Our EAL programme supports pupils whose first language is not English, helping them to thrive both academically and socially. While language acquisition is at the heart of what we do, we also focus on helping overseas pupils settle happily into life at Mount Kelly. This includes supporting them through any initial learning challenges, cultural adjustments, or homesickness, and promoting their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
Lessons are delivered one-to-one or in very small groups, with each pupil’s needs individually assessed. Our teaching programmes equip pupils to succeed in their GCSE or A-level studies and prepare for internationally recognised qualifications, including:
Pupils usually take EAL instead of a modern language (French or Spanish) or another subject, depending on their English level and learning needs. They have between one and four lessons per week, determined by an initial skills assessment on entry to the school.
EAL is one of four option subjects, typically timetabled as three lessons per week. Lessons often include topic-related projects that complement academic studies while broadening cultural and social understanding in English.
In the Lower Sixth, pupils have two compulsory EAL lessons each week, taught one-to-one or in very small groups. This reduces to one lesson weekly in the Upper Sixth. These sessions strengthen academic English, prepare pupils for Cambridge ESOL exams, and ensure they meet university entrance requirements, such as IELTS for British universities.
All Cambridge ESOL qualifications are internationally respected and add real value to a pupil’s academic profile when applying to universities worldwide or returning to their home country.
