ABSTRACT
Bilingual pupils in the classroom also provide greater opportunities for teachers to develop language awareness for all pupils. The presence of developing bilingual pupils can encourage a stimulating curriculum planned to embrace perspectives from a variety of cultures and traditions, which will inevitably benefit everyone. Provision needs to be supported by the awareness that the Nursery or classroom should be enriched by our many cultured society and, if possible, reflect the cultural backgrounds of all the children. Teacher assessment of bilingual pupils’ language development needs is a continuous process, informing and modifying schemes of work and learning activities as they are planned, reviewed and evaluated. Children developing bilingualism should always be given time and encouragement to listen and to observe without a response being expected. Teachers need to be aware of some possible dangers for bilingual pupils in relation to National Curriculum assessment and access. More specific supportive measures may be taken in relation to particular areas for assessment.
