European History Project

Park View Community School
Church Clare
Chester-le-Street
County Durham

Person in charge of project: Christine Warren

Park View is a large mixed secondary school with sixth form which achieved Language College status in September 1998. The school serves an urban market town. The European History Project brings together the history and modern languages departments in a study of civilian life in Northern France and Britain during World War II by the 228 Year 8 pupils. The History lessons are delivered in French and details of life in France are given in the French lessons. The scheme was piloted in summer 1997 and has been run ever since.

Objectives of the project

  • To develop European awareness and increase the use of foreign languages through collaboration with other subjects
  • To learn how to compose questionnaires and conduct interviews in French and English
  • To gain skills in assessing importance of pieces of oral evidence
  • To encourage the use of authentic materials
  • To use various means to convey information in the target language
  • To compare wartime experiences in England and France
Ways in which the project is innovative

  • The project promotes bilingual teaching and collaboration between different departments within the school
  • There is an emphasis on the use of authentic materials and oral interviews in the target language
  • Work is carried out in conjunction with French pupils which make things 'real'
  • New context is provided for teaching the past tense in French
Ways in which the project is effective

  • There is an increase in motivation to learn and to use the language
  • Confidence and self-esteem is raised in pupils
  • Ability has been raised in both French and History, as noted by OFSTED report
  • A shared methodology is formed between school subject areas which led to improvement in curriculum planning
  • The project was used by University of Newcastle as an example of good practice in bilingual education
Ways in which the project can be developed or replicated

  • The project is being extended to include German to make a 3-way comparison
  • History will be taught in German as well as French
  • Lesson plans and materials will be distributed to all secondary schools in County Durham