Languages without barriers

At CBSC, we welcome diversity and foster inclusion. Over 45 languages are spoken by our 380 EAL students and staff combined. Being a student with English as an Additional Language (EAL) implies that English may be the second or third language spoken in his environment.

Numerous challenges await EAL students, especially those arriving from another country with little or no English; it can be very daunting surrounded by an alien culture, unfamiliar faces and lessons in a foreign language.

At CBSC, we do everything possible to help our EAL students to turn these challenges into opportunities through our tight support network. First, we tailor-make personalised timetables to suit the needs of the students. A new EAL student may, for example, be removed from particular subjects for a short period of time or supported in lessons using adapted resources with the same objectives, so there is no long-term isolation. We pair up our new EAL boys with a friendly face; peers, whether they speak the same language or not, usually embracing the differences and keeping an eye on ensuring the new student gets to the right lesson without getting lost in the labyrinth of busy corridors. Joining clubs (especially sports and drama) and being selected for competitions representing CBSC in football, basketball and cricket have also been extremely successful in increasing confidence and accelerating integration within the school community.

Finally, Tutors, Support Staff and Learning Co-ordinators also provide constancy, track progress, ensure wellbeing and help develop a vital link with engaged and supportive guardians, carers and parents who wholeheartedly participate in the steep learning curve and long journey ahead of assimilation. Please click here for our EAL policy.

Testimonies

Here are some of the comments that our Lithuanian and Mandarin students have shared with us about their impressions of their experience at Carshalton Boys:

• "Two years ago, I was nervous and felt like a newborn, having to relearn everything. Since winning the Basketball Surrey Cup, I have been able to train as a basketball referee and table official, which has given me a lot of confidence and a possible career path. I would like to thank the student whose shadow I followed for three days. Now my English is a lot better."

• The best thing about being selected to attend the Kingston University Saturday Engineering club is being able to participate in these activities whilst in secondary schools, allowing students from around the country to gain a broader vision or experience in courses they may or may not want to pursue.

Here are some of our Pakistani and Turkish parents’ testimonies:

• “Just a word of thanks for coming to the Big Iftar at Baitul Futuh in Morden and breaking the fast with us. I hope you enjoyed yourself and that you learned a little more about Islam, Ramadhan and how Muslims live their lives. There is a great deal of misunderstanding about Islam and this was our small contribution to help build a better understanding.  If we can assist you in any way, do not hesitate to contact us.”

• Our twin sons love coming to school and trust you. They see it as a haven where they can talk freely. Therefore, we are so happy.

Life after Carshalton Boys Sports College by a Spanish student and Greek parent who assisted our Food Science teacher to win the 2023 Jamie Oliver Best Educator Award:

• Thank you for forwarding my school-leaver sweatshirt, which fits me now! I go to a post 16 Spanish college by the sea learning IT thanks to the grades gained in the UK… I was able to slot into the Spanish system and continue my education uninterrupted.  I was also very popular with my peers and a bit of a cool student, speaking English better than my teacher.  I think being partly integrated and partly withdrawn at Carshalton Boys was the best approach because it pushed me to make new friends and get used to different teachers.  I have now passed my driving licence and have become very independent. Thank you for everything.

• We are always happy to hear from CBSC. Now we are back in Greece. I will definitely support JD for the nomination and I truly believe she will shine. She helped my son understand the British culinary multicultural tradition through her classes and helped him to feel accepted. I will never forget how proud he was to cook the dishes he liked on Sundays. Shepherd’s Pie became a family staple. Last but not least, thanks to JD and her classes, he is currently working part-time in a restaurant kitchen, until he sits his military exams to become a pilot.