Latest news with #EAL
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow pupil heading for top art school after exam success
'I spent hours here,' says the 17-year-old, smiling. 'I'm always drawing, every moment I get.' The talented teenager has achieved an A in every exam she has ever sat at high school, including this year's Advanced Higher in art and Highers in PE (she is a keen volleyball player), music (she sings and plays guitar) and graphic communication. Eileen at work (Image: Mark F Gibson/Newsquest) In fourth year, Eileen completed seven National 5s plus her Higher art a year earlier than is the norm; and in fifth year, she studied five further Highers and a Skills for Work qualification in creative industries. Headteacher Claire Wilson says: 'We are incredibly proud of Eileen – she is a talented and unassuming girl, who has also shown real leadership in her role as one of our Art and Design Captains. 'She is a fantastic role model for younger pupils, inspiring them to get involved in art.' Eileen with headteacher Claire Wilson (Image: Mark F Gibson/Newsquest) She adds: 'Traditionally, art and music were perhaps seen as hobbies, but we're proud of having expanded what we offer pupils interested in careers in the creative industries, particularly in a city like Glasgow which has such a thriving arts scene. 'More and more of our young people are taking up art and joining our art club and that is thanks to Eileen and her fellow captains, who really set the tone for the school.' Eileen received her results by text (Image: Mark F Gibson/Newsquest) Eileen lives in Robroyston with her mum and dad, Huying Lin and Bin Hong. Her brother Michael works in software engineering in London. The family speak Mandarin at home, so Eileen is registered as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupil at Cleveden. 'My parents came to England originally from China when my brother was a baby,' says Eileen. 'They hoped for a better education for their children. We moved to Scotland when I was very young.' Eileen first started drawing in primary school. 'I loved watching other people draw. I found it very inspiring, so I wanted to try it myself,' she explains. 'There is a lot of me in what I draw. I'm quite introspective. I love the way art allows you to express emotion, and tell stories.' She adds: 'My art teachers have been really supportive and helpful so I'm very grateful to them.' Eileen has secured a place at London's prestigious University of the Arts – alumni include sculptor Anish Kapoor and fashion designer Alexander McQueen, while Stella McCartney is an Honorary Fellow - and she eventually plans to become a freelance illustrator. 'Concept art and illustration are similar worlds, and I am interested in games art,' she says. 'I want to set up on my own so I have the freedom to choose which projects to work on. I'm really excited and a little nervous about going to UAL because there will be brilliant artists from all over the world there.' Claire Wilson, headteacher (Image: Mark F Gibson/Newsquest) There are 870 pupils at Cleveden Secondary, which has a catchment across North Glasgow and the West End, encompassing Maryhill, Wyndford, Kelvindale and Possilpark. English is not the first language of around 40 percent of students, and 52 languages are spoken in the school. 'We work hard to bring everyone together as a school community,' says Mrs Wilson, who joined as headteacher in 2020. This year, the school achieved its best ever National 5 results for S4 pupils with more young people than ever before gaining one, three or five; and the biggest ever percentage gaining seven or eight, she adds. 'We have seen a 20% increase in the number of pupils achieving at National 5 level over the last five years,' said Mrs Wilson. 'The number of pupils achieving five or more Highers in S5 has also doubled in that time, so we are really pleased." She adds: 'There is much more to school than exam results, of course, and we take pride in providing opportunities and support for all young people to engage with their learning. "Our school motto is 'be all you can be' and that underpins everything we do.'
