Ethnic Minorities Achievement

EMTA (Ethnic Minorities and Travellers' Achievement)

This department provides support for pupils where needed, who:

• are from ethnic minorities

• have English as an additional language

• are refugees

• are travellers.

This provision relates to the right of every pupil to access the curriculum and to be supported to reach their potential.  It is distinct from Special Needs provision.  There is liaison where pupils fall into both categories.

Ethnic Minority Achievement

The department works with mainstream teachers to help meet the needs of individuals/ethnic groups and uses data to ensure that targeted intervention is made where required.

In-class curriculum support

Pupils with beginner English are given a short induction course otherwise support is mainly in-class.  New pupils are also seated with a supportive classmate or group. To help pupils’ understanding other bi-lingual pupils in the school volunteer to translate some key words and phrases into home languages.

Lunchtime Clubs

Two lunchtime clubs are run specifically for pupils who have English as an additional language (EAL pupils): one uses sixth form peer mentors to help with homework and grammar; the other encourages the development of language through discussion and fun activities. In addition, help is given during the remaining lunch hours.

Contact with parents

The department liaises with parents to inform them of provision made for their daughters, gives details on the UK education systems’ ‘Key Stages’ and National Curriculum Levels’ and where needed arranges translators for parents’ evenings.

Office for standards in Education (OFSTED)

This office organises inspections for schools. Written comments from the feedback to the department stated that EAL pupils were ‘well provided for’ ‘anxious to learn’ their achievement ‘good/very good’ and ‘pastoral help excellent’.  We strive to maintain this standard.