English as an additional language (EAL) is a term used by the Department for Education (DfE) when referring to a pupil whose first language is other than English; the first language being the language to which the child was exposed to in early development. Children who fit within this definition may also continue to use a language other than English at home or in their community.
While EAL pupils share many common characteristics with their native English colleagues their learning experience differs due to the fact that they are learning in and through another language. In fact, as stated by the British Council, almost all EAL learners who begin primary school as an EAL learner will continue to be such throughout their education and adult life.
My name is Marilena Richards and I am a EAL coordinator at a secondary school in Leicester. I am myself an EAL learner with my mother tongue being Romanian. I am also fluent in French and Italian. I have a degree in English Language, a masters in Canadian Studies and have obtained CELTA.
The purpose of the EAL hub is to provide teachers and support staff a place to discuss and share ideas on how to best support EAL learners. I hope we find it mutually useful.