Supporting success in an English curriculum.

At Morna International College, we are proud to welcome students from around the world and from a wide range of language backgrounds. We recognise that many of our students join us with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and are committed to providing the support they need to become confident, independent learners who thrive both academically and socially.

As an international school following the English National Curriculum, all students are ultimately expected to develop the level of English required to access the curriculum successfully. Our approach to EAL support is tailored to each student's age, previous educational experience, year group and current level of English.

Children joining the Early Years Foundation Stage are not expected to have any prior knowledge of English. At this age, children acquire language naturally through play, daily interaction and immersion within the classroom environment. Additional specialist EAL teaching is not normally required, allowing children to develop their communication skills naturally alongside their peers.

Prospective students complete an English language assessment as part of the admissions process during their trial day. Where the assessment indicates that a student does not yet have sufficient English to access the curriculum successfully, the School may determine that enrolment in the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme is required.

The type and level of support provided is tailored to each student's age, year group, educational background and individual English language needs. The programme provides targeted support to develop students' speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, enabling them to participate confidently across the wider curriculum.

As students progress through the Secondary School, the language demands of the curriculum increase significantly. Applicants also undertake an English language assessment as part of the admissions process to determine whether they have sufficient English to access the curriculum or would benefit from additional EAL support.

Students should either have sufficient English to access the curriculum successfully or demonstrate the potential to reach the required standard within a reasonable period through the School's EAL programme. Whilst the School is committed to supporting students in developing their English language skills, applicants who do not have a good foundational knowledge of English at the time of application may not realistically be able to make sufficient progress to access the curriculum successfully despite appropriate EAL support.

For this reason, every application is considered individually to ensure each student has a realistic opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential at Morna International College.

The progress of students receiving EAL support is monitored regularly by the EAL Team in partnership with class teachers and the SENCO. As students become increasingly confident and independent in their use of English, the level of support is reviewed and adapted to reflect their individual progress.

Our aim is to ensure every student develops the language skills, confidence and independence needed to achieve their academic potential and flourish within our international school community.

Secondary students participating in the EAL programme may also be offered the opportunity to take externally assessed Cambridge English Qualifications, normally during the summer term. These internationally recognised qualifications provide formal certification of a student's English language proficiency whilst recognising the progress they have made throughout their English language learning journey. Participation is optional, and examination entry fees are payable separately from the EAL programme fee.

For full details of the School's admissions procedures, English language assessment, EAL provision and EAL fees, please refer to the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Policy.