Making EAL Learners Feel Welcome

‘We must ensure that no child is left behind and that language barriers are not held as an accepted reason why students cannot succeed.’

Mr Lee Mallin (Principal of HAMD)

The International Corridor

Siyana: We can find our flag there and it makes me feel proud. Aleksandra: I wish we had the names of the countries underneath the flags as we sometimes don’t know which countries are represented. Roberto: I like the student interpreters’ display. I would like to be up there next year.

The International Corridor

The TLC was formally opened by Slawek Szczepanski from the Association for Polish families, Siobhain McDonagh, the MP for Mitcham and Morden and Imam Naseem Bajwa of the Amadyan Mosque.

The Language Centre (TLC)

Dayana: I come to TLC at break time or lunch time to do Rosetta Stone. I like it because it is new and very welcoming.Matteo: I always come there to do my homework. I prefer to come there rather than the library because it is quiet and I can concentrate better. Roberto: I love TLC because the teachers are really nice and they always help you.

The Language Centre (TLC)

TLC Students and Community Guests

Imam Naseem Bajwa of the Amadyan Mosque presents Principal Lee Mallin with a copy of the Koran during the TLC Grand Opening.

Language Cards

Learn a phrase or two to greet students in their home language or to write comments in their books.

‘In Afghanistan I never went to school, so when I came to Harris Academy everything was new to me. When I started school here I didn’t speak any English. All my teachers worked very hard to help me learn English quickly. In the future, I would like to be an electrician, so I am going to apply for college’ - Fazelghani Safi (Year 11).

Siyana: I would like to have an international evening when we could come with our families and show them the school.Matteo: At my previous school we had an international day when all the students had to wear their traditional/ cultural clothes (or country colours) instead of uniform. That would be great!Roberto: I would like the tester lessons in other languages. Maybe the students could teach others. Aleksandra: Some sort of art competition would be great. We could paint something that represents our traditions and customs. Dayane: We could also do some cooking and then we could invite other students to taste the traditional dishes.

Next Steps Suggested by EAL Students