Thursday March 12, 09:30 – 10:30
Cost: Free to BAISIS Members
Location: Online
Based on member feedback, BAISIS has launched a dedicated member forum for staff supporting international students who may present with EAL needs and SEND. Navigating cultural differences in approach to academic, social, emotional, and physical needs and language barriers in assessments can make identifying and delivering the right support for each child difficult.
This informal meeting for BAISIS members aims to provide a safe space for colleagues to share experiences, and advice, ask questions and consider best practice approaches to delivering the best care and provision in this area for international students. This meeting is open to all BAISIS members and will address academic and pastoral themes as raised by members.
This forum will run termly.
Gareth Davies, Head of Learning Support & SENCO and Patricia Brooks, Head of EAL at St Mary’s, Cambridge present a working document for discussion which sets out the protocols for identifying students that can best access Exam Access Arrangement (EAA) tests, and a selection of test batteries that would be most suitable when assessing students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) at St. Mary’s, Cambridge Senior School. It recognises that many assessment tools have been developed and normed on native English speakers and therefore may present access barriers for EAL candidates. The purpose of this document is to ensure the integrity of assessment practices while adhering to the regulations of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ, 2025).
