EMAS advice schools admitting newly arrived bilingual students

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• We would suggest you obtain an initial assessment from EMAS as soon as possible. Bilingual support for this process may be available and would help to give a fuller picture to inform decisions about placement. An initial assessment will help you ascertain whether the student’s needs could be met in years 12 and 13 of a secondary school. Students may need to be able to demonstrate strong independent learning skills for some courses of study. In-class or individual support from EMAS is generally not available for year 12/13 students, but we can offer advice following the initial assessment.
• Contact previous schools if possible to obtain information on previous attainment, attendance records etc. EMAS Bilingual Assistants may be able to help here.
• Pupils with weak English language skills could be admitted with the option of staying for three years, instead of two, the first year being used to improve English language skills and to become familiar with the education system through an individually constructed timetable which takes advantage of what the school can offer. Generally, we would recommend that they are based in an age appropriate year group, even if they are to access some KS4 pathways.
• A GCSE or A-level in the student’s first language, if appropriate and available, could be accessed in some cases and results are usually excellent and provide an extra qualification. However, English language skills need to be at a reasonable level in order to understand instructions etc. EMAS can offer advice about examinations in community languages, help with arranging orals, and help with training pupils to respond to prompts in language exam papers. MFL departments are also a source of information about this.
• Alternative GCSE courses in English may be appropriate during the first year; but much will depend on the level of English they arrive with, and with their motivation and generic language skills. EMAS can advise about this.
• An early appointment with Connexions is advisable to investigate particular university choices of students to ascertain entry requirements for English language (e.g. GCSE English, IELTS etc). Universities differ according to previous experience and particular courses. Advise students of this as soon as possible so they may make their study plans.
• ‘Mix and match’ English language / academic courses, where possible and practical, could make up an individual timetable. Investigate ESOL language courses offered by local colleges or consider other opportunities in school e.g. following timetables of year 11 pupils for part of the week.
• UCAS applications – exam results from previous schools should be entered as the original awards, not GCSE / A-level equivalents. Universities will investigate these via NAREK.

Last updated: 30 November 2009