Overview of the English as an Additional Language Programme

Raha International School has an effective and efficient EAL programme. The sole purpose of this programme is to assist students whose first language (mother tongue) is not English.

Raha E.A.L. students:

To most effectively assist these students, they are assessed:

After students have been assessed, the EAL teacher works with students, parents, teaching assistants, teachers, curriculum coordinators and administrators to determine the optimal learning plan for each student. Parents are informed of both the type and duration of support offered. Progress is regularly reported via home correspondence, in student-led conferences, parent-teacher conferences, and normal semester report cards.

Students are prioritized based upon their needs, and offered either in-class or pull-out support. Classes are tailored to support the Units of Inquiry in the Primary Years Programme, and the Areas of Interaction in the Middle Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate Programme. Students receive support in the Learning Centre, where they can access the curriculum via a number of high-quality teaching materials, including computers.

In addition to the normal support they receive, all E.A.L students have an individual Supported Reading Programme, which they start at their own level. In addition to regular in-class assessments, students are assessed at the end of each reading level by the E.A.L teacher. The proven programme is designed to rapidly improve students' reading and comprehension skills.

Once students reach a 'high-intermediate' level they 'exit' the programme. EAL students' progress continues to be monitored, and they can enter and exit the programme continuously, as needed.

For further information, contact the EAL Coordinator, Liam O'Shea, at loshea@ris.ae