching is at the heart of our provision. Teachers adapt lessons to meet the linguistic needs of students and are supported by our established EAL Department, which provides guidance, training, and classroom strategies.
Upon entry, every EAL student undertakes an initial language proficiency assessment to determine their level of English. This informs individual support plans and helps teachers tailor their classroom practice.
What does EAL provision look like at Grace Academy Darlaston?
Our provision is adapted to the needs of individual learners. Support may include:
- In-class assistance from our EAL lead
- Individual learning plans for learners in their beginning and intermediary stage of English
- Targeted interventions focusing on academic English, literacy, and subject-specific language for newly arrived students
- Peer mentoring and buddy systems for new arrivals.
- Use of bilingual dictionaries and resources
- Opportunities to celebrate languages and cultures through events, assemblies, and curriculum links.
The EAL Department works in partnership with subject staff to ensure that language development is embedded across all learning areas, fostering independence and confidence.
New Arrivals and Induction
Starting a new school—especially in a new country—can be a challenging experience. We provide a comprehensive induction programme to help new arrivals settle quickly and feel part of the Grace Academy community.
This includes:
- A welcome meeting with staff and families to gather background and academic information.
- The EAL leader will conduct an Initial baseline assessment of English proficiency.
- A buddy system to support social integration and language use.
Our priority is to ensure that every new student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn from their very first day.
Assessment and Tracking of Language Development
Student progress in English is tracked twice a year using The Bell Foundation Assessment Framework, a nationally recognised framework. These assessments measure development in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Termly reviews inform planning, lessons’ adaptations and next steps in support. The EAL register is continuously updated to reflect progress, ensuring that provision evolves alongside student needs.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Grace Academy Darlaston is a fully inclusive school where every student is valued. We ensure that all EAL learners have equal access to the curriculum, enrichment opportunities, and wider school life.
Displays, resources, and communications celebrate our community’s languages and cultures, reinforcing a sense of belonging. We also support community languages. We offer the opportunity for our EAL students to undergo a GCSE exam in their home language, whenever possible. Students are encouraged to use their home language as a learning resource and as a bridge to mastering English.
Working with Families and the Wider Community
We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. We work closely with parents and carers to share progress, offer guidance on supporting English language development at home, and celebrate achievements together.
We have successfully hosted EAL Coffee Mornings in the past and wish do so in the future. These community events provide opportunities for families to meet staff, access information, and build connections within our diverse school community.
The Academy also collaborates with external agencies, local authority services, and community organisations to ensure that EAL students receive the best possible support to thrive both in school and beyond.
Impact
Through our inclusive and dynamic approach to EAL provision, students at Grace Academy Darlaston:
- Make rapid progress in English language acquisition.
- Access the full curriculum with increasing independence.
- Develop strong communication skills, academic confidence, and cultural awareness.
- Contribute positively to our vibrant, multicultural school community.
Our goal is that every student, regardless of linguistic background, leaves Grace Academy equipped with the language skills, self-belief, and ambition to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.
