English Additonal Language

EAL

Currently 36% of students enrolled in Victorian government schools are from language backgrounds other than English. In 2025, there are approximately 28,000 English Additional Language (EAL) students enrolled in schools in South-West Victoria Region. EAL students have a language background other than English and have usually lived in Australia for less than 7 years. EAL programs in schools provide students with the chance to thrive in the Australian school system. These programs allow EAL students to learn about English and use English to learn the content and topics covered across curriculum areas.

At Warrnambool East Primary School there are over 23 languages other than English spoken at home. We recognise that our multicultural families provide a rich tapestry in our school community and classrooms; a place where cultural diversity is embraced, and students can build on refining their linguistic abilities in a safe and supported environment.

Warrnambool East Primary School is the coordinating school for the Warrnambool EAL Cluster program. This Department of Education program supports EAL students and their families across 26 primary and secondary schools in our region. It provides schools and their staff a chance to connect and build an understanding of what is best practice for our plurilingual language learners. The primary aim of the EAL Cluster program is to build the capacity of teachers’ understandings and strengthen knowledge regarding EAL learners while also providing advice and guidance around EAL student learning needs. From sharing resources, building networks and creating unique opportunities, this program aims to embrace diversity and support learners in their initial stages of learning English as an additional language.

The EAL Cluster program views language learning as a journey: research indicates it can take 7 years for a student to learn English for academic purposes.  EAL Cluster educators work collaboratively with teaching staff; focussing on quality teaching strategies, resources and task differentiation to ensure students can access school curriculum and find success in their learning. All EAL Cluster schools are guided by EAL Cluster educators to follow the Victorian EAL Curriculum and where appropriate, students are reported on this curriculum to ensure equity and a chance to highlight the effort and progression of their learning.  For further resources for EAL visit the EAL resources to support the EAL curriculum eal-resources-diagram-1175 (education.vic.gov.au)

Across all EAL cluster schools, Warrnambool East Primary School included, we encourage children to continue to speak, read and write in their home language: the language they know best. By speaking, reading and writing in their home language it helps EAL students to build on their bilingual abilities. There are many benefits to being bilingual, including strengthening their sense of identity and connection to family, community and culture. For more information about the benefits of being bilingual visit https://www.vic.gov.au/speak-your-child-language-you-know-best