HISTORY GIVES US A SENSE OF WHO WE ARE. IT FORMS PART OF OUR SELF-RESPECT AND ALLOWS US TO RESPECT OTHERS.
Diversity at Oaks Park
90% of school intake belong to minority ethnic group
67% of these have English as Additional Language
25% are at the early stages of English language acquisition 20% of these are complete beginners
5% have no literacy in their First Language
1% of school intake is refugees
These figures are approximate and vary slightly each year.
At Oaks Park High School 45 different languages are spoken by staff and students, we value and celebrate the numerous first languages that are spoken at the school. We believe that this approach sends a powerful and positive message to students about their identity. Panjabi, Urdu, Guajarati, Bengali, Lithuanian, Romanian and Polish are the most spoken Languages at OPHS. EAL students are encourage to take GCSE in their home languages.
EAL Dept. supports the pastoral and curricular needs of different types of ethnic minority pupils across the school at KS3 and KS4:
- EAL new to Eng. to advanced learners
- Underachieving ethnic groups
- Vulnerable groups e.g. refugees, travellers
Every day the EAL Lunch time Home work/Support Club is an opportunity for students to complete and to receive help with homework, classwork and revision.
Opportunity of an alternative qualifications for new arrival at KS4
- ESOL Skills for Life (Entry 1, 2 and 3, Level1 &2)
This course consists of how to improve the language skills, knowledge and understanding that non-native English speakers need in order to demonstrate achievement of the national standards. Progression through levels will allow you to gain certification when students are ready.
Students at entry level are tested for each of the core language skills of Speaking and Listening. Assessment for each mode is via a paper-based test, which can be taken on demand when the learner is ready for assessment.
- IGCSE English as a Second Language
This course designed for students who already have a working knowledge of the language and want to consolidate their understanding in order to progress in their academic achievement. Students are assessed on Reading comprehension, Informal transfer, Summary writing and Formal & informal writing.
EAL Support Sites:
Mrs. H Thaker
Head of EAL