English as an Additional Language

Aberdeenshire is home to a number of families for whom English is not their first language.

Aberdeenshire's English as an Additional Language (EAL) Service has an advisory, training and teaching role. The EAL service is based at Monquhitter School. It consists of a Coordinator and teaching staff. All have undertaken specialist training in this field. The EAL Service works with

• children
• parents and carers
• staff in schools and nurseries
• staff in Community Learning Development
• other agencies eg. Health Visitors, Social Services
• voluntary organisations eg. Homestart, CAB
• other education providers eg. FE colleges

The EAL Service works with pupils and their families

• in schools and nurseries
• in community centres
• in libraries
• in places of employment

The EAL Service becomes involved when a referral is made to the service. This is followed by an initial assessment where the appropriate level of support is determined.

Aberdeenshire Education, Learning & Leisure Service has developed guidelines for schools in supporting bi lingual learners. These have been advised by legislation and the Aberdeenshire E,L&L framework for supporting learners. The need for wider multi-agency support for pupils and their families is reflected in these guidelines. Schools have also been given advice about translations and support materials have been developed.

• in 200, 441 adult learners took part in English language classes
• 438 pupils from six schools participated in the Cultural Xtra project in 2007
• 700 pupils were involved in the 'Gene Pool' looking at diversity and the challenge of being 'different'
• almost 1500 pupils from five secondary schools participated in the 'Respect' programme based on dance, music and song writing
• a short animated film (running time approx 10 mins) was produced in partnership with Inverurie Academy, Peacock Visual arts and the Arts Education Team to show the challenges facing immigrant children

Bilingual Guidelines (pdf 4,136 Kb)
Enrolling A Bilingual Learner (pdf 3,722 kb)
Helpful Hints for Settling (pdf 4,394 kb)
Referral Form (pdf 329 kb)
Seeking Support from EAL (pdf 3,776 kb)

Staff development and awareness-raising underpin all work undertaken by the EAL service. Training is available to all schools through the Authority's professional development programme.

The EAL Service provides professional training and awareness raising sessions for

• student teachers
• staff in the pre-school sector
• staff in schools
• Community Learning Development staff
• staff in other agencies including the voluntary sector.

Click here for more information about Living and Working in North East Scotland (Includes information in other languages)