Developments

As part of our Language College status we are continually developing our provision and approach across the School. Recent initiatives include: the introduction of an e-pals scheme where students can operate as 'pen friends' via e-mail across the world, permanent language art work produced to be installed in the new Library, there is a Student Voice Committee set up to advise the direction of Language College from the student perspective and dual-linguistic lessons (e.g. French in ICT/Geography, Spanish in Mathematics, German in History). A Language College Newsletter is distributed three times a year and we directly support over 30 primary schools with the delivery of languages at KS2 as well as introduce French to nursery level at the Stepping Stones organisation in Canterbury.

Barton Court is working closely with Canterbury Christchurch University and Canterbury High School in a new venture that looks at promoting language and film - with the student devised piece/outcome being celebrated nationally. We are also strengthening links with the British Council and have been asked to pilot an Anglo-Italian project linking Barton Court and two primary schools in Canterbury (Blean and Parkside) with Certaldo, an area in northern Italy. Other subjects have links across the world with language support - Environmental Systems linking with Hungary and Science/Technology linking with both Germany and the Netherlands, for example.

We are also looking to support local business/industry - providing help and translation for the Eurofair in September 2008 organised by Canterbury City Council and designing/producing self-help booklets with useful phrases, comments and vocabulary for coach and freight drivers on the continent for example.

Adult classes are now offered at beginner and intermediate level in both French and Spanish and beginner lessons in Chinese are attracting a great deal of interest. These classes take place between 4.00pm and 5.00pm at the School, please contact Mrs Perkins if you are interested/would like further information.