Understand how to support bilingual learners to access the curriculum
Table of Contents
Case Study
A year 5 pupil joined the school in September, having previously been to school in Dubai. He was born in Dubai and Arabic is his first language. His mother and older brother speak some English, but he has not formally studied English himself. His school reports from Dubai indicate expected levels of attainment in most subjects. After a month in the school he is still not speaking any English, though he has begun to develop friendships with some of the children in his new class who help him find his way around the school. He is a keen football player.
- What information from this profile helps you consider the level of support to provide?
- What are his immediate needs and what future needs might he have?
- How will the level of social integration impact on learning?
- What challenges might this learner be faced with?
- How can you prepare to support this learner?
- What would the first steps to ensure language development?
- What strategies and resources can be put in place to ensure curriculum learning?
- How will you recognise if the learner has additional SEN needs?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.