Specialist Language Colleges (SLCs) were first introduced in 1995 as part of the Specialist Schools Programme in the United Kingdom. This system enables secondary schools to specialise in certain fields, in this case, languages. Schools that successfully achieve SLC status receive extra funding to help develop, promote and support language learning opportunities within their own school community and their wider community.
In 2002, Southend High School for Girls became a designated SLC. This 'status' has not only enabled us to work closely with the Local Authority, partner primary and secondary schools and the wider community in developing languages within the Borough, but it has also enabled us to develop language provision within our own school community via a whole range of language and international opportunities.
We have strong community links and are involved in many projects. We liaise with Southend High School for Boys to provide a range of adult evening language classes and we also provide a variety of extra-curricular language clubs and activities for our pupils. (see course brochure)
We support local businesses by outsourcing and funding translation work and provide business language courses according to demand.
We have strong links with our partner schools, Secondary, Primary and Special, supporting them in both practical and financial terms to promote MFL. We provide an additional French FLA to support in 2 local secondary schools and one of our Primary partner schools and are always on hand to help schools organise International themed events. We lead one of Southend's KS3 SLNs and also, in liaison with Southend High School for Boys, we facilitate the delivery of Primary Languages across the borough.
Year 12 Spanish students helping with a Language themed day at a local Special School
