“Scotland is home to hundreds of thousands of first, second
and third generation immigrants, as well as ethnic minority
communities, who have English as an Additional Language. It is
crucial, therefore, that we value children’s and young people’s
home languages and see these as a rich resource for learning,
developing competences in the language of schooling. Through
such a rich range of home languages, we can also celebrate
the linguistic and cultural heritage that bilingual learners bring
to the classroom and to the wider school community.”
– Learning in 2(+) Languages’
Currently over 20 languages are spoken in East Ayrshire including Polish, Russian, Arabic, Latvian, Chinese and Urdu.
Who are English as an Additional Language pupils?
- English is not the dominant language at home.
- Some children may know some English alongside another language, or languages.
- There may be children who are newly arrived and from an isolated linguistic minority.
- Others will be part of an established community.
The ‘Learning in 2(+) Languages’ report recognises that in order to promote achievement:
“Schools should build on pupils’ learning and achievements, within and beyond school. Bilingual learners have a number of particular strengths including their experience of different languages. However, some will require additional support if they are to maximise their progress in school and achieve to their fullest potential. ”
Find the EAL Team leaflet here.
