Our mission statement
Across Cultures aims to offer a world-renowned service that provides teachers with the skills and resources needed to successfully support their language learners within the demands of the curriculum and a multilingual world.
This includes providing:
- Quality professional development for teachers with EAL learners
- EAL blended learning resources for differentiating easily across the curriculum
- ESOL blended learning resources for supporting pre-literate and low-level literacy adult learners
The Across Cultures team shares a commitment to:
- Quality
- Communication
- Customer service
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Continuous learning
Through these values, we work together, with individuals and groups, to deliver the best possible outcomes for you and your learners.
How we started
Caroline Scott, Author and Director at Across Cultures originally began writing an induction to English, funded by the Local Authority of Tower Hamlets in 2002.
This funding was awarded to accommodate the distinct need for additional support for new-to-English learners in the mainstream. After writing her first draft, Caroline went on to develop this further, eventually providing training for many schools in Tower Hamlets and beyond. After some years, Caroline left Tower Hamlets to start an international School overseas. There, she was able to develop ideas further. Following significant additional research, she wrote her first book, 'Teaching Children as an Additional Language: A Programme for 7-11 year olds'. She later went onto write her second book, 'Teaching English as an Additional Language 5-11, A Whole School Resource', which encompassed many more facets of language learning, including language learning strategies, additional assessment and differentiating further for all levels of language across all curriculum subjects.
The Learning Village was a natural evolution of her work. It allows increased flexibility for learners and teachers, as well as significantly more content and assessment opportunities. Caroline also delivers a three-day training for senior teachers/leaders on supporting EAL learning across the curriculum (the EAL Framework course), as well as whole-school insets and one-day courses on how to achieve effective EAL teaching through the Learning Village.
Who we are
The Learning Village is a resource developed by Across Cultures. Through the Learning Village programme, Across Cultures supports young English language learners, and their teachers, parents and carers, with the skills and resources they need to achieve proficiency in English and to access a demanding school curriculum, in a multilingual world.
Here's our team:
Caroline Scott BA, DipM, NPQH, MA has been working in schools developing English language skills for young learners, catering for beginner through to fluent learners in culturally rich, international minded learning environments. She has taught young learners and trained teachers in the Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East. Caroline was the founding Head of Primary at CES, A British International school in Cairo, Egypt (3-18 IPC school) and the Primary Principal at the International School of Milan, Italy (3-18 IB PYP school). As well as delivering training across the UK and overseas, Caroline links to a school in London where she continues to work with teachers and learners.
Caroline is the author of 'Teaching Children English as an Additional Language: A programme for 7-11 year olds', 'Teaching English as an Additional Language 5-11: A Whole School Resource' and 'An English as an additional Language (EAL) Programme: Learning through images for 7-14 year olds'. She has also developed EAL teacher training, resources and online learning (www.learningvillage.net) to support teachers catering for new-to-English learners in the English speaking mainstream.
Iva is an EAL Specialist who has taught EAL to international pupils from different countries and educational backgrounds for over 18 years. In addition to that, she has also led and managed the EAL provision in a number of schools as Head of EAL and EAL Coordinator. Iva has a PG Dip in Educational Leadership and Management and a Master's in Applied Linguistics. Iva is passionate about multilingualism, valuing diversity and the importance of maintaining children's home languages.
Breda Matthews, MA, B.Ed, Dip TESSOL, is responsible for demonstrations and training in the Australasia region, as well as content development. She is a facilitator and teacher of English language learners and has wide experience and expertise in programme design, teaching and assessing English language learners, resource creation and professional development in New Zealand. Breda has designed and delivered face-to-face and online programmes to English language learners. She is the founder of the English Language Resources Centre in New Zealand.
Miranda, MEd. BA Hons Trinity Dip TESOL, Mindlab, is responsible for demonstrations and training in the Australasia region, as well as content development. She is an EAL specialist who has taught in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary organisations in the UK, NZ, Malaysia and Oman. She has worked as an academic leader and as a teacher professional development coach. She also has experience across a range of international curricula, including NZCEL, NCEA, PYP, IMYC and Cambridge. Her specific area of interest is blended learning to meet individual student needs in a relevant context.
Simon joined the Across Cultures team to work collaboratively in developing our online EAL learning environment, the Learning Village. Simon has over 10 years' experience as a programmer and has a keen interest in languages, having also taught English as a Foreign Language in the past. Simon runs CDU Digital, a website development and digital marketing business.
Beverley is often the first person you'll speak to if you register on the Learning Village. She'll help with all your initial questions and set you up with your EAL Specialist, who can provide you with initial training and ongoing support. Beverley lives near Manchester with her dog, Poppy, and is the proud mother of Jasmine.
Heidi is responsible for the planning and managing of content development processes, as well as the creation of resources, virtual lessons and training videos. Heidi has worked as a primary teacher and speaks three languages fluently. She currently studies towards her trilingual Master's degree in Primary Education and spends most of her free time reading and singing in her band.
Sara does an incredible job of bringing the Learning Village to life! Sara lives in a beautiful village in the Italian Alps and loves hiking and practicing yoga. She started her illustration career by creating colourful comic strips about her primary school classmates' imaginary adventures. She has published professionally since 2009, working on textbooks, fiction books, games, and educational projects for a wide age range. She collaborates with publishers, institutions, and companies in Italy and worldwide.
