Cranbourne East Secondary College is proud of its diverse community and the different cultures represented. Our college offers EAL to students in Years 7 to 12 who do not speak English as their first language and have been in Australia for less than 5 years. However, eligibility for VCE is determined by the VCAA and requires students have studied English full-time for less than 7 years.
Generally, EAL classes are smaller than mainstream classes. They are available to those students who have been studying in English for seven years or less and operate at all levels from years 7-12, providing students with an excellent learning environment.
7-10 EAL
The EAL program has all the essential elements of the English mainstream: a focus on developing students’ skills in reading, writing and speaking and listening. EAL students study English in classes parallel to mainstream. However, the EAL program has an additional focus on assisting students with the literacy requirements of schooling. Students also study literature and linguistics (including grammar).
CESC is able to offer stand-alone EAL classes from years 7 to 12. Depending on student numbers, Year 7 and 8 EAL students may have their own class or be placed in an English class with a qualified EAL teacher.
Selection for this program is based on the following criteria:
- The student has moved to Australia from a non-English speaking Country, or if an English-speaking country – was originally in a non-English speaking country and still fulfils the length of time in Australia criterion.
- The student has been in the country for less than five (5) years. If the student has transitioned through an English-speaking country – they have not been away from their home country for more than five (5) years.
- The student has had interrupted schooling.
In-Class Support
Our school is committed to supporting students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and those from diverse linguistic backgrounds (LBOTE). We offer extra in-class support across all subjects through our team of Multicultural Aides, who assist with both language and cultural adjustment. This support is subject to staff availability, ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed academically and socially.
VCE EAL
To qualify for EAL in VCE a student must have no more than 7 years with English as their main language of instruction or have less than 7 years residency in a predominately English-speaking country (at the time of completion of Year 12). Our VCE program’s design is dictated by the VCE EAL Study Design. A high level of skills is required to undertake the VCE course successfully.
Students who have resided and studied in Singapore and India will not be eligible for VCE EAL.
