EAL
We welcome bright and engaging students, eager to benefit from the broad education we provide and we are proud of the mix of socio-economic backgrounds within our student population.
The multi-cultural community here means that girls gain a rich learning experience through their exposure to other backgrounds, languages and customs. Individuality is cherished and there is an environment of open-mindedness and harmony. Our school is diverse, inclusive and dynamic, and we pride ourselves on having a strong sense of community, created by building strong links between the staff and students’ families.
EAL students receive individual support to ensure that they can access the curriculum and make optimum progress.
Admission for students relocating from overseas to Blackheath High is not uncommon, particularly as we are located in London close to Canary Wharf. We strive to ensure that transition to the UK is as smooth as possible. Our teaching staff are experienced at working with students for whom English is not their first language, so have a very good understanding of the emotional and educational needs associated with this transition.
Understanding the English School System
The National Curriculum is constructed in five Key Stages (note that each academic year runs from birth dates starting 1st September, and finishes with birth dates to 31st August the following year):
Key Stage 1: Foundation year and Years 1 to 2 - for students aged between 5 and 7 years old
Key Stage 2: Years 3 to 6 - for students aged between 8 and 11 years old
Key Stage 3: Years 7 to 9 - for students aged between 12 and 14 years old
Key Stage 4: Years 10 to 11 - for students aged between 15 and 16 years old
Key Stage 5: Years 12 to 13 - for students aged between 17 and 18 years old
Junior School is for students aged 5-11 years and Senior School is for 11-16 year olds. Sixth Form is from age 16 to 18.
