(OFSTED Inspection Report, March 2005)

In 1996, the school was designated a centre of excellence for the study of modern languages and granted Language College status. The extra funding that came with this award enabled us to introduce new facilities for the teaching of foreign languages, including giving all pupils access to the internet. Pupils have the chance to study French, German, Spanish, Russian and Japanese, depending on their interest, aptitude and age. Language College status has also enabled us to extend the I.C.T. network to many other areas of the school and to greatly enhance our computer facilities. Our language facilities are increasingly used by the local community, including pupils in local Primary schools, St. Martin’s College, Blackburn Diocese, the Adult Education College, the Friends of Ripley St. Thomas and parents.

All pupils study French and German until the end of Year 9. In Year 9 pupils can begin to learn Spanish. All pupils follow one course to GCSE level but have the choice of taking one, two or three languages to GCSE, choosing from French, German or Spanish. At Key Stage 4, all pupils study at least one modern foreign language at GCSE. In the Sixth Form all students follow a course in languages, selecting from 'A' Level (French, Spanish, German), GCSE in either Spanish or Russian, conversational Japanese, Greek or Italian, or a Primary Language course. The provision of languages is always under review.

Becoming a Language College has enabled Ripley St. Thomas to invest in the latest computer technology. This means that pupils can independently learn languages through using CD ROMs and can communicate through e-mail and video conferencing with students in other countries. Ripley St. Thomas is increasingly developing an international outlook. Over the past few years, students in the Sixth Form have undertaken joint projects with students in a number of European countries. The current project, involving links with Gymnasium Kronwerk in Rendsburg, Germany, and O.L. Vrouwlyceum, Genk, Belgium and focusing on "Advertising" will enable students to share their findings with students in the other schools. Two additional projects involve establishing new links with schools in Spain, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy and Cyprus, and providing Year 12 students with opportunities for work experience abroad. In the past year, pupils have participated in exchange visits to Melun in France, Rendsburg in Germany, and travelled on visits to Italy and Spain. In addition a large number of Year 8 pupils have visited Normandy, a group of Year 9 pupils have visited the Rhineland, and a group of Year 7 - 10 pupils have visited Catalonia.