Time Business News
23-07-2025
- General
- Time Business News
English as an Additional Language
The EAL Academy is one of the leading providers in the UK and internationally of courses, training, and consultancy for teachers' working with English as an additional language (EAL) learners. They are also often to referred to as multilingual learners (MLLs). In an educational context, the term 'EAL learner' can be broadly defined as a student or pupil for whom English is an additional language to their native language, and for whom support is required to assist them in becoming proficient in English and enabling them to thrive in an English-speaking environment. As the needs of these EAL learners can be very diverse, the EAL Academy offers a range of approaches to assist teachers and schools in meeting the needs of their EAL learners. Perhaps the most popular of the EAL Academy's offerings are the short 12-15 hour online EAL courses for teachers working with EAL learners. These interactive and tutored courses are suitable for subject and class teachers as well as those taking the lead in EAL in their school. They are based on the needs and experiences of teachers working with EAL learners and relate directly to the everyday situations teachers encounter. EAL beginners in the mainstream classroom addr esses the full range of beginners in English from those with no prior schooling to those with strong literacy skills in their mother tongue and offers teachers a blueprint for integrating these EAL learners into the classroom. The course – EAL and SEND: cracking the conundrum –assists teachers in distinguishing between those learners with language needs from those with special educational needs, offering teachers appropriate assessment procedures and guidance on provision for those where there may be an overlap. The course, Early years and diversity, focusses on how teachers can best develop the English of multilingual learners in the early years of schooling to reflect the diversity of the communities from which they come. There are courses which focus more on the teacher and the role played within the school. Perhaps one of the most popular courses is aimed at teaching assistants who are often tasked with more responsibility for the EAL learners in a classroom. The course aims to give them the skills and knowledge needed to support those new to is a course specifically for primary teachers, one for secondary teachers, and for science teachers. The EAL Academy also offers a 6-month extended online course – Supporting the learning of pupils with EAL in multicultural settings. This course is aimed at teachers who want a more in-depth approach or wish to take the lead in EAL within their school. This course gives teachers access to a breadth of resources not easily available elsewhere. The course is tutored and interactive, giving the participants the chance to learn from a real-life peer group, sharing knowledge and experiences collaboratively. In some situations, it may be more appropriate for the EAL Academy to offer in-house support or consultancy, or in-house training for the school as a whole. This approach has worked particularly well for international schools with a diverse and multicultural student population. The training is planned in collaboration with the EAL lead, the headteacher, or the school as a whole, and will concentrate on the specific areas of need within the school. In some cases, with direct support from the EAL Academy, the school will adapt the EAL Academy's online courses, tailoring them to for their teachers, and targeting the content to the specific needs of their learners and situation. The EAL Academy has some case studies and examples of where this has been superbly successful. The jewel in the EAL Academy's crown is its Quality Mark award. Many schools are already effective in meeting the needs of their EAL learners but know that there is also room for improvement. The Academy works with such schools to assess the work they are currently doing for their EAL learners and advise on areas where there is room for improvement. The schools undergoing this EAL award always report that it has been highly beneficial for the pupils and the school as a whole. In fact, many of the schools undergoing the Quality Mark are very happy and proud to share their experience with others. The EAL Academy runs termly webinars, bringing these teachers into the webinar to talk about their experiences in front of an audience of classroom teachers, EAL leads, headteachers, and more. These webinars are hugely incentivising and very popular. Such a programme as the EAL Academy delivers can only be achieved with a team of truly highflyers! These consultants, trainers,and serving teachers have collectively trained and worked in classrooms with thousands of teachers in hundreds of schools in over 30 countries across four continents. Individually, each team member draws on extensive experience, works with academic rigour, and is driven by compassion. Underpinning all of the EAL Academy's training and consultancy is the belief – tried and tested – that EAL learners do best when they are included in the mainstream classroom rather than set aside to work on separate activities. Best practice is at the root of the EAL Academy's approach and what is good for an EAL learner is good for all learners and the whole school benefits. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
International Schools Partnership–FlashAcademy® partnership to enhance English learning across schools
Pilots in ISP LABSchools reveal English language learning progress exceeds industry benchmarks with support of EdTech tools ISP committed to investing in research-led innovation to improve teaching efficiency and learning outcomes UAE, Dubai: International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global community of over 105 schools across 25 countries, 11 of which are in Qatar and UAE, has announced a strategic partnership with FlashAcademy®, the award-winning digital platform for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learning. The partnership is part of ISP's wider commitment to delivering impactful learning experiences grounded in research-led innovation that aligns with its approach. Commencing in the 2025-26 academic year, FlashAcademy® will be introduced throughout more than 30 ISP schools globally in the first phase of adoption, with the aim of providing access to all schools within the ISP network, as part of its EdTech & AI adoption strategy. Multilingual learners at ISP will benefit from innovative, personalised English language learning, supporting stronger academic outcomes and fostering greater social connection and wellbeing through increased confidence and integration. A strategic investment in inclusive, future-ready learning powered by intelligent EAL support The decision to implement FlashAcademy® follows successful test-and-learn pilots across numerous ISP schools, including several of their LabSchools. On average, a 66% increase in language learning progress was recorded by students using the tool. 80% of student cohorts within the pilot progressed by at least one English language proficiency band, exceeding industry benchmarks. This was in part driven by FlashAcademy®'s ability to deliver personalised language learning journeys, tailored to each student via curriculum-aligned content in over 48 home languages, integrated speech recognition, proficiency tracking and real-time data analytics. For educators, the platform serves as a powerful, high-impact, time-saving tool, equipping them with tailored resources, highly accurate AI-assisted assessment marking, real-time tracking and differentiated instruction. 