International Club

New International Club pupils produce their first brochure to help others for whom English is an additional language

This term marks the launch of a new publication for BHGS – a brochure for students coming to the school from countries outside the UK. The brochure is a little different to the rest of the materials sent to parents and carers as it was created by BHGS students who themselves come from an international background.

The creation of the brochure took place at the newly formed International Club – the brainchild of Mr Lister and the Learning Support department. This club runs between 08.00 and 08.55 on Mondays and Wednesdays and is open to all students who have joined the school from overseas learning settings, which means that for most of the club members English is an additional language. The club not only encourages the students to take part in group activities like the writing of the brochure, but also offers an informal setting for the students to socialise with other young people who are adapting to life in a new country, and it provides an opportunity for them to practice their developing English language skills with people who speak at their pace.

As the 2020-2021 academic year draws to a close, our Learning Support team will be looking at how to take the International Club forward in the next academic year. Already the students are having fun putting together a poster for the club based around memories from their home countries. The club also has its own music playlist and the students are thinking of how they can welcome new members in the autumn term. Supporting students with English as an additional language (EAL) is one of the many activities that are undertaken by the Learning Support department at BHGS, along with all the excellent work it does in settling and assisting students with learning and medical needs.

International Club Brochure 2021