English as an Additional Language

Queen's has a long history of welcoming overseas children from many countries and places great value on the contribution these students make to the school community.

Head of Department; Valerie Orme-Dawson

Grace Mainstone

We have received children from  China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Spain, among others, who have regularly achieved excellent grades at GCSE and A' level with many securing places at top universities in Britain and worldwide.
Overseas children are integrated into the mainstream school and boarding houses so that they have a true experience of life at an English boarding school. They learn to interact with the other students and teachers gaining an irreplaceable immersion in the language and culture.  The EAL department will support them in their subject work as necessary and  liase closely with subject teachers both to ensure efficient and appropriate support and to assess progress. In addition to this students will follow a course to perfect and practise their English language with the aim of securing a good grade in the IELTS exam in the 6th form, an exam which is required by most British universities. The school ensures that students aim for  the recommended level 7 by providing tuition in small groups or a one-to-one basis, using a range of specific courses and resources to best cater for each individual. The department has a good library of reading and reference books as well as computers, a TV, DVD and CD players to further enable the students to progress in all four skills and to ensure they fulfil their potential. They are encouraged to be active in clubs and activities after school and at the weekend to widen their experience and to fully benefit from the many and varied opportunities available to them.
The EAL staff have a rich and varied experience of teaching international students and this knowledge and expertise as well as a dedication to nurture their talents is crucial in guiding the students in their progress.