How EAL Support Works
EAL students learn with their homeroom and subject teachers alongside specialist English language teachers. Each student has at least one EAL teacher supporting their development during the year.
The amount of support varies according to proficiency. Students who are newer to English receive more intensive language instruction, while students with stronger English skills spend more time fully immersed in grade-level classes with targeted support where needed.
EAL in KG2 to Grade 5
In Elementary School, students continue with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) while developing the English needed to access their learning.
Students requiring more intensive support can receive daily English Language Acquisition lessons alongside in-class support from EAL teachers. Those with intermediate to high English proficiency are more fully immersed in grade-level learning, with EAL specialists working alongside homeroom teachers to provide targeted language support throughout the curriculum.
For native Mandarin-speaking students beginning their English development, Stamford also offers a tailored pathway from KG2 to Grade 5. This combines English-medium PYP learning with additional English Language Acquisition teaching and opportunities to use both Mandarin and English in parts of the school day.
EAL in Grades 6 to 10
econdary students who require EAL support are placed according to their English assessment and admissions review.
For students following EAL Level B, academic learning continues through mainstream subject classes while English is developed through the MYP Language Acquisition curriculum and additional English language development.
In Grades 6 to 8, students receive daily English language support through MYP Language Acquisition English and English Skills Development. In Grades 9 and 10, students continue with MYP Language Acquisition alongside an English Language Development class that responds to individual language needs.
Students who need a more intensive level of academic English support may instead be placed in Stamford's Preparatory Course for Secondary School (PCS).
Understanding Your Child's Progress
English development is monitored throughout the program so support can change as students progress.
Stamford uses classroom evidence alongside internal and external language assessments to understand each student's development and identify where further support may be needed. In Secondary School, these assessments include tools such as iTEP SLATE Plus, with additional assessments used at particular grade levels.
The goal is not simply to complete an EAL program. It is for students to develop the English proficiency and independence to participate meaningfully across their subjects and wider school life without additional language support.
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