English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) Program

The Department of Education supports EAL/D students to attain English language proficiency necessary for successful participation in schooling through the provision of EAL/D programs in mainstream school settings. The focus of these programs is to improve the oral and written English language competence of eligible students across the curriculum and to support the teachers of these students.

With over 50% of students at Maylands Peninsula Primary School speaking one or more languages other than English, the school aims to provide teaching and learning programs that enable students from all cultures and communities to develop the knowledge, skills and values for participation as active students.

Role of the EAL/D teacher

An EAL/D teacher has specialist skills to help tailor support to meet the distinct needs of the school and its community.  The EAL/D teacher can:

  • collaborate with classroom teachers to develop programmes of work and to track student progress;
  • team teach and model EAL/D lessons with classroom teachers and EAs;
  • facilitate the delivery of professional learning in EAL/D pedagogy, assessment and differentiated planning and teaching across the curriculum;
  • assist with whole-school planning and target setting based on student data from sources including the EAL/D Progress Map, On-entry Assessment, and NAPLAN;
  • facilitate access to specialist services, such as translators, psychologists and health services, if required;
  • help build community relationships and liaise with parents and the school community;
  • liaise within the school community with parents/carers to encourage involvement in education;
  • engage with prospective parents/carers to assist with enrolment processes. This will include liaising with the designated Intensive English Centre (IEC) to facilitate enrolment if this is deemed to be the most suitable placement;
  • maintain accurate school records to ensure student details are correct on the school database for EAL/D student eligibility and school Census; and
  • liaise with EAL/D schools within local networks and between the secondary school and feeder primary schools in order to establish transition programs for EAL/D students.

Learn more about the Department of Education EAL/D program in operation in WA schools.