ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)

The course is for young people who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL). The main purpose of the Course is to develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in order to understand and use English in a range of practical, everyday situations. The course is specifically designed for learners whose first language is not English.

As learners develop their language skills, they will be able to process information more easily, apply knowledge of language in practical and relevant contexts, and gain confidence to undertake new and more challenging tasks in a variety of situations.

Pupils take part in variety of reading, writing, speaking and listening activities which reflect real life situations, teaching vocabulary and grammar structures which they will be able to use in day to day situations. Instead of a focus on analysing media such as novels and poetry, the focus is on practical comprehension of English that might be used in everyday life, work or study contexts.

The course is available from National 3 level through to Higher. While some ESOL students will continue to study ESOL at college, many use the ESOL qualification to access courses of their choice at University.

EAL Department

The EAL department also supports bilingual pupils in their mainstream classrooms and offers beginners extraction classes to develop English language skills, work on grammar, and practice conversation skills.