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Posted on June 2nd 2025
EAL - Empowering New Arrivals, One Lesson at a Time
In this article we spotlight the work of our English as an Additional Language (EAL) department, which is small in size but mighty in impact.
Led by the dedicated duo of Mrs Mustafa and Mrs Ungurianu, this two-person team delivers exceptional support to our growing number of international students.
Every day, Mrs Mustafa and Mrs Ungurianu run targeted EAL intervention classes designed to help students who are new to English, many of whom arrive throughout the school year and begin at Stage A (new to English).
To ease their transition, these students take part in six-week EAL Induction Programme, where they attend a tailored curriculum focused on English acquisition. During this time, they participate in selected mainstream lessons such as Maths, Art, PE, MFL, and Cooking, while receiving intensive language support in place of other subjects.
Once students complete the induction, they gradually integrate into more mainstream subjects like English, RE, History, and Geography. For students in Key Stage 4, the EAL team also provides guidance in selecting options that are less language-intensive, such as Cooking, Textiles, and Art, and supports them in Functional Skills English. Additionally, many students have the opportunity to take a GCSE in their home language through the Community Languages programme.
Strong sense of community
Assessment is a cornerstone of the department’s approach. Students are assessed upon arrival to determine their English proficiency, and a detailed student profile is created and shared with all staff. This ensures that every teacher is equipped to support EAL learners effectively. Staff also benefit from specialised CPD sessions focused on differentiation strategies for EAL students.
To further enhance learning, the school has invested in Learning Island, a powerful AI-driven platform that supports English learning both in school and at home. Mrs Mustafa and Mrs Ungurianu use it in their lessons, and mainstream teachers can also create tailored resources for their students. Alongside this, the EAL classroom is stocked with a wide range of engaging books and dictionaries, including the popular English File series.
But the EAL department’s impact goes far beyond academics. They foster a strong sense of community and belonging by organising cultural celebrations such as Eid and Christmas, educational trips to Parliament, and even tree-planting activities - all of which help students feel seen, valued, and connected.
The EAL department at HLAW is a shining example of what inclusive, student-centred education looks like. Their commitment, creativity, and care make a lasting difference in the lives of every student they support.
What our EAL students say...
Don’t just take our word for it - read the student testimonials below. Their voices speak volumes.
Isaac from Brazil: “The EAL department helped me improve my English by being patient and helpful. They were so kind. Now I can talk and speak English. The most helpful support I received was when I started the school because I was very shy. I remember a lesson where I felt proud because I did my first speech in English. I want others to know that the EAL department is so good and helpful.”
Isaac, do Brasil: "O departamento de EAL me ajudou a melhorar meu inglês sendo paciente e prestativo. Eles foram muito gentis. Agora eu consigo conversar e falar inglês. O apoio mais útil que recebi foi quando comecei na escola, porque eu era muito tímido. Lembro de uma aula em que me senti orgulhoso porque fiz meu primeiro discurso em inglês. Quero que outras pessoas saibam que o departamento de EAL é muito bom e prestativo."
Scarleth from Ecuador: “Now I can speak and write better in class thanks to lessons and reading support that Ms U and Ms M helped me. I really appreciated it when the EAL teacher helped me with clear instructions because sometimes it was more hard. I remember a lessons when I felt proud because Ms U and Ms M gave me encouragement and reading support because we work in small groups. I enjoy EAL lessons because I’m progressing. Teachers should understand that EAL support helps students by making students feel confident.”
Scarleth, de Ecuador: "Ahora puedo hablar y escribir mejor en clase gracias a las lecciones y al apoyo en lectura que me dieron la profesora U y la profesora M. Agradecí mucho cuando la profesora de EAL me ayudó con instrucciones claras porque a veces era más difícil. Recuerdo una clase en la que me sentí orgullosa porque la profesora U y la profesora M me dieron ánimo y apoyo en lectura, ya que trabajamos en grupos pequeños. Disfruto las clases de EAL porque estoy progresando y siempre me siento segura. Los profesores deben entender que el apoyo de EAL ayuda a los estudiantes al hacer que aprendan."
