English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The EAL (English as an Additional Language) Department’s primary role is to provide the necessary English support to help students with a low level of English integrate quickly and easily into an English language environment. The British School of Bucharest has a team of professionally qualified, experienced EAL teachers to ensure that our students receive all the English support they need to enjoy their time with us and achieve highly in their studies and development.

We assess all new students to determine their level of English. Students identified as needing support will be offered EAL lessons in small groups within the regular student timetable and usually come to EAL lessons instead of MFL and sometimes Humanities lessons.

Our comprehensive assistance can include group lessons, after-school clubs or one-to-one support. In their classes, students receive help with the language of their academic subjects and study English grammar and vocabulary. Many students take the Cambridge KET and PET examinations recognised worldwide as qualifications in English as a Second Language.

In addition to EAL lessons, our students attend ESL (English as a Second Language) courses in Key Stage 3 and IGCSE. These lessons run parallel to English as a First Language lesson, and our Year 11 students sit the IGCSE English as a Second Language examination. At Key Stage 5, students have the opportunity to prepare for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination, which is required by several universities.

Curriculum

EAL at Key Stage 3 and above (age 11 to 18)

Students receive individual subject support as well as assistance with the English language. A KS3 Cambridge EAL stream is in operation across the school, where students are prepared in essential language content for the Cambridge curriculum and which can form a foundation for progression to the English as a Second Language course at IGCSE level. They are prepared for and have the option of taking the University of Cambridge KET (Key English Test) and PET (Preliminary English Test) examinations at the British Council in Bucharest, which results in a recognised qualification in English. Students generally return to full-time lessons after passing PET, although in-class support continues to be offered when necessary.

We offer support for students throughout the school where it is necessary to access the curriculum. Within Years 12 and 13, this includes lessons to assist with preparation for the IELTS examination, which is required to access higher education.