EAL Department
At Lostock High School, English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is dedicated to supporting students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Many of our students join us at different points during the academic year, arriving with varying levels of English proficiency, academic knowledge, and life experiences. Some may also bring challenges related to trauma or displacement. Our inclusive and supportive approach ensures that all students are given the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally.
For beginners with little or no English, we provide a robust range of interventions, including phonics support, ESOL tutoring, and tailored sessions that develop key areas of language proficiency—speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and reading inference. These students also attend core subjects with additional assistance, supported by our bilingual teaching assistants who provide group interventions and in-class support to bridge language gaps and help students succeed.
Intermediate learners, who are more proficient in English, experience fewer withdrawals and benefit from our bilingual teaching assistants’ guidance within the classroom. We also encourage students to strengthen their multilingual skills by sitting GCSE exams in their mother tongues, helping them gain additional qualifications and celebrating their linguistic heritage. At Key Stage 4, students who join us too late to catch up on coursework are offered the Cambridge IGCSE in English as an Additional Language, providing them with a tailored pathway to success.
To further support our EAL students, we offer lunchtime and break-time clubs where they can build confidence, improve their English, and form friendships in a safe and welcoming environment. Our reading buddies program during form time pairs new arrivals with empathetic, bilingual peers who help them improve their reading and inference skills. These mentoring relationships empower both new and bilingual students, fostering pride in their cultural identities and strengthening their sense of belonging.
One of the highlights of our EAL provision is our annual Culture Day. This vibrant celebration showcases the diversity and inclusion that enrich our school. Students and staff enjoy henna art, face painting, music, dance, drumming, and international food tasting, with many wearing traditional cultural attire. This event deepens understanding, fosters acceptance, and celebrates the contributions of all members of our community.
Our EAL department is housed in a large, welcoming space designed to make students feel at home. With its bright and inviting atmosphere, kitchen facilities, and private outdoor area, the EAL room provides a supportive and inclusive hub for learning, socializing, and building a sense of community.
At Lostock High school , we are proud of our strong and dynamic EAL provision, which not only supports academic achievement but also nurtures the confidence, cultural identity, and integration of every student. Through tailored support and a celebration of diversity, we empower our students to become confident, valued members of our school community.
