Community language

Bengali

Curriculum model

Years 3/4/5/6
Bengali teaching (45-60 mins per week)

Teacher model

Bilingual class teacher working across all year groups; Local Authority support.

Learner profile

Approx. 95% Bengali background, of which 99% are Sylheti speakers.

Link to KS2 Framework

Bengali scheme of work with references to Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages; aims to give access to National Curriculum Level 4 by end of Year 6.

Post-KS2 opportunities

Data shared with secondary schools; early entry GCSE in some schools; GCSE/AS/A Level entries; opportunities with supplementary sector.

Other key features

After-school Bengali classes available; current research project with Goldsmiths College on bilingual learning; annual Local Authority language celebration event; Local Authority-developed scheme of work; whole school ethos celebrating multilingualism.

More information

Full case study

Article, Community Languages Bulletin No 24, p4, p7 (pdf)

Contact

Jamal Uddin, Tower Hamlets Local Authority
Jamal.Uddin@towerhamlets.gov.uk