Oliver Bancroft

A little about me

I teach English language acquisition through timetabled and in-class support. Direct teaching can help pupils focus on language, while working in the lesson lets me see how that language is used in a subject context. Both approaches are useful when they respond to what pupils need to do.

I also work with subject teachers to build their confidence in teaching academic language. Pupils may understand the idea but find the wording of a question, explanation or written response difficult to navigate. Making that language visible can help them take part without removing them from the subject learning.

I look for resources that clarify vocabulary, instructions and ways to express an idea. A word bank or sentence frame can be helpful when it connects to the lesson’s actual purpose. I value collaboration that supports the pupil in the moment and helps the teacher recognise language demands in future planning.