Posted 28 Nov 2008

More than one-third of pupils at some primary schools in the UK do not speak English as their first language, a new study by Southend council has revealed.

In news which could have implications for those people who have done – or plan to do – a TEFL course, the research notes 39 per cent of students at Porters Grange primary school are learning English as an additional language.

A total of 450 pupils attend the school and speak 34 different tongues, ranging from Czech to Chinese and Urdu to Polish, the Echo reports.

Ros Ferdinand, the head teacher at the academic institution, which is part of the Southend-on-Sea Excellence Cluster, told the publication that the diversity was inspiring students to learn about other cultures and lifestyles from around the globe.

"Teaching pupils who are learning English as an additional language just requires good teaching and learning practices, with lots of practical and visual activities," she added.

Category: Teaching and Learning