THE LANGUAGE COLLEGE

The Convent of Jesus and Mary has enjoyed over 10 years as a specialist Language College. It was one of the first schools to achieve specialist status in this area and receives funding directly from the government to promote languages and the international dimension both within the school and in the local community. Whilst in many schools fewer than 50% of pupils study a foreign language in KS4, The Convent of Jesus and Mary ensures that everyone learns at least one foreign language, with most students choosing to learn two or even three.

All students learn French in year 7 and they then take up either Spanish or Italian at the start of year 8. The KS4 curriculum includes traditional GCSEs (with fast track groups achieving early accreditations) as well as Applied GCSEs and courses assessed using Asset Languages, thus suiting a variety of abilities and needs. At KS5 students continue to experience languages through A level courses or by means of the weekly enrichment classes.

We are a rich, diverse and inclusive school: there are over 35 languages represented. Many students at the school have an additional language which they may speak at home such as Polish, Arabic, Portuguese, French and Spanish. These students are encouraged to participate in the GCSE early entry scheme in year 8 or 9 – leading on to advanced level language accreditations in years 10 and 11 - and are supported in their learning through the weekly lessons offered as part of the Saturday School provision. 

In addition to the normal curriculum, students at the Convent benefit from a whole range of cultural activities such as visits to Art galleries and museums, cinema trips, lectures and workshops which make their education truly distinctive and develop both their interpersonal and intercultural skills, which are essential for success in an increasingly global economy.

Here are just some of the many international activities and events which celebrate our plurilingualism:

Sixth Form students have been given the opportunity to join trips to Germany (funded by the British Council with a £6,000 JCP grant in December 2006) whilst year 10 students have travelled to Northern France on a one-day visit. And those in year 9 have visited Normandy. A small group of students has recently travelled to Lyon to attend an international meeting whilst visiting walking in the footsteps of our Patron Saint. 

A group of year 9 Fast Track students were taken on a trip to the Europa Centre, where they carried out activities simulating a day in a French town.

The integration programmes run in conjunction with the British International School have given students the opportunity to gain an insight into different school systems by hosting groups of Italian visitors who shared their lessons for the week. A return visit to the Liceo Scientifico Tassoni in Modena was organised for year 11 students offering them the opportunity to experience the education system and visit cultural sites.

Several international events have been celebrated, including the European Day of Languages, the Day of the Dead, The Italian Liberation Day, Bastille Day and the Black History Month.

A trip to China was organised by the Business Studies/ICT Department.

A ski trip to the Italian Alps takes place annually.

Sixth Form students make a contribution to the community by taking part in a trip to Lourdes every summer.

The work carried out to promote internationalism throughout the school was recognised by the British Council in February as the Convent achieved the ISA Intermediate Award.