The first tier mainly focuses on the teaching of phonics and is most appropriate for CEFR (A1) students who have no or limited ability to read and write in their home language. Students are taught decoding skills and vocabulary development through:
- Phonological awareness
- Metacognition
- Automaticity
Mother tongue support is also available from peers and bilingual resources. Furthermore, all new arrival students are issued with a starter/induction pack which includes a Welcome Booklet Beacon High Orientation Guide, a bilingual dictionary, a vocabulary book and a dual language subject specific glossaries and resources.