Teaching Language Alongside Content

This chapter evaluates the implementation of an institution-wide strategy to strengthen students’ English language skills and upskill teachers to support students’ language development. English as an Additional Language (EAL) students face ongoing challenges in discipline-specific communication, affecting their academic success and wellbeing. In response, a comprehensive Language Strategy was piloted at a pathways education provider in 2024 to enhance student success and teacher capacity and integrate language development into discipline teaching. The Strategy included student workshops, conversation groups, teacher professional development, peer teaching partnerships, and a six-month professional development programme. This chapter highlights the implementation within a business unit, where language experts, learning designers, and subject-matter experts collaborated to create embedded language support resources. The findings reveal notable enhancements in student confidence, engagement, academic performance, and overall satisfaction. Teacher observations and reflections showed gradual improvements in students’ academic performance, including better subject understanding and enhanced discipline-specific language skills. Teachers expressed positive feedback, noting they enjoyed and learnt from participation. The Strategy’s success was supported by alignment with institutional strategic frameworks, educational policies, and senior leadership, highlighting the value of integrating language support within disciplinary contexts.