“We value cultural diversity,” says the headteacher at Valentines high school, in Ilford, Essex, whose pupils speak more than 50 languages. “It’s not something we see as an obstacle to be overcome.” Easy to say, you may think, as you face a new class where half the students have English as an additional language. Managing EAL (Teachers’ TV, March 8, 2pm) shows how important it is to create a fully supportive school environment and gives some hints on classroom practice.
