King’s School headteacher assures parents over A-level language cut fears
Rob Gammon has nearly completed his first term as head of The King's School - Credit: Archant
The headteacher of The King’s School has assured parents that languages will continue to thrive after fears the subjects would be cut at A-level.
Rob Gammon said despite a challenging financial climate, the school sought to provide a wide breadth and balance of subjects for students, as well as being cost effective.
He confirmed the school will be providing a French A-level for students starting year 12 in September.
He issued his reassurance after rumours circulated on social media that languages would no longer be offered at A-level.
He said: “Each year we put forward what we believe is a cost-effective and financially viable model via the school’s post-16 prospectus which gives an indication of the courses that we hope to be able to provide our students. This offer is subject to the proviso that ‘courses will only run if class sizes are viable’. While the uptake for languages at A-level has historically been low in the school for many years, we have always made a conscious decision to support this subject recognising its unique contribution to the curriculum offer at post-16 level.
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“Our vision for the future of languages at the school is very clear – it is a subject that every student should enjoy and consider studying at GCSE and beyond; we wish to see languages thrive throughout the school.”
Students will continue to learn Spanish and French in key stage three, with the school looking to provide the subjects at GCSE and A-Level, subject to demand.
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The school has made investment in the Sixth Form Centre, creating an ICT suite exclusively for students, as well as opening a café area in the centre.
Mr Gammon said the school continued to attract a large number of internal and external students and provided a ‘genuine choice’ for young people in East Devon and Exeter.
He added: “This is due to a broad and balanced curriculum offer and the unique experience that students at the school gain as a result of a number of additional enrichment and leadership opportunities.
“We continue to demonstrate our commitment to the future of the Sixth Form at King’s as we look to create an environment in which students can work hard and enjoy the academic and social benefits of remaining local for their post-16 study.”
