Britons are notorious for falling short with their foreign language skills (Hogan-Brun, 2017). To break this language barrier, leading Wandsworth primary school, The Roche School, is delighted to be offering a Spanish Bilingual Stream in addition to its well-respected Reception classes from September 2022. This makes it the only school of its kind within London. Parents will have the flexibility to choose between the English and Spanish stream, or change if they so wish.
But why choose Spanish? Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world. Around 400 million people speak it as their first language and it is the official language in 21 countries.
The new stream will appeal to those interested in the numerous advantages of exposure to a foreign language as it:
- Advances children academically
- Brings cognitive advantages
- Encourages a global outlook and open-mindedness
- Enhances communication
- Is fun!
Furthermore, parents need not worry that bilingual children reach language milestones later than their English-speaking contemporaries, as research shows that this is not the case (Byers-Heinlein and Lew-Williams, 2013). In fact, studies have demonstrated that bilingual children acquire more vocabulary than their monolingual peers.
The addition of the Spanish Bilingual Stream at The Roche School is tied up with the polyglot upbringing of founder, Mrs Carmen Roche, and the school’s commitment to diversity where children take pleasure in celebrating other cultures and difference. New Diversity Lead, Allana Ashmeil, has been helping steer staff, parents and pupils on that journey.
The resolution to continue enhancing and expanding the children’s global perspectives is central to the school’s purpose. The introduction of a foreign language as part of the curriculum, and the appointment of a Diversity Lead, exemplify the school’s intention to lead by example in the independent sector.
For more on this exciting and challenging initiative, why not visit their Open Days:
- In person Open Day – Wednesday 16th March, 9.15am
- Virtual Open Day – Wednesday 23rd March, 3.15pm
- In person Open Day – Friday 6th May 9.15am – 11.30am
- In person Open Day – Wednesday 15th June 9.15am – 11.30am
References
Hogan-Brun, G. (2017). The cost of Britons’ failure to learn foreign languages. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/nov/06/the-cost-of-britons-failure-to-learn-foreign-languages (Accessed: 28 February 2022).
Byers-Heinlei, K., and Lew-Williams, C. (2013). Bilingualism in the Early Years: What the Science Says. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6168212/ (Accessed: 28 February 2022).
The Roche School, Frogmore, London SW18 1HW
You can contact the Admissions Secretary to find out more information and schedule a visit: admissions@therocheschool.com.
Website: https://therocheschool.com/
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