English as an Additional Language

If you are an International Student and English is not your first language, you will receive the very best support and tuition from our dedicated EAL Team. We recognise that students all have different needs, ranging from their cultural backgrounds through to their learning expectations, especially when discovering a new language.

On arrival, every student undertakes an assessment to determine their current level of English to understand their strengths and weaknesses and provide the best possible support and teaching based on the individual’s needs.

Our EAL programme is provided for all senior students (Year 7-13) in a department with first class books and facilities required for more personalised sessions both individually and in groups, whether it be in speaking, reading or writing. Our main textbook is based around the Cambridge Assessment: English preparation course they are following, with supplemental material when needed.

Ratcliffe College is a Cambridge Assessment: English Examination Centre. All students have the opportunity to gain global English qualifications right on their doorstep.

Within EAL lessons our specialist teachers support students in multiple subjects across the curriculum. The key aim in these lessons is to develop student’s literacy and language skills to use in everyday life and pass their English GCSE. Most students achieve this goal, with some also completing the English Literature GCSE and even taking English Literature at A Level

Examinations

We ensure that all students do preparation for the Cambridge Assessment: English series of examinations and IELTS. Click on the links below to find out more:

Years 7-9: Preliminary English Test

Year 10: First Certificate English

Year 11: Cambridge Advanced English

Year 12: IELTS

Year 13: Cambridge Proficiency English

Staff

Mrs Michelle Reeves – EAL Co-ordinator