Teach Primary Issue 19.6

Are you a teacher trying to provide quality-first learning for children with English as an additional language? Are you trying to manage multiple language learners within your classroom? As a class teacher, unlocking the world of learning for those children with English as an additional language is an essential task, but can be extremely workload-heavy. But FlashAcademy® could make a real difference. FlashAcademy® is primarily an online teaching programme, with a comprehensive range of online lessons and skills for those pupils learning English as an additional language. It has the ability to set tasks, and a variety of skills for EAL learners, and build custom-made lessons at the touch of a button. However, it is much more than that, and has so many helpful and insightful resources and tools for teachers to use practically day-to-day in the classroom. The primary version of the online app is extremely easy to navigate. It is bright, colourful and attractive to pupils. The layout and icons make it user friendly. An extensive package of lessons and videos are usable with early acquisition learners through to those with higher levels of proficiency. Whilst EYFS aligned content is currently under development, the programme is aimed to start with learners entering school at Year 2 and above, but would be suitable to begin with pupils at whatever point their early acquisition begins. The learning journey is clearly mapped out to include necessary survival vocabulary and phonics learning. It is added to with a focus on handwriting and letter formation, and works chronologically, building on pupil’s developing skills moving into curriculum-aligned vocabulary which can be used for pre-teaching or supporting curriculum learning. Sometimes programmes like this are hindered by the teacher dashboard, but FlashAcademy® is very user-friendly, with all the necessary admin controls and information you need to make setting tasks, lessons and homework as easy as possible. The assessment area of the programme is particularly insightful with the ability to baseline pupils, and then monitor their progress through proficiency bands. The AI marking aspect of this assessment ensures teachers are provided with highly detailed breakdowns of pupil’s strengths and next steps of development. FlashAcademy® has also developed flexibility within the programme so that assessment can be tailored to the needs of the setting and the pupils. Grading systems are clear and precise, and could make a very valuable progress tracking tool. The extensive additional material for teachers to use is also worthy of a mention. From the extensive array of training videos and materials that support you in accessing the system, to the translated parental instructions and printable resources to support lessons, all resources are of a high quality. The learner profiles developed for a huge spectrum of home languages are particularly useful. These profiles include background information about countries, cultural differences, key language concept differences between home languages and English, key difficulties in learning English linked to specific home languages and much more. FlashAcademy® is definitely worth a visit! It could be the answer to so many of your pupils’ needs, opening the way to their English learning – all within one app. A comprehensive online teaching programme and app for pupils working across the EAL proficiency range AT A GLANCE EAL An online EAL skills programme that progresses through levels of proficiency Suitable for use both at school and in the home Covers all four key skills for pupils with English as an additional language Includes a wealth of CPD packages and useful practical resources Built-in assessment and reporting flashacademy.com Built in progression and skills Easy to access Bursting with CPD and support Practical resources Ideal for home or school …you want a programme for EAL learners that does everything you’ll ever need in one place! VERD I CT UPGRADE I F . . . REVIEWED BY: RUTH ASTLEY FlashAcademy® Primary 112 | www.teachwire.net RE V I EWS