Academic Studies at Millfield
Educational Support
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Individual support for overseas pupils of all levels
The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department teaches English to overseas pupils of all levels, covering reading, writing, speaking and listening and providing exceptional levels of support for pupils who do not have English as a first language.
In line with Millfield's ethos, our mission is to provide all individual pupils with the challenges and resources to achieve their very highest personal standards. We seek to enable our pupils to transfer the language they learn to the outside world, and to support them in becoming independent learners of English and other subjects.
We prepare EAL pupils for IGCSE English as a Second Language and/or IELTS examinations (see below). We also provide a programme of language support for pupils working towards their GCSE or A level examinations in specific academic subjects, with EAL staff liaising with academic Heads of Department and subject tutors on how best to support EAL pupils. Progress in academic subjects is monitored by pupils' Group Tutors and Senior Tutors, as well as the Head of EAL. We also offer guidance for university applications and help develop interview skills.
Timetabling is flexible and structured according to the needs of individuals, in liaison with Senior Tutors. All pupils are assessed on arrival for the degree of language support needed, whether that is in Year 9 or in the Lower Sixth Form. We recognise that all of our pupils are different and therefore offer flexibility to account for individual needs, learning styles and cultural backgrounds. As a result, tuition is in small classes, including some one-to-one teaching and support when necessary. There is no rigid, pre-determined syllabus. Classes focus on the general improvement of language skills, examination preparation and language support for work in other academic subject areas.
IGCSE English as a Second Language and IELTS
The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) English as a Second Language course is a two year course which is better suited for many overseas pupils than the standard GCSE in English as it has no coursework element and no bias towards literary language or specifically British cultural content. A grade C pass in this exam is sufficient to satisfy most British universities that you are able to cope with their courses. We prepare pupils for this in Year 9, at the end of which pupils sit a test which determines whether they sit IGCSE or transfer to mainstream GCSE English Language and Literature. The IGCSE programme begins in Year 10 with the exam being taken at the end of year 11. The IGCSE papers include assessments in Listening, Reading and Writing skills and a ten minute oral interview. We encourage pupils to read books and magazines from the school library whenever possible, as well as watching TV and listening to the radio, and to spend as much time talking and listening with English pupils as they can.
Sixth Form pupils study for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination. This is the English language qualification for overseas pupils applying for places in British and Australian universities. It is also recognised by an increasing number of US universities. All Lower Sixth Form pupils who have not yet gained a grade C pass at GCSE English, IGCSE or an equivalent should take the IELTS examination. It can be taken in either the Lower Sixth Form or Upper Sixth Form, depending on the individual pupil's progress. It is marked on a 9 point scale, with 1 being very poor and 9 being expert user. Most British Universities require 6-7 depending on the nature of the course being undertaken.
Welcoming overseas pupils
Alongside educational support, we have a special interest in the pastoral care of all overseas pupils and aim to help them to settle happily and smoothly into their new environment, assisting other members of staff in monitoring their welfare. To help achieve this, we run the International Student Association. The association promotes the interests of international pupils and enriches the school generally by drawing upon the cultural diversity within the student population. It provides a forum for celebration, support and discussion as well as giving the school's international pupils collective representation. The ISA has a pupil committee and is run as a Millfield Activities Programme (MAP) by EAL tutor Mrs Orton.
Our friendly, specialist EAL Staff:
Director of EAL and IGCSE Coordinator
Mr Robert Orton MA
LSC Coordinator
Mrs Katherine Butt
Year 9 EAL Coordinator
Mr Stephen Dye MA
IELTS Coordinator and International Student Association Coordinator
Mrs Shaukina Orton MSc
