St Francis Primary School, Gorton, Manchester
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Why is it special? St Francis Primary School was awarded the title Spanish School of the Year 2009 by the Spanish ambassador to England in recognition of the school's approach to learning the language.
What did they do? The school employs a Spanish teaching assistant and all pupils aged three and above have weekly Spanish lessons. Teachers take lessons in school time to improve their own understanding of the language.
Anything else? The school held a special day that involved pupils and staff dressing up in the colours of the Spanish flag. There was also a Spanish assembly and pupils took part in a game of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? in Spanish.
What did they win? The school received £500 worth of Spanish books, a cheque for £400, two free language courses at the Instituto Cervantes in Manchester and a three-day residential course in Spain, so that teachers from the school can further improve their Spanish skills.
What do the pupils think? Louise Frize, head teacher at the school, said: "The children are so enthusiastic. They really soak up the language and learn very quickly, and because staff are learning too there's a real sense of community and shared experience."
