ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)


ENGLISH AS AN ADDTIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)

 

 In 2021 Baden Powell College’s enrolments consist of students who were born in 34 different countries and speak 52 different languages. We have students of more than 20 different religions.

 

Students are considered to speak English as an Additional Language (EAL) if a language other than English is the main language spoken at home. Many of our students have one or more parents or caregiver who speak a language other than English at home.

  • 695 students have one or both parents who speak a language other than English at home.
  • 444 students do not speak English at home

 

The top 10 languages other than English spoken at home are:

  • Punjabi
  • Arabic
  • Urdu
  • Hindi
  • Dinka
  • Samoan
  • Somali
  • Telugu
  • Tamil
  • Gujarati
THE TEAM

 

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Team work across both campuses and consist of one teacher and three Multicultural Education Aides.  We support our students’ English learning through intensive English language sessions designed to enhance reading, writing and speaking and listening skills. We run culturally inclusive events and programs, celebrating the diversity of our school community.

 

Some of our recent programs include:

  • Library of Languages (bi-lingual books for all to borrow and enjoy) and Translation Workshops
  • Information Sessions for EAL families
  • Cultural Celebrations calendar
  • Family Learning Homework Club for prep-2 EAL students and their families
  • Annual Harmony Day celebrations
  • Annual Refugee Week learning opportunities and celebrations
  • Annual ‘Around the World with Food’ Calendar (with Food Tech department)

     

    ** At Baden Powell College, families can speak to an interpreter in their language when calling the college. Interpreters can also be made available for any online, telephone or onsite parent teacher meetings.

 

Acknowledgments & Partnerships

 

We work together with a number of community organisations in the cultural and linguistically diverse field, providing our students and teachers with resources within and beyond the school context.