International Business Week at Ashcombe School combines language learning with an introduction to business strategies and the world of work. The project gives all Year 10 students an insight into the role of languages in the workplace.

In addition to the various activities in Italian, including ab initio sessions, students are given an introduction to the Chinese language, learn some basic calligraphy and gain an insight into Chinese customs and traditions. At the end of the week, the Chinese skills they have learnt are used to develop and sell products as part of the Bradford Business Game.

The Week is supported by members of the local business community who voluntarily give their time. The involvement of local employers is central to the programme and provides a real business context for the students, while giving the business people an awareness of up-to-date language learning methods.

International Business Week also receives the BMW Business Language Prize of £1,000 for the best project developing language provision to match the needs of business and employers.

This project is also the lucky recipient of the Mary Glasgow Prize of £1,000.