Opening the Doors to Europe

St Mary's Westbrook
Ravenlea Road
Folkestone
Kent

Person in charge of project: Sandra Cook

St Mary's Westbrook is an independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 2-16, with a strong European dimension. There are pupils at the school from Russia, Hong Kong, across Africa and Europe, with even a weekly boarder from Calais!

Their ongoing project, Opening the Doors to Europe, started in September 1997 when the school was founded. French is taught throughout the school from Reception onwards, although the main focus is in Years 3-6. The school aims to provide pupils with a European experience which is achieved by the following activities:

  • European Studies: (Y3-6)Weekly lesson in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Latin
  • Classe de Neige (Y5 & 6): 2 weeks in the French Alps with a French partner-school from Calais during March
  • French School Exchange (Y5 & 6): 3-day exchange with the École Charles Peguy in Lille takes place in June
  • Wednesday School (Y2-6): French children come to school via le Shuttle on Wednesdays and are integrated into the classes
Objectives of the project

  • To enable young children to develop a positive attitude towards Europe and to foster a European identity
  • To develop language awareness at an early age through exposure to a variety of European languages
  • To give children an insight into cultures of other European countries both in the classroom and abroad
  • To develop relationships with pupils from other European countries by learning and playing alongside them
Ways in which the project is innovative

  • Through the variety of activities offered, the project provides a wider than usual experience of Europe
  • The school does not only offer French and German, but a diverse range of European languages to its pupils
  • The 'Wednesday School' initiative is the first in the country
Ways in which the project is effective

  • Learning alongside children from different countries becomes a normal experience
  • Motivation is increased because the children want to communicate with the other pupils and strive to learn new vocabulary, as well as finding similarities in the different languages
  • Pupils have a positive view of Europe and what it is to be European
  • Overseas and British students are given valuable experience in working with disadvantaged British children
  • Other local schools are being encouraged to introduce languages into the primary curriculum
Ways in which the project can be developed or replicated

  • It is planned that the Wednesday school will be opened up to pupils in the senior school
  • Sports fixtures are being arranged between St Mary's and its partner school in Calais
  • Visits to other European venues are planned for the school choir