Queanbeyan High School

Together as one - Creating strong futures

Telephone02 6297 2088

Emailqueanbeyan-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

English as an additional language

English as an additional language (EAL/D)

EAL/D students are those whose first language is a language or dialect other than English and who require additional support to assist them to develop proficiency in English. EAL/D students come from diverse multilingual backgrounds and may include:

  • overseas- or Australian-born students whose first language is a language other than English
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students whose first language is an Indigenous language, including traditional languages, creoles and related varieties, or Aboriginal English.

Although Australia is a linguistically and culturally diverse country, participation in many aspects of Australian life depends on effective communication in Standard Australian English.

In Australian schools, learning is accessed through English, and achievement is demonstrated through English. Each area of the curriculum has language structures and vocabulary particular to its learning domain, and these are best taught in the context in which they are used. All teachers are responsible for teaching the language and literacy demands of their learning areas.

However for students whom English is an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) may require support to build the English language skills required for effective communication and access to the Australian Curriculum.

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