EAL and ALS

English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Additional Learning Support (ALS)

At Westminster International School in Tashkent (WIST), students learn in an English-speaking academic environment with a curriculum pathway that includes Cambridge programmes. For students who need additional support with English language development, WIST provides targeted English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help them access classroom learning with greater confidence.

EAL support is designed for students who demonstrate strong learning potential and a commitment to academic progress. Depending on the student’s age, English level and learning needs, support may be provided in small groups or through additional classroom assistance.

With regular support and consistent effort, many EAL students are able to participate more confidently in the mainstream curriculum within one academic year.

Through Additional Learning Support (ALS), WIST is able to accommodate students in need of mild general learning support. However, as a private international school in Uzbekistan, the school is only able to cope with a very limited number of students, and special arrangements and commitments are usually required from parents, which may include extra financial cost.

In line with our ambition to be a high-achieving British school in Tashkent and also one that nurtures children’s potential, students aged 4 and older will have support with English in class from either a Russian/Uzbek speaking teacher or teaching assistant if they are behind their peers in English.

In Primary school, lessons will be pitched at a similar level to those taught at any first-rate international school following the Cambridge curriculum in Uzbekistan. Some classes may need extra support from bilingual teachers or teaching assistants. The planning and delivery are similar to other classes but will have a greater focus on language development and EAL learning support.

The Head of Preschool & Primary or Head of Secondary may require additional assessment such as Additional Learning Support (ALS) and/or English as an Additional Language (EAL) to determine if the school is equipped to meet these needs of the child. In special cases, should there be a need for the child to receive one-to-one personal support, the cost of this support may be borne by the parents.

Our EAL and ALS provision reflects WIST’s commitment to helping students participate positively in school life, develop independence and make meaningful progress in their learning.