What do schools do when students arrive with no English and not much schooling?

Thats where l  the expertise of teaching a language is called for.One starts from the basics up and in such instances you find that such pupils are fertile ground for great mastery and polished English speakers.

According to me. before starting anything boost his confidence that he can achieve this just through dedication and hard work make him understand about the importance of studies set and show him where he has to reach then start his studies from basics onwards and some special attention on him.

We can't rule out the use of the catchment area language. Use lots of graphics, pictorials to relate with the concept to be taught. Native trained teachers of the area who may have the basics in English language should act as assistants To the English teacher. Use the three dimensions of teaching formal non formal and informal. A lot of role play dramatization may help. Link up the school with the society because I believe the school is situated " in the centre of the society and therefore English shouldn't appear so alien if it's made interesting. Don't introduce writing because we're talking about unschooled already. Always start from the very simple to complex with lots of patience enthusiasm and positive mental attitude untill you transform the learner to a willful learner of the new language. Make sure you emphasize the reason "why English". It will make sense to the learner.

Extra coaching and effort is needed to make such students enable to sit in the class in a comfrtable way. Their willingness to improve with suggested remedies is essential otherwise it remains a futile practice.

should take remedial or extra lessons.