Language
The GDST recognises the international dimension to education and is preparing its students for international life.

As part of the GDST’s strategic planning we constantly review the way in which we prepare our students for the future and the outside world, providing them with the tools to play an active and significant part.

Major shifts in the global economy, in current and future work patterns and, correspondingly, in the nature of higher order skills and awareness required, all reinforce the growing importance of providing an international dimension within our schools.

To us at the GDST, this means:

• Expanding horizons and opportunities for students and staff
  
  
• Giving our young people a wider understanding
  
  
• Ensuring that they have the relevant, high-quality language skills which allow them not only to be understood, but also provide them with an insight into the mindsets of other cultures
  
  
• Providing them with the competence and the confidence to move around the globe and adjust to different and changing environments
  
  
• Enabling them to take pride in their national identity and to retain a strong sensitivity towards global issues

To achieve all of this for its students, the GDST needs to build a world-class reputation, and to create bonds and develop relationships with like-minded individuals and organisations across the globe.

We are actively working in China and enthusiastically seeking opportunities for partnerships and collaboration with providers who share our passion for education.

This is part of a wider development to prepare our UK students for life and work in a global economy, providing GDST students in the UK with an international dimension to their educational experience. This allows us to introduce new languages, promote cross-cultural awareness and prepare our students for life in a fast-changing global society.

Part of this will involve twinning each of our UK schools with an international partner.

Language take-up at GDST schools is excellent compared to the national picture.
All GDST schools have a wide range of language options at GCSE and up to A-Level.

At many of our primary schools students learn at least one language, including Mandarin in one or two.

At GCSE 54.8% take one subject of French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Russian and Spanish. 43.1% take two or more of these and only 2.1% didn't take a language. This compares to 58% taking a language at GCSE nationally.

Taken as a whole, 17.2% of the 2005 cohort took at least one language at A-Level.