English lessons on one-to-one basis for pupils of immigrant families - pilot scheme "ulpan" system set for primary schools

Published: 26 March 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

CHILDREN of newly arrived immigrant families could be given intensive English lessons under a plan to dramatically boost GCSE pass rates, writes Jamie Welham.

Education chiefs are considering introducing a pilot scheme in Westminster primary schools based on a programme popularised in Israel known as the “ulpan” system.

Children would receive one-on-one tuition as part of a method of teaching  prioritising English language immersion.

Figures reveal that there are more than 145 languages spoken across the borough and almost three-quarters of schoolchildren don’t have English as a first language.

Headteachers have been told that 75 per cent of students must achieve five A-C grades by 2012 – a tall order for some schools which last year struggled to post half of that figure.

The full cost of the programme has yet to be determined, but despite the apparent expense of one-on-one tuition in the light of £2.2million worth of cuts to the education budget, the council does not seem to be put off.

Pilot schools have yet to be selected and the council could not say whether it would be bringing in new teachers to teach the lessons.

Councillor Nickie Aiken, cabinet member for children at Westminster Council, said: “Given the current tough economic climate and challenging job market it is even more essential that young people leave school with the best chance of success in life.

“Our aspiration to boost the GCSE grades of Westminster’s students supports our commitment to ensuring children are equipped with the necessary tools to continue into work, training or further education.

“In recent years, we have seen good progress with improved results across Westminster, but with the support of our schools we believe we can be more ambitious and continue to do even better for the city’s young people.”