Vocational International Project Sheffield (VIPS), Sheffield Local Authority

VIPS promotes a vocational approach to European languages, teaching them in a business context.

Students engage in active learning activities, with a strong focus on the spoken word and independent learning with ICT. There are also opportunities to visit local companies to meet employees using languages in their jobs, illustrating that a little language can make a big difference.

Students appreciate the usefulness of the course for their future employment opportunities, both in terms of content and skills learnt. Over 1,000 Key Stage 4 students have been involved over three years, meaning greater numbers opting to continue language learning post-14. Students achieve NVQ level 1 and/or 2.

Language(s): English, French, Italian, German, Spanish

VIPS forms part of the 14-19 Learning Networks and also wins the Alamo Group business language prize of £1,000.