Can’t speak, can’t learn: what’s the impact of non-native speakers in schools?

The number of schoolchildren who do not speak English as their first language is increasing each year. It is hard to spot a ‘gifted and talented’ pupil if they are held back by language challenges. How can education respond to the increase in EAL to ensure every child can access the whole curriculum?

As experts in assessment we believe it's our duty to provide a forum to debate key educational issues. We hosted an event in London on 22 May 2012 to debate the key issues. More than 100 people including teachers, assessment experts and journalists attended. The debate was streamed live and more than 1000 people watched online.

Our presenters included: Lee Donaghy, Park View Business & Enterprise School, Birmingham; Phil Woolas, former immigration minister; Dr Sandra McNally, London School of Economics and Political Science; Dr Philida Schellekens, consultant, author, teacher and teacher trainer; Dr Frank Monaghan, the National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum (NALDIC); Prof. Dr. Piet Van Avermaet, Ghent University; and Tim Chadwick, consultant and teacher trainer.

The 6-minute film below shows some of the experiences of teachers in UK schools, and you can also watch films from our live debate (which took place on 22 May) or download podcasts.

View the podcasts from this event.

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  • Now playing: Opening remarks

    (22 May 2012, 4:57)

    Introduction by Chair, Bene't Steinberg, Group Director - Public Affairs, Cambridge Assessment to event 'Can't speak, can't learn: what's the impact of non-native speakers in schools?'

    

    Opening remarks

    Introduction by Chair, Bene't Steinberg, Cambridge Assessment

  • Now playing: Case studies

    (22 May 2012, 6:46)

    In England, the proportion of primary and secondary schoolchildren speaking other languages at home has been increasing steadily over recent years. What impact does this have on teachers and the education of mainstream students?

    

    Case studies

    Exploring the impact of non-native speakers in UK schools

  • Now playing: Teaching EAL students

    (22 May 2012, 10:41)

    Lee Donaghy (Park View Business & Enterprise School, Birmingham)

    

    Teaching EAL students

    Lee Donaghy (Park View Business & Enterprise School, Birmingham)

  • Now playing: The impact upon the community

    (22 May 2012, 10:10)

    Phil Woolas, former Immigration Minister and Labour MP

    

    The impact upon the community

    Phil Woolas (former UK Immigration Minister and Labour MP)

  • Now playing: Pupil performance on the changing geography of ethnic minority pupils in secondary schools

    (22 May 2012, 7:11)

    Dr Sandra McNally, Director of Education and Skills, Centre for Economic Performance, The London School of Economics and Political Science

    

    Pupil performance on the changing geography of ethnic minority pupils in secondary schools

    Dr Sandra McNally (Director of Education and Skills, CEP, LSE)

  • Now playing: The impact of language skills on future life and career chances

    (22 May 2012, 11:48)

    Dr Philida Schellekens, Consultant, Author, Teacher and Teacher-Trainer

    

    The impact of language skills on future life and career chances

    Dr Philida Schellekens (consultant, author, teacher and teacher-trainer)

  • Now playing: Discussion session 1

    (22 May 2012, 29:42)

    From the event 'Can’t speak, can’t learn: what’s the impact of non-native speakers in schools?'

    

    Discussion session 1

    Questions and audience discussion

  • Now playing: 'How can the curriculum respond?'

    (22 May 2012, 35:25)

    Panel discussion chaired by Dr Nick Saville (Cambridge English Language Assessment). Featuring: Dr Frank Monaghan (National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum), Prof Dr Piet Van Avermaet (Ghent University, Belgium), Timothy Chadwick (consultant and teacher training - language testing)

    

    'How can the curriculum respond?'

    Panel debate chaired by Dr Nick Saville (Cambridge English Language Assessment)

  • Now playing: Further discussion and closing remarks

    (22 May 2012, 28:23)

    From the event 'Can't speak, can't learn?'

    

    Further discussion and closing remarks

    From the event on 'Can't speak, can't learn?'...

• Tim Chadwick's presentation (PDF, 49KB)
• Prof Piet Van Avermaet's presentation (PDF, 140KB)
• Lee Donaghy's presentation (PDF, 401KB)
• Dr Sandra McNally's presentation (PDF, 129KB)
• Dr Philida Schellekens' presentation (PDF, 3MB)
• Dr Frank Monaghan's presentation (PDF, 417KB)
• A brief summary of Government policy in relation to EAL Learners (PDF, 52KB)