EAL (English as an Additional Language)

Languages without barriers

At CBSC we welcome diversity. Over 45 languages are spoken by our 266 EAL students and staff combined, a statistic we are very proud of! Being a student with English as an Additional Language (EAL) implies that English may be the second or third language spoken in his environment.

Numerous challenges await EAL students, especially those arriving from another country with little or no English; it can be very daunting surrounded by an alien culture, unfamiliar faces and lessons in a foreign language.

At CBSC, we do everything possible to help our EAL students to turn these challenges into opportunities through our tight support network. First, we tailor-make personalised timetables to suit the needs of the students. A new EAL student may, for example, be removed from particular subjects for a short period of time or supported in lessons using differentiated resources with the same objectives, so there is no long term isolation.   We pair up our new EAL boys with a friendly face; peers, whether they speak the same language or not, usually embrace the differences and keep an eye on ensuring the new student gets to the right lesson without getting lost in the labyrinth of busy corridors. Joining clubs (especially sports and drama) and being selected for competitions representing CBSC have also been extremely successful to increase confidence and accelerate integration within the school community. Finally, Tutors, Support Staff and Learning Co-ordinators also provide constancy, track progress, ensure wellbeing and help develop a vital link with engaged and supportive guardians, carers and parents who wholeheartedly participate to the steep learning curve and long journey ahead of assimilation. Please click here and then click on 'S24 - EAL (English as an Additional Language)'  for our EAL policy.

Here are some of the comments that our Lithuanian, Mandarin and Vietnamese students have shared with us their impressions of their experience at Carshalton Boys:

  • “Two years ago, I was nervous and felt like a new-born, having to relearn everything. Since winning the Basketball Surrey Cup, I have been able to train as basketball referee and table official which has given me a lot of confidence and a possible career path. I would like to thank the student whose shadow I followed for three days now my English is a lot better.

The best thing about being selected to attend the Kingston University Saturday Engineering club is  be able to participate to these activities whilst in secondary schools, allowing students from around the country to gain a broader vision or experience in courses they may or may not want to pursue.

  • I am sure that I will miss you a lot because you were helping me when I didn’t know how to do the work and you were helping me learn more English vocabulary. I was very happy when I was at the school and to have met you. Thank you.

Here are some of our Pakistani, Turkish and Greek parents’ testimonies:

  • “Just a word of thanks for coming to the Big Iftar on 25th May at Baitul Futuh in Morden and breaking the fast with us. I hope you enjoyed yourself and that you learned a little more about Islam, Ramadhan and how Muslims live their lives. There is a great deal of misunderstanding about Islam and this was our small contribution to help build a better understanding.  If we can assist you in any way, do not hesitate to contact us.”
  • Our twin sons love coming to school and trust you. They see it as a haven where they can talk freely. Therefore, we are so happy.
  • “Dear All, thank you for your help and support to our son. As a family, we are grateful. Your contribution to his progress is enormous. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us. As parents, we are trying to grow an independent and responsible person and citizen.”

CBSC WE BELIEVE IN TURKISH