The government has announced the latest batch of Free Schools to be given the go-ahead to open their doors from 2012. Among them is a Bilingual Primary School, which plans to teach children from Brighton and Hove in both English and Spanish.

Free Schools are funded by the government and are free from local authority control, they are able to set their own curriculum, choose how money is spent and decide on the length of the school day. 24 Free Schools have already opened in this academic year, including journalist and author, Toby Young’s new West London Free School. They are set-up by teachers, charities, universities, employers, and other groups in response to demand from local parents and industry.

The Free School programme was a flagship policy for the conservative party in the lead up to the general election – promising interested parent groups, charities and local groups the opportunity to set up their own publicly funded school in response to demand.

The Bilingual Primary School Project in Brighton is a perfect example of the government’s vision as set out by Education Secretary Michael Gove.  As Marina Gutierrez, Chair of the project explains, “We are an enthusiastic and committed group of parents, carers and teachers who aim to establish a bilingual Spanish and English free school for the children of Brighton and Hove.”

“We aim to teach the English National Curriculum in two languages through a method called Dual Language Instruction, bilingual immersion,” Ms Martina continues. “This is where children will learn up to 50% of the National Curriculum in Spanish and 50% in English. Through this method (used in many schools worldwide) children learn and develop their fundamental academic skills through dual-language immersion not just in core subjects but also through school activities, play and in everyday conversations.”

“Language immersion, to develop fluency with language and grammar, begins at an early age which is why we introduce our immersion programme on entering the school in reception (age 4).  It is a key opportunity that only comes once – during their optimal window of language development.”

Commenting on the approval of the state funded bilingual school, Mr Gove said, “These new schools allow talented and experienced people to be imaginative and bold in creating great new schools. They will offer more choice to parents in the type of education their child receives, and will raise standards in many communities where the need is great.”