Social and Academic language proficiency: Strategies to support EAL learners

How can teachers help learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL) succeed both socially and academically? This course offers practical, research-informed guidance for supporting EAL learners across the curriculum, helping them to thrive as confident, active members of the school community. Developed by experts in multilingual education, the course introduces the key concepts of BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills) and CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency), showing how teachers can use these frameworks to design lessons that build both everyday and academic language. Key themes include: - Understanding BICS and CALP in classroom contexts. - Using vocabulary tiers to support language development. - Integrating social and academic language within subject teaching. - Identifying commonly used and subject-specific vocabulary. - Creating inclusive classroom environments for multilingual learners. Course outcome: By the end of the course, teachers will have the knowledge and confidence to support EAL learners effectively, embedding language development within curriculum teaching. They will be equipped to create inclusive, language-rich classrooms where all students can access learning and participate fully in the life of the school.