English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered at Werribee Secondary College as a separate class and program from mainstream English. The aims of English are ultimately the same for all students. However, EAL learners are simultaneously learning English as a study, alongside learning the knowledge, understanding and skills of English as a new language.
In addition, there is often essential contextual knowledge EAL students need exposure to, in order to develop their overall understanding of core content in other classes, as well as to experience a sense of belonging both in a school and home context. With smaller classes and experienced EAL teachers, there is flexibility in the EAL program to explore key ideas that may need further un-packing and scaffolding, to help students prepare for the senior pathways.
EAL students come from diverse backgrounds and may include overseas and Australian-born children whose first language is a language other than English, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students whose first language is an Indigenous language, including traditional languages, and related varieties, or Aboriginal English.
Specifically, the EAL curriculum at Werribee Secondary College uses the four macro skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing to ensure that students:
Learn to speak, listen, read, view and write with enjoyment, purpose, effect and confidence in a wide range of contexts.
Have capacity to explore and develop complex ideas and issues orally, giving considered reasons for a point of view, using appropriate language to influence and engage the audience and listening actively and critically to the views of others.
Understand distinctive ways to communicate complex ideas and information effectively through finished writing for different purposes and audiences, using language appropriately.
Discuss different perspectives on complex issues and themes and justify detailed and sophisticated interpretations in selected print and multimodal texts, including national and global issues.
Apply knowledge of the ways in which language varies according to context, purpose, audience and content, and the capacity to apply this knowledge.
Develop the capacity to discuss and analyse texts and language critically.
Have knowledge of the ways textual interpretation and understanding may vary according to cultural, social and personal differences, and the capacity to develop reasoned arguments about interpretation and meaning.
Develop awareness and respect of cultural diversity within the community and how intercultural experiences influence attitudes, values and beliefs.
Apply selectively a range of creative thinking strategies to broaden their knowledge and engage with complex ideas.
Develop competency in Digital literacy.