Papplewick welcomes pupils who speak English as an additional language (EAL) from different overseas countries. The EAL Department aims to help these pupils integrate successfully into the life of the school and access the academic curriculum. New pupils are given an English language test on entry and extra tuition may be recommended. Extra tuition is usually provided in one-to-one lessons, taught by specialist EAL teachers, but sometimes lessons can be in pairs and small groups. 

Grammar and vocabulary development are key in EAL lessons, and the skills of reading, writing and speaking are catered for. Lessons are tailored to each pupil’s level and needs. The department can help prepare pupils for Cambridge language exams such as the B1 (Preliminary) and B2 (First) exams. 

British Culture courses are run regularly by the department and aim to provide helpful background information about British history, geography and various aspects of British life that are often referred to in different subjects. These courses are fun, and boys on the most recent course enjoyed completing tasting notes for different British biscuits alongside more serious topics! It is important to note that whilst we focus on developing the boys’ English, their first languages and cultures are respected at all times.