Supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) Students at BIS Abu Dhabi

For children learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), there is a dual challenge: they are not only learning a new language, but also accessing new academic content in subjects such as Mathematics, Science and Humanities at the same time.

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, we are proud to be a diverse international community with more than 90 nationalities. We understand that every child’s language learning journey is different, and we are committed to making sure your child has the right support to feel confident and make progress.

To meet these needs, we provide the Supported EAL Learner (SEALL) Pathway to help students who are new to English or still developing the language skills required to fully access the curriculum.

What is the SEALL Pathway?

The SEALL Pathway is a tailored programme for students new to English or still developing proficiency. It provides targeted, student-centred support until they can independently follow the curriculum.

Each student receives a personalised programme, which may include:

• The Accelerated Beginner’s Course (ABC)
• In-class support from experienced staff
• Withdrawal lessons with EAL teachers or support staff
• Interactive language learning resources
• Specialist co-curricular activities

The SEALL Pathway runs from Years 1 to 9, with access to the English B course after Year 9.

Support is flexible and regularly reviewed. As your child’s English develops, we adjust their provision to ensure it continues to meet their individual needs.

How will you know if your child needs EAL support?

If English is not your child’s first language, their English proficiency will be assessed as part of our admissions process. This helps us understand their current level of English and identify whether additional support would help them access learning confidently.

If we feel your child would benefit from the SEALL Pathway, our EAL team will work closely with their class teachers to develop an individual support plan.

This means that your child’s language development is considered alongside their academic learning, ensuring that the support they receive is relevant to their day-to-day experience in the classroom.

For how long will your child follow this SEALL Pathway?

Every child is different, so there is no set length of time for the SEALL Pathway.

Your child’s progress, previous experience and English language development will all be considered. Their individual EAL Plan and targets are reviewed at the end of each term, allowing us to adjust their support as their confidence and skills grow.

Typically, children receive support for one to two years, with the aim of helping them confidently access the curriculum independently. Once they no longer require additional EAL support, they will leave the SEALL Pathway.

What will EAL support look like during the school day?

We understand that it is important for your child to feel part of their class and wider school community. Wherever possible, EAL support is therefore provided during the school day while children continue to learn and interact with their peers.

Depending on your child’s individual plan, support may take place within the classroom or through targeted withdrawal sessions.

Withdrawal sessions may take place during Modern Foreign language (e.g. French), PSME, Library, Islamic Studies for non-Muslim students, Guided Reading or other appropriate times agreed with teachers and parents.

For children who are absolute beginners in English, some sessions may initially take place during English lessons.

How will you know how your child is progressing?

We want you to feel informed and involved throughout your child’s EAL journey.

You will receive monthly communication letters, termly EAL Plans and progress reports, with the EAL team available for ongoing communication and support. This will help you understand how your child is developing and what their next steps are.

How much does the SEALL Pathway cost?

The SEALL Pathway costs AED 6,000 per term. This includes your child’s language assessment, individual support planning, lesson support, teacher consultations and regular progress reviews.

Find out more

If you are considering BIS Abu Dhabi for your child and would like to find out more about the SEALL Pathway, please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@bisad.ae. They will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the admissions process.

If your child is already part of the SEALL Pathway, please contact our EAL Team at inclusion@bisad.ae for ongoing support and guidance.