East

Castle Primary is experiencing a boom in pupils from diverse ethnic backgrounds in common with many schools in the East of England.

Twenty two per cent of pupils are from Eastern Europe including Poland, one of the countries with the highest numbers of new pupils.

The school's Headteacher believes that the diversity of the school is a positive advantage, and that they can show that it is possible to overcome the challenges of a multi-lingual environment.

We asked some of the staff at the school how they are coping with this new teaching regime.

Special teachers

Kerry Ferris is a class teacher at Castle Primary.

She says, "With so many different languages at the school it’s always difficult. I don't think it's ever easy.

Kerry Ferris - responding to needs.

"Sometimes children who come here from other countries do know a bit of English but some come with no English at all so you never know what to expect.

"It’s always a challenge but I don't find it frustrating because of all the support we get.

"We have special support teachers called 'English as an Additional Language Support Teachers' - who do a lot of work with any new child that comes into the school.

"We also buddy-up all new children with a child who, if possible, speaks their language.

"It helps with interpreting and it helps them feel a little more at home. They can explain all those little things like where their peg is, where their tray is, what it means when the whistle goes at playtime and where the toilets are.

"So there’s plenty of support for new arrivals from both the adults and the children to make sure that their emotional and social welfare is really taken care of."

Signs and signals

Debra Hill is a numeracy teacher at the primary school.

Debra Hill - helping students succeed.

"We're used to children turning up with little or no language at all so we just find ways of getting round it.

"We use signs, we use visual clues and we have multilingual teaching assistants in class whenever we can.

"When they first arrive, it can be a problem but we're very much used to it."

Polish culture and language

Alina Sarncka is a Polish Teaching Assistant at Castle Primary.

She's well placed to rise to the challenge as Alina understands the children's cultural background very well.

"Because I'm a Polish-speaker I mainly work with the Polish children at the school but I also help children who speak other languages too, helping them in lessons.

Alina Sarncka - Polish connection.

"I also act as a translator for some of the children's parents and I help translate information and leaflets that the school sends out to parents.

"This school is unique because we've got so many Polish speakers and other nationalities here so new arrivals don't feel isolated at all.

"Two Polish boys who arrived this week have already made lots of friends here.

"Our headteacher is very enthusiastic and I think it's largely down to him that the children and parents feel so happy here.

"The school is brilliant. I don't know how the teachers cope with all the different nationalities. It's amazing."

Teaching style

Michele Williams is a class teacher at Castle Primary School.

She says, "You do have to try to think of ways to help the children who don't speak English very well but it doesn't really change your approach to teaching them.

Michele Williams - making great strides.

"For example, if a child came into the school who couldn't read at a certain level, you would help them with their reading.

"If they couldn't spell, you would help with their spelling.

"And if they can't speak the language you help them with their language. It's not really any different."

It's clear that Castle Primary School is making great strides in teaching its diverse group of students.

Other schools across the East of England are also facing a similar challenge as they become increasingly multi-lingual with the influx of migrant workers.