'Every student deserves access to high-quality education, regardless of their language background,' commented Emily Porter, ISP Group Chief Learning Officer. 'FlashAcademy® will help us deliver on our mission to grow the world's most confident, curious minds, by valuing and supporting every language learner.' Scalable innovation, local relevance To ensure that the platform's impact will be measurable and locally relevant, schools will be supported by ISP's global EdTech team, Regional Multilingualism Leads and Regional Learning Directors. The team will oversee the onboarding of teachers through targeted professional development delivered through ISP's AI powered Learning Hub, equipping them with the know-how to measure and effectively utilise learning data to enhance student experience and teaching impact. FlashAcademy®'s dedicated success team will continue to provide support throughout the implementation phase, empowering teachers to make the most of the learning app and assessment platform, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 'We're proud to partner with a global school group that is wholeheartedly committed to both pedagogical quality and equity,' said Veejay Lingiah, CEO of FlashAcademy®. 'Our teams are aligned in their belief that technology should empower educators and unlock potential for every learner.' As ISP continues to expand its global footprint, it remains committed to embedding innovation in the classroom and delivering a connected EdTech ecosystem that supports students, inspires teachers and improves learning outcomes. About International Schools Partnership (ISP) ISP is a global group of 105+ schools across 25 countries, offering high-quality British and international education for students aged 2–18. Driven by five learning pillars—Multilingualism, Academic Excellence, Life Competencies, Future Pathways and International Learning Opportunities—ISP is committed to delivering impactful, inclusive and future-focused learning. About FlashAcademy® FlashAcademy® is the UK's No.1 EAL platform, used by thousands of schools to support learners with English as an Additional Language. The platform accelerates language acquisition through interactive lessons, games and AI-powered tools, enabling learners to thrive in English-speaking classrooms.
Glasgow Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow schools to lose librarians due to budget cuts
Following a review of services, officials have proposed removing 16 school librarian posts in an attempt to save £100,000. The move comes after councillors backed the 'review' of services as part of the process for setting the council budget from 2024 to 2027. Scotland's biggest teaching union said that the cuts would deliver a "blow to the life chances of students" in Glasgow, according to The Herald. The new model being proposed would introduce a 'principal librarian' as well as allocate three school librarians to 'area-based responsibilities.' Each school will then be served by a library assistant. Officials claim that this cut will, therefore, increase library services by raising the number of hours in which facilities have some form of staffing. READ MORE: Council reprimanded by watchdog over delays affecting abuse survivors Glasgow Life recently advertised ten library assistant posts, each of which offered a maximum salary of £25,861.29. Librarian salaries for the same organisation are advertised as being up to £39,089.87 per year. One school librarian from the city said that they had been informed on Thursday that they would no longer have jobs working in schools, and alleged that they had been told not to inform school pupils. They explained that the changes will put services like book groups, lunchtime clubs and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support at risk, and rejected claims that services would be unaffected as 'propaganda' from Glasgow Life. The individual said that librarians are "heartbroken" and described Glasgow Life's handling of the situation, including the decision to wait until "right before summer" to announce the plans, as "cruel". Read more:Councillors back 'carrot' for potential developer of Glasgow's Egyptian Halls In 2023 Glasgow Life scrapped the School Library Outreach service, which was described as vital by teachers, and subsequently sold off much of the material it contained to schools. Sean McNamara, Director of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland (CILIPS), hit out at the proposals: 'We are extremely troubled to hear that Glasgow may end up with fewer professional staff delivering their school libraries, if current proposals are taken forwards. 'We believe that the availability of access to appropriately trained and full time school librarians contribute to curriculum goals, attainment, literacy levels and improved critical thinking, and should be retained. We welcome the fact that trade unions are being consulted before final decisions are made. 'Local authorities and trusts should think very carefully before cutting any library services. They also need greater financial support to avoid having to make these damaging cuts to vital services and steps need to be taken to protect school library staffing and budgets at a national level. 