Conference season is in full swing as a glance at our round up of events demonstrates. Of particular interest to members is the national conference of our sister organisation SATEAL (Scottish Association for Teachers of English as an additional language). Their aptly named conference explores the challenges facing all of us in delivering high quality provision in these difficult times. The conference costs only £30 for members and £35 for non members.
Another event of particular interest is sponsored by ESRC and Multiverse and is particularly aimed at EAL/EMA teams working with young people of Polish heritage. The entry of Poland and other countries from Eastern Europe in the EU in 2004 brought a substantial, and largely unexpected, expansion of migration to Britain. Many Polish migrants came with – or were joined by – their children, who have enrolled in British schools. Their arrival has presented opportunities but also challenges to schools and local authorities.
Rosemary Sales, Louise Ryan, Magda Lopez Rodriguez, Alessio D’Angelo of Middlesex University recently completed a research study exploring the transition to schooling of these new pupils from the perspective of schools and families. It raised a number of policy issues, in particular the importance of spreading good practice and the need to develop and disseminate appropriate teaching materials as well as information for teachers and parents.
They are now undertaking a nine month project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), to disseminate the results of this study to a wider audience. This includes a workshop day for EAL/EMA staff on 20th May.
