Recent Posts - page 5
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Some general tasks for a new EAL department
I’ve posted a bit about the process of setting up a new EAL department. I’ve mentioned target setting, establishing teaching and learning principles, quality assurance processes, long- and medium-term planning, blah blah. You can view the posts through my Teaching… Read More ›
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IGCSE ESL LinkedInLit (Volume 1)
Here’s a collection of my #LinkedInLit posts about IGCSE English as a Second Language. These are my latest ELT funnies, following on from TEFL Sniglets, Materials Writing Conversations and Crusader of Materials Writing The story of Bob and the BlackBerry… Read More ›
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EAL long-term and medium-term planning
I recently shared an example unit of work from our EAL syllabus. Here some further insight into the long-term and medium-term planning for our syllabus. We are only in the second year of setting up our provision. Year 1 was… Read More ›
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Assessment Only Route to QTS: D5 record of standards
Comment from a reader on my recent post about the Assessment Only route: Here are some general tips on compiling your D5 record of standards doc for the AO route through Sunderland, with some screenshots of mine included for reference…. Read More ›
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A unit from our EAL syllabus
At my school, we have created a bespoke English syllabus for learners on our KS3 EAL pathway. This may not sound like an ‘ideal’ model of EAL provision to you – and fair enough. Ideals are subjective – provision is… Read More ›
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Cover letters for international school jobs
How do you approach writing a cover letter/supporting statement for international school roles? Here’s what I do – I’ll explain it with some examples from previous applications… Step 1a: Research the school. Get a genuine sense for the mission, ethos… Read More ›
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Embedding EAL in-class support
When we set up our EAL department last year we started with one HoD, one EAL teacher, and two EAL support coaches. As the HoD, I teach an 80% timetable. Our teacher has a full timetable. Our coaches oversee about… Read More ›
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Another year in review
2024 vibe: PGCEi and AO QTS go-to! This year, I decided to get Qualified Teacher Status in England. It was a great decision to do this through the Uni of Sunderland – I’ve blogged about the overall experience and the… Read More ›
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Assessment Only Route to QTS: Interview Presentation
Part of the interview process for the AO Route to QTS (Sunderland) is delivering a presentation. You do this during the live interview. The presentation lasts approximately 20 minutes, and it’s recorded for moderation. During the interview you should respond… Read More ›
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EAL response to literature displays
I recently mentioned how our learners created a final display board in response to a unit on poetry. Here’s a screenshot of what our common assessment checklist looked like for the final product: I could scrutinize here – there’s room… Read More ›
Featured Categories
materials writing ›
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Beyond the coursebook for tiered EAL provision (Sequence Draft 1)
September 14, 2026
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Beyond the coursebook for tiered EAL provision (Part 5: genres, tasks, language functions)
September 2, 2026
DipTESOL tips ›
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DipTESOL Independent Research Project
August 10, 2021
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Reflections on the DipTESOL
June 29, 2021
teacher development ›
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Interlude: Beyond the coursebook for tiered EAL provision
September 1, 2026
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Beyond the coursebook for tiered EAL provision (Part 4: unit overviews)
August 28, 2026