'With huge societal and technological challenges such as requests to ban books, misinformation and the rise of Generative AI, we have never needed skilled information professionals in our schools more.' READ MORE: Work begins on 'major' school expansion to increase capacity by 500 pupils Jane Gow, the local area secretary for Glasgow EIS, also said that the changes would be harmful to the education of young people: "The EIS is of the firm view that qualified librarians in school libraries are a vitally important for the evidenced positive impact they have on students' academic and personal development. "Further, our librarian colleagues are highly valued by teachers for the structured learning activities they provide for our pupils, their specialist knowledge and skills and their support for various curricular initiatives and whole school activities. "In particular, they are valued for their support of learners with additional support needs and those who require guidance and encouragement to read. "We are heartened that this proposal is being consulted on and our view is that to cut qualified librarians from schools is a further detrimental blow to the life chances of students, especially those from areas of multiple deprivation and where the promotion of literacy is crucial." A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: 'Glasgow Life has managed the city's Secondary School Library Service on behalf of Glasgow City Council since 2010. In February 2024, as part of its three-year budget setting process for 2024-27, the Council approved a review of the service, with a target saving of £100,000. 'A comprehensive review and consultation with the Council's Education Services and secondary schools on the future of the service was completed earlier this year, which highlighted the importance of increasing access to school libraries across the city. This insight has directly shaped our proposed redesign of the service, which will increase provision by 27%. 'The proposal, which is now being discussed with affected colleagues and our trade unions, introduces a team of three librarians led by a principal librarian who will manage the service supported by library assistants based in each of Glasgow's 30 secondary schools. Additionally, the funding available to provide school library books and other resources going forward will remain above the Scottish average. 'Glasgow Life is bound by Glasgow City Council's commitment to no compulsory redundancies. Should the proposal be approved, affected staff will have the opportunity to apply for promoted positions or be redeployed into available vacant roles commensurate with their existing pay and grade.' A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'Glasgow Life manages the city's Secondary School Library Service on behalf of the council. Last year, it began a review and consultation, which highlighted opportunities to redesign the service to increase access to school libraries citywide. Glasgow Life is currently consulting staff and trade unions on its proposals.'
The Herald Scotland
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow schools to lose librarians due to council budget cuts
The new model being proposed would introduce a 'principal librarian' as well as allocate three school librarians to 'area-based responsibilities.' Each school will then be served by a library assistant. Officials claim that this cut will, therefore, increase library services by raising the number of hours in which facilities have some form of staffing. Glasgow Life recently advertised ten library assistant posts, each of which offered a maximum salary of £25,861.29. Librarian salaries for the same organisation are advertised as being up to £39,089.87 per year. Speaking to The Herald, one school librarian from the city said that they had been informed on Thursday that they would no longer have jobs working in schools, and alleged that they had been told not to inform school pupils. They explained that the changes will put services like book groups, lunchtime clubs and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support at risk, and rejected claims that services would be unaffected as 'propaganda' from Glasgow Life. The individual said that librarians are "heartbroken" and described Glasgow Life's handling of the situation, including the decision to wait until "right before summer" to announce the plans, as "cruel". In 2023 Glasgow Life scrapped the School Library Outreach service, which was described as vital by teachers, and subsequently sold off much of the material it contained to schools. Sean McNamara, Director of the Charted Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland (CILIPS), hit out at the proposals: 'We are extremely troubled to hear that Glasgow may end up with fewer professional staff delivering their school libraries, if current proposals are taken forwards. 'We believe that the availability of access to appropriately trained and full time school librarians contribute to curriculum goals, attainment, literacy levels and improved critical thinking, and should be retained. We welcome the fact that trade unions are being consulted before final decisions are made. 'Local authorities and trusts should think very carefully before cutting any library services. They also need greater financial support to avoid having to make these damaging cuts to vital services and steps need to be taken to protect school library staffing and budgets at a national level. 'With huge societal and technological challenges such as requests to ban books, misinformation and the rise of Generative AI, we have never needed skilled information professionals in our schools more.' A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: 'Glasgow Life has managed the city's Secondary School Library Service on behalf of Glasgow City Council since 2010. In February 2024, as part of its three-year budget setting process for 2024-27, the Council approved a review of the service, with a target saving of £100,000. 'A comprehensive review and consultation with the Council's Education Services and secondary schools on the future of the service was completed earlier this year, which highlighted the importance of increasing access to school libraries across the city. This insight has directly shaped our proposed redesign of the service, which will increase provision by 27%. 'The proposal, which is now being discussed with affected colleagues and our trade unions, introduces a team of three librarians led by a principal librarian who will manage the service supported by library assistants based in each of Glasgow's 30 secondary schools. Additionally, the funding available to provide school library books and other resources going forward will remain above the Scottish average. 'Glasgow Life is bound by Glasgow City Council's commitment to no compulsory redundancies. Should the proposal be approved, affected staff will have the opportunity to apply for promoted positions or be redeployed into available vacant roles commensurate with their existing pay and grade.' A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'Glasgow Life manages the city's Secondary School Library Service on behalf of the council. Last year, it began a review and consultation, which highlighted opportunities to redesign the service to increase access to school libraries citywide. Glasgow Life is currently consulting staff and trade unions on its proposals.'
