We had multiple objectives. On the one hand, we wanted to develop and update the language skills of our teachers, ont he other hand we wanted to learn methods using which we can make the whole-day school work more efficient and more enjoyable for the students. We set these objectives because we saw that even if there was a need among students for good foreign language communication and knowledge in other school subjects, they lack perseverance on the way to success. More enjoyable methods help to keep them on track. We faced another challenge by having to raise the number of students who finish their secondary education passing a B2 language examination. One reason for this was that in the future we will only be entitled to launch language preparatory classes if a certain percentage of students passes the B2 exam. Another reason was that being able to communicate in a foreign language is going to be a requirement for those who want to study in higher education. Furthermore, good language skills are now necessary in all walks of life. This means that we have to prepare our students to be able to stand their ground in this area as well. It is not only the students, but teachers as well to whom good language skills are important. By learning about a culture, their horizon widens, so they can gain greater prestige and appreciation from their students and their parents. It was also our objective to gain new international relationships, with the help of which we can expand the contacts of the school and create new partnerships.
One of the main features of our school is teaching foreign languages at a high level, in a high number of lessons a week. In each year we have one class that specialises in learning a foreign language, besides this, in the secondary section we also have a class each year that receives the so called language preparatory education. This explains why our objective is to provide high level language skills and methodological knowledge for our language teachers. The general profile of our school has changed a lot in the last few years. Earlier we used to be the elite school of the area, we used to select and take extraordinarily talented students. Having a new school management system now meant that we have to take students living in our school area, who come from the disadvantegous conditions of the housing estates, and grow up in less caring circumstances. The teaching methods that worked well with easy-learning students, cannot be used with those who are slow learners. We were looking for new methods and practices for them. As most of the professional knowledge as well as methods and techniques are now available on the Internet, and most of online communication is done in foreign languages, we thought to update our knowledge via language learning. It is indispensable that our colleagues are able to communicate in the international professional community. Our school has been taking part in international cooperations for many years. To keep and expand these cooperations we need teachers that are able to speak foreign laguages at a high level. The professional and language-methodological courses contributed to the realisation of these objectives.