Supporting physical education trainees in working with pupils for whom English is an additional language

This paper provides details of an English as an Additional Language (EAL) project that was developed by a Higher Education Institution-based Physical Education Initial Teacher Training Provider (PE ITT) in the East Midlands in conjunction with one of their partnership schools. The project comprised two main elements. The first involved the production of a guidance document to assist PE ITT providers in supporting trainees in working with pupils with EAL and in meeting the EAL-related QTS Standards. The second involved providing trainees who were unable to secure an EAL experience during their teaching practice placements with such an experience at the local partnership school. The project was evaluated via trainee and mentor questionnaires and analysis of trainee documentation. Notable improvements from the baseline data were seen in all areas suggesting that the project was successful in supporting trainees in working with EAL pupils and in helping them to meet the related QTS Standards.