This professional development day goes beyond the classroom, equipping school leaders and educators with the tools to create an inclusive, language-aware environment for multilingual learners.

Session 1: Understanding Multilingual Learners
Explore the key factors influencing language acquisition, from cultural background to academic language proficiency (BICS vs. CALP). Through research insights and hands-on activities, gain a deeper understanding of how to enhance student attainment and language development across disciplines.

Session 2: Practical Strategies for Language-Aware Teaching
Develop actionable strategies to scaffold learning and build academic literacy for students using English as an additional language. Engage in practical activities to adapt language, pre-teach vocabulary, and integrate subject-specific language skills into teaching and learning cycles.

Session 3: Monitoring Progress and Attainment in a Multilingual Context
Assessing multilingual learners requires more than traditional baseline data. This session explores how to track academic progress for students with English as an Additional Language (EAL). Learn to contextualise cognitive ability data, assess academic English proficiency, and implement student-centered tracking strategies.

Session 4: Language-Aware Marketing, Admissions, and Recruitment
From the first interaction, schools shape perceptions of language support. This session examines how language expectations are presented in marketing and admissions, including the use of CEFR standards. Gain practical insights to refine communication, enhance family engagement, and strengthen your school’s reputation as an inclusive, language-aware institution.

By the end of the day, participants will be equipped with the tools to create a school-wide culture that supports multilingual learners from admission to academic success.

Dr. Helen Wood 

Dr. Helen Wood is the Head of School Partnerships at Password English Language Testing.

Educated in Wales with a Doctorate from Geneva University, she brings first–hand experience of the highs and lows of multilingual education experience. Former Deputy Chair of BAISIS and Head of International Section at d’Overbroeck’s College, she joined Password in 2018. Helen is an experienced teacher trainer and has delivered CPD content for BAISIS, the BSA, COBIS, ECCTIS and various schools upon request.   

Helen fosters Password’s collaboration with independent and international school partners and supports the development of our assessments tailored for the sector. 

La Garenne International School, 1885 Chesières, Switzerland

Getting there:

Located in outstanding alpine surroundings in Villars, Switzerland,  La Garenne International School has been welcoming multilingual learners and their parents for over 76 years.

La Garenne is just 90 minutes from Geneva Airport, 40 minutes from Lausanne.   For those without a car,  it is a 30-minute bus ride from Aigle Railway Station to Villars.

At least one bus per hour is scheduled with convenient connections with the main lines from Lausanne and Geneva Airport in particular.