English as an Additional Language Dialect (EALD)

History

EALD at Aranmore was started in 1986 and currently has 120 students. It operates as an independent department headed by a coordinator even though it is, at present, broadly under the English Learning Area.

Range of Nationalities

Aranmore’s EALD students are from a wide range of countries, some of which include: Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, China, Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan – just to name a few, as the College itself has students of over 60 different nationalities, with no dominant nationality. Student competence in English is also wide-ranging, with some students having studied in English for only a few months, whereas others have several years of English study behind them.

Study Program

A special feature of EALD at Aranmore is that it is taught in all year levels, from Year Eight through to Year Twelve.

The focal study areas are Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading. Grammar and vocabulary are given special emphasis. Learning to know and understand the culture of Australia in order to access the curriculum, and balancing this with their own culture is also given attention. Years Eleven and Twelve follow the Curriculum Council Courses of study. Passing EALD (minimum ‘C’ grade) gives the EALD student English Competence required for Secondary Graduation. As of 2008, EALD can now be couted in their TEE score.

Resources

The ESL Department has its own location on campus and is very well resourced. The students are able to learn in a caring, supportive and Christian environment.

The Future

A recent development in EALD is that it has been made a separate Course of Study. In the near future all years will follow the new Curriculum Framework System.