English as an Additional Language

Engaging lessons to help you confidently communicate in both written and spoken English

Our teaching philosophy is based on the communicative approach and we are here to assist you on this language-learning journey from BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills) to CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency), while providing you with the necessary ‘tool kit’ to access the curriculum and fulfil your potential.

With small classes and dedicated staff, we are well resourced to help international students of all language abilities. We also understand the importance of community and all EAL (English as an Additional Language) students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, clubs, excursions and EAL cultural visits.

EAL Provision

Lower School EAL Provision (Years 7 – 9)

EAL lessons will normally take place instead of a Modern Foreign Language during 2 – 3 periods of 35 minutes per week. Students will be able to work towards one of the internationally recognised Cambridge tests e.g. A2 Key For Schools, B1 Preliminary For Schools, B2 First For Schools

Senior School EAL Provision (Years 10 – 11)

EAL is timetabled as a core subject and will be taught over 4 periods of 35 minutes per week. Students will normally be prepared for the Cambridge B2 First Test and in addition, will have the opportunity to sit the Cambridge IGCSE in English as a Second Language (B2 Level +) Syllabus 0991 which is especially tailored to meet the needs of the international learner as it focuses on all four language skills i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing; there is no course work element and it is not reliant on a knowledge of British culture or literature.

Sixth Form Foundation Year EAL Provision (SFFY)

This programme allows students from outside the UK to complete IGCSE courses in one year and then proceed to study A Levels or the IB in the UK. Depending on their age and level of English, students can take up to 6 IGCSE subjects in a year. The Cambridge IGCSE in English as a Second Language (B2 Level +) Syllabus 0991 will be taught over 8 periods of 35 minutes per week.

Sixth Form EAL Provision (Years 12 – 13)

Those students who hope to enter UK Higher Education will follow the IELTS course of 3 periods of 35 minutes per week in Year 12 and will sit the test at The University of Cardiff. This is a diagnostic test of Academic English and is also recognised by Australian universities and many in the US.

Individual bespoke lessons can be arranged for specific A Level subject support, if required and/or assistance with UCAS applications.

Useful Downloads

What is the IELTS – PDF Download

EAL Levels (CEFR) and ‘CAN DO’ statements – PDF Download

A2 Key For Schools – PDF Download

B1 Preliminary For Schools – PDF Download

B2 First For Schools – PDF Download

Useful Websites

General sites

www.learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org – key vocabulary exercises, games, stories and songs for under 12s or English Beginners A1/A2
learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org – skills-based exercises, competitions, games, videos, grammar, vocabulary and cultural information for teenagers – level B1/B2
www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish – excellent site for B1/B2 + learners – grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, spoken English exercises, news items and drama
www.esl-lounge.com/student/index.php
www.eslgold.com
www.theenglishspace.com
www.myenglishpages.com – a wide range of exercises including songs, jokes, quotations and resources on well-known literary texts
www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/6-minute-english – good for B2+ learners (IGCSE & Cambridge First for Schools)
www.eslcafe.com – see ‘Stuff for students’
www.eslpartyland.com/students/inter.htm – topics and song lyrics
www.childrenslibrary.org – online digital versions of a variety of books across many languages
www.tedpower.co.uk – very helpful for pronunciation and some areas of grammar
www.bbc.co.uk/education/levels/z4kw2hv – revision and exercises for English and other subjects for Key Stage 3 Years 7- 9
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english – useful material and exercises for both English Language and Literature GCSE / IGCSE courses
www.bbc.co.uk/education/levels/z98jmp3 – material and exercises for all GCSE subjects
www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english – exercises and games linked to reading, writing, speaking, listening, word and sentence grammar and spelling
www.elihinkel.org/tips/tenses.htm – an animated tenses timeline
www.englisch-hilfen.de/en – grammar & tenses exercises, games, work sheets for all levels

IELTS

takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/free-practice-tests – examination provider’s site
takeielts.britishcouncil.org – as above
www.dcielts.com – a superb site for examination practice, topic vocabulary, academic word list (AWL), advanced grammar, idioms, collocations etc.
www.ieltsbuddy.com – similar to above
www.futurelearn.com/courses/cambridge-english-ielts
www.ted.com/talks – 2000+ talks of 18 minutes or less on a wide variety of topics. Excellent listening practice for advanced students who wish to expand their knowledge of current affairs or gain a more in-depth understanding of specific subjects.
www.thetimes.co.uk www.theguardian.com www.telegraph.co.uk www.independent.co.uk – useful daily newspaper websites

Testimonials

Ally – Y12 Permanent student from Hong Kong

‘My past 4 years at MG has been an extraordinary experience. I was always given opportunities to explore where my strengths lay and was encouraged to push my limits while being accompanied by supportive teachers and strong friendships.

Being a boarder in MG means that you are a part of a huge, friendly and family-like community where you are constantly surrounded by joy and laughter. With the wide range of diversity within the boarding houses, you could easily make friends from all around the world.

As international students, we receive EAL lessons regularly alongside the curriculum to develop the essential skills needed in order to confidently use English in exams and as well as in daily life. This makes integrating into lessons easier than ever.

Studying abroad was initially quite intimidating but this thought was gradually dismissed after my first few weeks at MG where I quickly established this place to be my ‘home away from home’.’

Clara – Y8 Temporary student from Germany

‘My English definitely improved a lot. At the start I couldn’t really talk to anyone and now I am able to have conversations with other people without really having to think about most of the words.

I can also read books in English and I am also in the top set for English and got better at writing essays.

I would definitely recommend Monmouth School for Girls to other international students because this year was amazing. I loved everything in this school and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.’