English as an Additional Language
Riverside Girls’ High School is a dynamic, multicultural school which proudly embraces an inclusive and celebratory environment of all cultures. We have a population of students for whom English is an additional language (EAL/D). Many students were born in Australia and speak their first language at home or have recently moved to this country as well as international students across all years.
In NSW school students learn English in conjunction their studies of core curriculum subjects and electives. Student support aims to develop EAL/D students’ English language competence across the curriculum, so that they can fully participate in schooling and independently pursue further education and training.
Students who need support with their acquisition of English and their studies are assisted in through class placement and specialised teaching and learning. Assistance is available across the curriculum from qualified EAL/D teachers. All levels of English are catered for and individual strengths and interests are considered when developing appropriate programs to enable the students to progress.
Year 10 students who are eligible for the Senior English EAL/D course or who need more specialised learning environment are selected to study English in a streamed class. EAL/D students are also supported in their senior subject choices through one on one interviews in year 10.
In the senior years, students who have been in an English-speaking educational setting for fewer than 5 years are eligible to study the NESA English EAL/D course for the HSC which allows students to compete with like students. Riverside Girls’ has seen excellent results in this course.
Riverside also has small tutorial classes for EAL/D students in years 11 and 12 and may create specialised withdrawal classes in the junior years if a need is identified.
Newly arrived students appreciate the inclusive atmosphere and friendly attitude of the students and staff. A buddy is selected for each new EAL/D student to support their orientation into the new school setting. EAL/D students experiences are enriched by the variety of extra curricula activities which give opportunities to broaden experience and foster social situations.
Parents are welcome to request an interpreter for meetings with staff so that communication is always open to members of our community. Please contact the school to request the interpreter service.
