Institution: St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon

Context
St Laurence is an 11-18 co-educational ‘voluntary controlled’ (Church of England) comprehensive school, situated in the market town of Bradford on Avon. St Laurence is a specialist Performing Arts College with a high profile for Dance, Drama and Music but great emphasis is placed on academic, social, moral and spiritual development. There are approximately 1260 students on roll with over 230 in the sixth form. In 2009 students achieved 75 percent five A*-C (67 percent with English and Maths) at GCSE and there was a 98 percent pass rate at A level. 

Description of project
Language uptake at GCSE had dropped in 2004 when languages became optional at Key Stage 4. Many more able students began to choose other subjects instead of a language which then impacted on uptake at AS Level. In order to combat this, the languages department offered a dual language option at GCSE for able linguists so that they could study and achieve two GCSEs within the one option block.

Principles of teaching
Students identified as being gifted in languages are identified in March of Year 9. These students are then given access to the dual languages block when making their option choices.

Students are offered two languages at GCSE within one option block, that is to say half of teaching time is spent studying French and the other half studying German. At the end of Year 11, students complete a GCSE in each language. Lessons are dynamic and fast-paced which ensures that students are challenged and enthusiastic in their learning. Workbooks have been created in-house and are provided to ensure learners can learn independently due to the reduced contact time given per language.

Issues or tips
Students are identified by relevant data such as CATs, SATs, and language levels but also by teacher recommendation, classroom effort and homework record. This is then discussed with parents at options evening and subject evenings. Students are encouraged to consider this course by teachers.

Impact on learners
Uptake at GCSE has increased to 66 percent of students choosing one language at KS4 with 25 percent of the year group studying two. Students enjoy learning in a highly motivated class and with other students who are keen to learn and make excellent progress. Behaviour issues for this group never impact on learning. Uptake at AS has increased so that 26 are currently learning AS German and next year 35 will be doing AS French. The teachers are very pleased with the success of the students following the dual languages course.

Impact on teachers
Five staff teach either French or German to these dual language classes and they have in turn been motivated by the progress the learners have made.

Whole school impact
Results for the school have been pleasing, in part due to this initiative. In August 2007, students achieved 100 percent at A*-C in French and 100 percent at A*-C in German with 47 percent achieving an A or A* in both languages. Similarly in 2008, 100% of students achieved A*-C in French and 97 percent did so in German with 78 percent being awarded A or A* in both languages. Modern Languages have remained an important part of both the curriculum and the achievements of the school.

Author: Chris Dutton, Head of Modern Languages, St Laurence School