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English as a Second Language

If you need to translate this website, please click on the world icon Translate globe icon at the top of the page to translate it into your language.

We welcome our parents and carers of our students to be actively involved in school life and will help you get involved if you are not confident in English or are new to the UK. Please contact the school if you have any questions or would like to get more involved.

Languages in Mayfield School

Mayfield School is a multilingual and multicultural school and welcomes students and their families from all over the world. 

  • At least 63% of Mayfield School students speak another language
  • Our most spoken languages other than English are Bengali, Urdu, Romanian and Panjabi. 
  • There are over 51 different languages spoken in Mayfield School. 
  • When we can, we are happy to offer bilingual meetings in the language of your choice or we can book an interpreter for you. 

We know that our students who speak other languages develop excellent problem-solving skills, mental flexibility and the capacity to multitask. Students also have the opportunity to sit GCSEs/AS& A-Level options in their first language if it is available. 

The Pearson/Edexcel options are:

 

Arabic (2017) Biblical Hebrew (2018) Chinese (2017)
French German Greek (2017)
Gujarati (2018) Italian (2017) Japanese (2017)
Modern Languages Persian (2018) Portuguese (2018)
Russian (2017) Spanish Turkish (2018)
Urdu (2017)    

 

The AQA options also include:

Bengali Panjabi Polish

 

For more information about the courses, please click here.

For general information for parents and students, please click here.

Please speak to Ms Lockett or Ms O'Brien (Assistant Head and Head of MFL) for more information.

How will I know what is happening at school?

Mayfield school will communicate regularly with you. We will use different forms of communication including: 

• Our school website: we will share information on our website. Check the school calendar to know important dates like holidays, teacher training (INSET) days and parents’ evenings. 

• Notifications: text message, email and apps like Arbor. Wise Pay can also be used to make payments for school meals and trips 

• Online systems: you can find information about homework, assessments and behaviour 

• Emails and letters: tell us if you do not have access to emails 

• Parents’ evenings and reports: these will let you learn more about your child’s progress 

• Meetings and information evenings: schools will use meetings to share important information. e.g. choosing which subjects to study at GCSE. This can be a useful opportunity to ask questions. 

• Direct communication: you can contact school by phone 020 8590 5211 or email admin@mayfieldschool.net, or arrange for a meeting with the teacher if this is appropriate

Helpful Links

The Bell Foundation:
We want you to know how best to support your children at school. The Bell Foundation offers generic support in different languages.
Go to the page below, select your language and this will link you to more information about how you can help children learn English. 
https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/resources/guidance/parental-involvement/guidance-for-parents-helping-children-learn/ 


British School System:
For more information on the British Secondary School system, click on the page below, select your language and this will link you to more information on the British school system.
https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/resources/guidance/parental-involvement/guidance-for-parents-english-education-system/ 

Understanding the British School System

For more helpful resources for your children at Mayfield School, go to our EAL Curriculum Page

Are you interested in English Lessons?

Free Adult ESOL qualification based at Mayfield School.

Mayfield School are teaming up with MAXIMUS UK to deliver the ESOL qualifications for our parents.

ESOL Skills for Life qualifications support speakers of other languages within the UK to develop their English language skills for work, further learning, or everyday life. These qualifications are intended for anyone based in the UK needing to improve their understanding and use of written or spoken English. 

This might be to help get on at work (or get a job), prepare for further study, access public services, or just to function more effectively in an English-speaking environment. Learners can progress from Entry level 1 up to entry level 3.

If you are interested, please email admin@mayfieldschool.net or contact Rona Nicoll – rnicoll@maximusuk.co.uk for more information.

Maximus Brochure

Latest News

17th Jul

Historic NASA STEM Trip to Florida

A First for Redbridge: Mayfield School Students Embark on Historic NASA STEM Adventure in Orlando, Florida Twenty-seven students become the first young people from the London Borough of Redbridge to experience NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and an unforgettable programme of STEM learning in Florida For the first time in the history of the London Borough of Redbridge, a group of students has had the extraordinary opportunity to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and experience the world of space exploration, engineering and innovation first-hand. Twenty-seven students from Years 10–13 at Mayfield School recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime educational journey to Orlando, Florida, creating a landmark moment for STEM education in the local community. This was far more than a school trip. It was an opportunity for students to stand where history has been made, explore the technology behind humanity’s greatest achievements and see how the science they study in classrooms is transforming the world beyond Earth. Travelling with Norse Atlantic Airways, students spent six days and five nights in Florida, staying at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando. Throughout the trip, students developed independence, confidence and resilience while representing Mayfield School and Redbridge with pride. Reaching New Heights at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre The highlight of the journey was an inspirational visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, one of the world’s most iconic centres for space exploration. Students walked among real spacecraft and rockets, explored interactive exhibits, experienced space simulations and discovered the incredible stories behind NASA’s missions. They learned about the Apollo programme, the Space Shuttle era, astronaut training, the International Space Station and the future of human exploration beyond Earth. A particularly inspiring moment was learning about the role of the Hubble Space Telescope and how space technology continues to expand humanity’s understanding of the universe. Students saw how physics, mathematics and engineering combine to overcome extraordinary challenges and make space exploration possible. For many students, seeing genuine spacecraft and the engineering behind these missions transformed ideas from their science lessons into something real and tangible. Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers The students also experienced the power of innovation through two days at Disney Parks, where they took part in science and technology workshops exploring the engineering, creativity and problem-solving behind some of the world’s most advanced entertainment experiences. Students discovered that behind every attraction lies a combination of physics, computer science, mathematics, design and engineering. They gained a deeper understanding of how STEM subjects influence industries far beyond traditional scientific careers. At Wonderworks, students continued their exploration of science through interactive exhibits and challenges, investigating concepts including forces, motion, electricity and human perception. The trip also challenged students personally through activities such as iFLY Indoor Skydiving, where they experienced the science of flight and aerodynamics while building confidence and resilience by stepping outside their comfort zones. A Journey of Discovery and Personal Growth Beyond the incredible educational experiences, the trip helped students develop valuable life skills. They worked together, supported one another, adapted to new environments and demonstrated maturity throughout the journey. Students returned home with a greater appreciation of the importance of curiosity, collaboration and ambition. Many reflected on how seeing science applied in the real world had changed the way they viewed their future possibilities. Head of Science at Mayfield School, Mrs Sevdie Ali, said: "This was a truly historic opportunity for our students and a very proud moment for Mayfield School and the Redbridge community. This was not just a visit to NASA—it was an experience that allowed our students to see what is possible when curiosity, determination and scientific ambition come together." "Watching our students stand next to spacecraft, explore world-leading innovation and realise that they too can contribute to future discoveries was incredibly inspiring. We want every student to believe that opportunities like this are within their reach." The Orlando STEM Adventure reflects Mayfield School’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. By creating access to world-class educational experiences, the school continues to raise aspirations and inspire young people to pursue futures in science, technology, engineering and beyond. The 27 students have returned to Redbridge with unforgettable memories, greater confidence and a renewed passion for discovery. Their journey marks an exciting milestone—not only for Mayfield School, but for the wider Redbridge community—showing that the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers can come from anywhere.  
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