Here are some general tips for EAL support staff. The focus is on providing in-class support. In particular, how do you start building that rapport and trust with subject teachers? Make the first move! Teachers are busy. Very busy. Don’t… Read More ›
eal
Targets for our new EAL department
Have you ever set up a new EAL department? If so, how did you go about establishing your targets and priorities for development? In this (very niche) post, I’ll summarize how I approached this at the start of the academic… Read More ›
Our EAL teaching and learning principles
Last term, Heads of Department (‘HoDs’) in our school were given an interesting task! We were instructed to work with our teams to devise a list of criteria for ‘what makes an outstanding [subject] lesson?’ These criteria would then help… Read More ›
Dialogue around displays
I had a great moment today that I’m banking through this blog post. Basically, I’d never really considered how much could be gained from collaborating over a wall display. Sounds random. But you know what it is like as a… Read More ›
Peer observation tasks / Walkthrus
I’m setting up a peer observation scheme in my department. Basically, it’s like this: I’ll work out how we can evaluate the process down the line – we’ve just started. But I have ideas. Anyhow, the areas for development aren’t… Read More ›
Language Learning Role Models
In our EAL space we wanted to celebrate the success of our language learners. We chose language learning ‘role models’ from Key Stage 4. These were students who have had success/overcome challenges in their English learning journey since joining the… Read More ›
Implementing the Bell Assessment Framework
We’ve introduced the Bell Assessment Framework to monitor the progress of our EAL learners. Here are some early reflections on the framework and tracking tool, including some challenges arising from its implementation. Why Bell? Adri Szlapak and I are working… Read More ›
Course review: EAL Coordinators – Organising Impactful EAL Provision
Professional development courses in EAL seem few and far between to me. That’s why I jumped at the chance to take this month-long EAL Coordinator course offered through the Bell Foundation – one of the go-to organizations for EAL CPD…. Read More ›
Reflection: Drop-in observations
Informal drop-in observations are the way forward. Well, they’re the norm in many places. But where they’re not, they should be. Why invest all that time in recruitment, have teachers go through round after round of interview, sometimes do demo… Read More ›
Back to the classroom!
My year as a freelance writer is over. I’m really looking forward to a return to the classroom next month. Here’s what I’ve been up to since last August, and a bit about what’s happening next. Freelancing I finished my… Read More ›