Institution: Tomlinscote School

Tomlinscote is a mixed comprehensive school for 11 to 18 year olds in Camberley, Surrey. It was designated a Specialist Language College in 1996. In KS3, all students take either French or German as their first foreign language, usually a continuation from their KS2 language. In Year 8 all students commence Spanish, and the expectation is that a high percentage of students will continue their study of a second foreign language to GCSE or other accreditation in KS4. There are also opportunities for students to take up languages such as Japanese, Mandarin Chinese or Italian to an accredited level in extra-curricular time. In addition, approximately 80 KS4 students each year take a two-week intensive course in either Japanese or Mandarin Chinese, leading to a double award at entry level with the ABC with the opportunity to continue at a higher level.

Key objectives
To enhance motivation and especially boys’ performance in language learning by combining it with the content of other curriculum areas.

How the programme is organised
'I have become more confident and learnt to use some more complicated words.’ A learner

Through Tomlinscote's participation in the bilingual project ‘SALT’ (Second Acquisition and Language Teaching) of the Spanish, French and German embassies in co-operation with Nottingham University, we took part in discussions to explore the ways in which language teaching could be revitalised in schools. With the support of Dr Coyle of Nottingham University and their History department, we prepared a module on 20th century German history which was taught through the medium of the German language. The project was very successful in two ways. Firstly, the students’ feedback was positive and full of enthusiasm. Secondly, it was clear that such approaches promised to provide a much needed alternative to traditional methods of language acquisition.

‘We were invited to give a presentation on our module at a CILT “Flying High” conference and, as a result, many conference delegates tried the module in their schools. Our materials were praised as they were practical, differentiated and suitable for all students’ needs. In addition, they had the advantage of motivating the majority of boys who took part in the project. This latter point indicates the potential for enhancing boys’ performance in language learning by combining it with the content of other curriculum areas.’ Danny Brown, Director of the Language College

In June 2002 the school applied to take part in the Content and Language Integrated Learning Project (CLIP) and was accepted as one of the eight participating schools in England (see below). This enabled us to raise the profile of the bilingual section at Tomlinscote and to collaborate with other schools in England. As a result, we introduced CLIL modules on other topics in French and Spanish, as well as German. Our exchange links with schools in Germany, France and Spain were utilised throughout as a source of authentic materials for the project.

Collaboration with the History department resulted in the production and delivery of Year 9 CLIL modules in French (on “Le Gouvernement de Vichy”), in Spanish (on “La Guerra Civil”) and in German (on “Das dritte Reich”).

'I enjoyed learning about the French collaboration and resistance with Germany.' A learner.

Following the success of these Year 9 History modules we began a new collaboration with the Geography department which resulted in Year 8 modules combining Geography with French, German and Spanish. The topic chosen from the Geography Department’s Year 8 Scheme of Work was 'Japan'. Currently, PSHE modules in Spanish are being delivered to Year 10.

Issues/Tips
Language College status has also brought students an entitlement to a varied programme of international cultural, educational and exchange visits. Nearly all Year 7 students participate in the annual "International Week" in France or Germany. They have partner schools in France, Germany, Spain, Japan and Hungary, and students have exchange opportunities from Year 9 onwards, with a programme of work experience exchanges available for Sixth Form students. There are also regular opportunities for video-conferencing links with students at partner schools.

Internationalism is by no means restricted to the Modern Languages curriculum, but is embedded in all curriculum areas. The Creative Arts Area, for example, has strong links with Japan, while the Mathematics Area offers an annual exchange visit to Budapest for its students, who undertake joint Mathematics projects with Hungarian students from a specialist school, where Mathematics is taught in English.

Tomlinscote staff from all subject disciplines have also embraced the challenge of internationalism with on average, ten staff each year participating in international study visits and exchanges.

Tomlinscote School and staff are firmly committed to the education of students as global citizens of the 21st century.

Results/effect
'The success and popularity of this approach have given ample proof that British students' enthusiasm and motivation are enhanced when they are presented with more stimulating and challenging content as the context for their language learning.' Danny Brown, Director of the Language College

Feedback from students who have been involved in CLIL modules endorses this. Students have gained in confidence and their reading comprehension skills have been enhanced.

'It helped me to extend my sentences and use more complicated words and tenses.' A learner.

Future developments
We firmly believe that the introduction of the new more compelling KS4 curriculum will create opportunities for the CLIL approach to foreign language acquisition to become embedded nationally. All the information about Tomlinscote School & 6th Form College is on their website.

Author: Danny Brown, Director of the Language College

Tomlinscote staff would be very keen to exchange CLIL resources with other schools. If any school is interested, please contact either Alban Daniel, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, or Danny Brown at adaniel@tomlinscote.surrey.sch.uk or dbrown@tomlinscote.surrey.sch.uk