Specialist Language College Status

 

In 2002 Grove was successful in its application to become a specialist Language College. This status has brought additional funding which has allowed language teaching in the school to develop and diversify. It has also enabled Grove to enhance the international ethos of the school by offering a greater range of opportunities for students.

All students study one foreign language in Year 7 and two in Years 8 and 9 after starting their foreign language education in our partner Primary Schools with lessons taught by Grove teachers. In Key Stage 4 everyone continues to study at least one foreign language to age 16 (and most to GCSE) and there is the opportunity to study two or even three languages to GCSE. Advanced level studies are available in French, Spanish and German.

Third Session courses, open to the wider community are run by Modern Languages Department They give access to additional languages including Italian.

The Dickinson Block, which is the Language College base has been extended and facilities enhanced by the creation of a dedicated languages ICT suite and installation of interactive whiteboards in classrooms.
Several foreign visits for students are arranged every year. In a typical year we organise trips to France, Spain, Malta, Germany, Belgium and South Africa. Also, through Teachers’ International Professional Development, a considerable number of staff have visited countries such as South Africa, Turkey and Austria to experience and study aspects of education around the world. We regularly welcome students and teachers from other countries. Recently these have included guests from Mexico, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria and South Africa.
Grove also works to support the teaching of languages in the local area. We run masterclasses in languages for year 11 students and for post 16 students. Grove also hosts the Local Support Group for Early Language Learning (LSG), funded by CILT to support the teaching of languages in the primary school. For further information see www.primarylanguages.org.uk

Grove makes every effort to enhance students’ learning experiences and to prepare students for life as a global citizen through the addition of an international dimension in all curriculum areas and in 2009 we were awarded the International Schools Award by the DCSF.