Congratulations - EAL Winner
St Peter at Gowts CE Primary School
Judges Comments
St Peters and Gowts is an aspirational school for integration, planning and teaching of EAL learning. They have embraced multiculturalism and pluralingualism helping every child to gain their own voice and maintain their cultural identity while gaining and additional identity as being part of a strong and welcoming school.
The schools ethos of involving the parents and children in learning shows a holistic view and understanding of the needs of its community.
Every day is a celebration of community with all learning styles being used to stimulate and enthuse its learners.
The judges felt that this school was a worthy winner as it put children at the heart of learning and understood the need for linguistic and cultural acceptance in being part of the wider community.
TWENTY different first languages are spoken at St Peter at Gowts Primary School. Youngsters attending the school speak Latvian, Polish, Russian, Bengali and Slovak to name but a few, says the recent article from their local paper 'Lincolnshire Echo'. Head teacher Elaine Niblett said: "Our EAL (English as an additional language) population has really grown and we are pleased we invested in a support worker who can help us. "The school is very inclusive, which I think is the key. The school's work spans all year groups and includes creative projects, role play and as much interaction as possible.
Each culture's special celebration days are also recognised by the school, and every fortnight children learn basic vocabulary of a chosen language.
Deputy head teacher Louise Davidson Petch said: "We give ourselves a target of two years to bring a child who does not have English up to a level where they can write and talk English at a decent level. "There are interactive white boards used in most lessons and a real focus on embracing different cultures and celebrating the things that make us all different. "It is great to get some recognition for their work and for everything the teachers have put in to teaching."
St Peter at Gowts CE Primary School, Pennell Street, Lincoln, LN5 7TA
