EAL

The College receives a number of new pupils (around 60 each year) whose first language is not English and who arrive in London with little previous experience of education in the UK or Europe. The majority of these pupils enter Dulwich in Year 12, but there are also some boys who enter in Years 7 to 10.

Our aim is that all pupils should become increasingly independent as they move through the College, able to fulfil their academic potential both here and beyond, in whatever culture they choose to study and work. EAL support is included in the normal school fees and is not billed separately.

What we teach

Most Year 12 pupils will need to take the IELTS test as part of their university application and our EAL course therefore focuses on the skills required to achieve a high mark in this test. We expect pupils to attain a level 7 in all components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) before being able to leave EAL support. In Years 7 to 11, pupils are either seen individually or in small groups so that we can support their learning in English and other language-based subjects, as the need arises. We work on vocabulary and grammar, according to each boy’s individual needs. At the heart of our teaching is an understanding of how essential it is for pupils to improve their cultural awareness alongside their English language skills.