Three special schools are among 15 UK winners of this year’s European Award for Languages. They have been recognised for their outstanding work in making language opportunities available to pupils with learning difficulties or physical disabilities. Maplewood school for emotionally and behaviourally disturbed pupils in Sunderland is recognised for its work in teaching French to some of the most disadvantaged pupils in the country.
Braidwood special school in Birmingham is teaching deaf and hearing impaired pupils to read French so they can understand menus and signs on their visits to France. Portal House School, an EBD primary in Dover, has an imaginative programme of links with schools in France, Belgium and Germany. The awards will be presented at the Italian Embassy next Friday, European Day of Languages, by Sir Trevor McDonald.