Stanmore residents invited to attend bilingual school open days

The group behind Harrow Bilingual Primary School have today announced details of their school’s open days that will be held at Harrow School. The two form entry Church of England Primary School is planned to open in September 2015, subject to Department for Education (DfE) approval. If the school gets the go ahead, and they hope to hear during September 2014, it will open with one Year 1 class and two Reception classes. The open days will be held at Harrow School in their Old Harrovian Room, War Memorial Building, HA1 3HP. The open days will be held on October 4, October 18 and November 22 2014 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. There will be presentations from the proposer group as well as a talk from Daniel Norris, Executive Headteacher of the proposed school, speaking about his educational vision for the school. Daniel Norris, Headteacher of Holy Trinity CE Primary School in Northwood, said: “I believe this new school provides an exciting opportunity for all pupils regardless of their background to become fluent French speakers whilst at primary school. As a linguist myself I have benefitted from my knowledge of languages and believe an understanding and appreciation of languages unlocks many opportunities for children as they grow.” Children will start learning French in Reception, with increasing opportunities to be immersed in the French language as they progress through the school. The school also plans to offer Spanish at Key Stage 2. There is increasing evidence that early language learning has a wide range of cognitive benefits for children of all abilities. Children will not be required to learn French prior to admission. Chair of Governors Ian Fernandes said: “Until now the only way for children to benefit from bilingual education was to go to a private school. I am a local parent and I think all families should have this opportunity.” Inigo Woolf, Chief Executive of the London Diocesan Board for Schools, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to increase school places in Harrow, of which there is a desperate need; however, this school also adds additional options to the educational mix. I am delighted that this school will offer education in a Christian context, but welcome families and children of all faiths and none. ” The school will be a partnership between Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Northwood; the London Diocesan Board for Schools and the proposer group. Parents can apply directly to the school if they wish to attend the open day via the school website www.harrowbilingualprimary.co.uk