Find her website here.
s.marchetto84@gmail.com
Kelly manages new and existing memberships of the Australasia region. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Kelly has a varied background in travel, tertiary & retail industries. Her happy place is spending time with her young family or pottering in the garden.
Karen develops support for SEND and learners with EAL and SEND within Across Cultures and the Learning Village. As an experienced SENDCO, SEND Lead Worker, Deputy Manager and Class Teacher, Karen has a wealth of experience to share on the subject of SEND. In addition to her work in SEND, Karen also works part time in the Finance department. In her spare time, Karen can usually be found on the sideline supporting her son's and daughter's many sporting activities.
Martha has extensive experience in teaching EAL pupils in primary and secondary education in the UK. She has also delivered teacher training on EAL teaching strategies and actively contributed to the improvement of EAL provision in schools. Martha holds a Bachelor's degree in English Language & Literature and a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics, and she has conducted research on foreign language didactics and English Language curriculum design in the past. She has also been an English Language Teacher for the past 17 years. Her areas of interest include language and identity, the bilingual brain and psychology behind multilingualism.
Sally is responsible for demonstrations and training in the Australasia region, as well as content development. She is an EAL specialist who has taught in New Zealand for over 17 years after a brief stint in the UK and Japan. Most of her teaching experience has been in secondary schools in New Zealand with large migrant populations where she has been responsible for the ESOL department as well as coordinating programmes for and supporting students from refugee backgrounds. She has a post-graduate Diploma in Language Teaching and an MA in Applied Linguistics which included a dissertation on the motivation of Pasifika students to read extensively in a South Auckland high school. Sally is based in Auckland and enjoys recreational reading, yoga and walks in the local area.
Vicky Henderson, BA Hons, PGCE (EYFS/KS1), CELTA, has over 10 years of experience in education, teaching in UK schools and extensively in Australia, Thailand, and France. She has specialised in teaching English and supporting bilingual children in becoming literate. While living in France in her late 20s, Vicky applied her expertise to become fluent in French and cherishes time spent reconnecting with friends and immersing herself in French culture. A multi-award-winning coach, mentor, trainer, and speaker, Vicky is passionate about mental health and emotional development, working with both young people and adults. She specialises in emotional intelligence and resilience, helping clients overcome stress, anxiety, and low confidence. Vicky also has extensive training in trauma and its effects, emphasising mindful, trauma-informed practice and creating psychologically safe environments.
Find out more here: Young People, Adults
CONTACT US
Tel (UK): +44 (0) 118 335 0035
Tel (New Zealand): 00 64 9 889 8153
Fax: +44 (0) 118 335 0036
Mail: info@axcultures.com
Special thanks to all those who have been part of developing the Learning Village, with particular mention to:
Our Pilot Schools
St John's C or E Primary School, Tower Hamlets, London, UK
Wood End Academy, Ealing, London, UK
Bradford Girls' Grammar School, Bradford, UK
Heidelberg International School, Germany
International School of Milan, Milan, Italy
Lea Forest Academy, Birmingham, UK (went on to become a hub school)
Yew Chung International Primary School, Hong Kong
Academie Ste Cecile International School, Canada
Aston University Engineering Academy, Birmingham, UK
Hylands Primary School, Havering, UK (went on to become a hub school)
Parsonage Farm Primary School, Havering, UK
Kelvin Grove Primary School, Gateshead, UK
St Mark's Primary, Mitcham, London, UK (went on to become a hub school)
Also to the following individuals:
Laura Haines, EAL Coordinator, International School of Milan
Sally Flannagan, Mother Tongue Coordinator, International School of Milan
Terry Haywood, Headmaster, International School of Milan
Vicki Wilson, EAL Team Leader, Yew Chung International Primary School
Norm Dean, Deputy Director, Yew Chung International Primary School
Rachel Parsons, EAL/SEN Teacher, Bradford Girls School
Sharmila Shah, EAL, Bradford Girls School
Amy Tilson, OCT, Academie Ste Cecile International School, Canada
Nick Parkes, English Support Teacher, Heidelberg International School, Germany
Rebecca Richardson, School Leader, Bradford Girls School
Michelle Wain, Ethnic Minority Achievement Adviser, Havering
Sue Crane, LA Consultant, Tower Hamlets Ethnic Minority Acheivement
Ann Cobden, Deputy Head, Wood End Academy
Anne Hayes, Headteacher, Wood End Academy
Jasminder Manku, EAL Teaching Assistant, Wood End Academy
Terry Bennett, Headteacher, St John's C or E Primary School
Angela Vasey, Inclusion Coordinator, St John's C or E Primary School
Hilary Thompson, Headteacher, Lea Forest Academy
Sarah Jones, EAL Coordinator, Lea Forest Academy
Sarah Brown, Head of International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
Coreen Seers, EAL Consultant & Author, Independant
John Regan, Director, TeacheHorizons
Alexis Toye, Director, TeacheHorizons
Tom George, Director, Happy Hour
Owen White, Mentor, Edtech Futures
Adam Sefton, Director, Reading Room
Kim Dolman, Mentor, The Business Inqbator
Images are provided courtesy of Dreamstime (www.dreamstime.com), Adobe Stock (stock.adobe.com) and Pixabay (www.pixabay.com)
