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The Bolitho School
But language is no mere tool. It widens horizons. If it does not actually create thought (as some argue) it certainly facilitates thought. It can be no coincidence that so many of this century’s leading intellectuals, writers, scientists and businessmen have spoken a second language fluently. A second language extends creativity and the ability to think laterally and imaginatively.
The Bolitho School has opened a bilingual section in English and French, in recognition of the importance of language acquisition. Between the ages of eight and thirteen, pupils can opt in to the bilingual section. Since there are beginner, intermediate and advanced sets, children of any level in French, from complete beginners onwards, may participate – subject to their academic suitability. The pupils in the bilingual section receive two thirds of their lessons in English, with the rest of the children in their year group. During these lessons, they are taught the core subjects of the National Curriculum (English, maths and the sciences) in the normal way. However, during the remaining third of their lessons, the children form small, separate sets to study subjects such as history, geography, information technology and French itself through the medium of the French language.
Pupils who study in the section for the full six years are expected to emerge as bilingual in English and French. A three year course in the section would result in fluency in French. But even a single year of study provides a significant introduction to, and insight of, the French language. Conversely, of course, French speaking children can quickly become fluent at English while continuing to progress and study in French. Once fluency is assured, the pupils also begin to learn Spanish as a third language.
When the pupils reach the age of fourteen, all lessons (apart from French itself) are again in English, since the students embark on their GCSE courses at this stage. However, the pupils from the bilingual section take French GCSE a year early, which helps to boost their confidence for the GCSEs and frees up some time for the other subjects. It goes without saying that their grade prospects at French GCSE and International Baccalaureate levels are highly promising!
Academic Results
KEY STAGE 1 TO 4
Please click on the following links to view graphs showing the school results for 2002
Key Stage 1 (Year 2) Click Here
Key Stage 2 (Year 5) Click Here
Key Stage 3 (Year 8) Click Here
Key Stage 4 (Year 11) Click Here
THE SIXTH FORM
Historically, under the old “A” level system, Bolitho students averaged 90% pass, and 64% A-C grades. 90% of the students went on to university. A pass at “A” level secures a place at a tertiary institution, including many universities. A-C grades at “A2” level are the grades needed to secure entrance to the top universities.
The school’s first set of International Baccalaureate results was encouraging with a 100% pass rate. The average examination mark was 62%.