Maite Sandoval-Inglada
English as an Additional Language Co-ordinator
Photo by Joan Bessem, UWCA'22
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
With over 90 nationalities, multilingualism is at the heart of UWC Atlantic: we celebrate linguistic diversity and recognise the role language plays in social cohesion and cultural understanding.
Living and studying in a foreign language is a fascinating journey, but it can also be a big challenge. Many students at UWC Atlantic speak little or no English when they first join the school, but they gradually develop their linguistic skills and build up their confidence throughout the 2 year programme.
The EAL Coordinator at UWC Atlantic is based in The Learning Centre (TLC) and provides a wide range of strategies and support for all students for whom English is not their first language:
- EAL classes
- 1-to-1 tutorials
- Help with homework
- Supporting students in their IB subject classes
- Adapting texts and materials
In a nutshell, EAL support is about more than just exams and grades. It is about developing the confidence to communicate and access a lifetime of enriching experiences and opportunities at UWC Atlantic and beyond.
The role of the EAL Coordinator is to orchestrate EAL provision for all students to support them in accessing the IB curriculum, as well as in succeeding in their activities, and social life. The EAL Coordinator works along with tutors, teachers and TLC support network to produce an action plan based on identified needs and to monitor the progress and attainment of EAL learners.
Students who have a passion for languages can also join Language Guides, a campus-based service to provide a tutoring service for students who wish to improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills via individual and group sessions. Student mentors offer support with German, Spanish, Arabic, French, Chinese and English.