JULES Verne would be impressed if he visited Almondbury High School.

His well-known novel Around the World in 80 Days could aptly describe this specialist Language College.

Fluttering flags outside and inside the building suggest you are arriving at a global destination.

And the dedication and commitment of the teaching team ensure you depart with happy memories.

European language teaching plays a large role in this school, but its links are global with Nigeria, Burkina Faso in West Africa, Japan, America, South America, even Siberia all providing connections to the classroom.

And the firm twinning links in Kirklees with Besancon in France and Kries Unna in Germany are gladly drawn upon by the school and its students.

Talented young linguist Miranda Stavrakantonoki is enjoying the benefits of her bilingual childhood - her Greek dad spoke to her in his own language from her being a baby - and she is now learning Spanish, French and Japanese as well.

"I do enjoy learning languages. Spanish and French are easier because they have a similar base to English - but Japanese has a different alphabet altogether.

"I would like to use my languages for a career but I also enjoy media studies. Maybe I can be a foreign correspondent for the BBC."

The school, which has undergone a successful Ofsted inspection aims to provide a cultural as well as an educational experience.

It is being led by Director of Languages Richard Leech who has been in post for a year.

"The majority of our students are from a traditional white working class background. The language college status aims to broaden their horizons and give them the opportunity to travel the world.

"We aim to enrich their lives with the programme of facilities, trips and global links which we offer."

Almondbury High is working hard to achieve redesignation of its Language College status next year, but the high-tech facilities which it offers as well as the wealth and breadth of language and study experiences has to be matched with student success.

Last year just 35% of its year 11 students achieved five or more good GCSE grades and hard work will be needed all round to boost this to 39% this summer.

Mr Leech is, however, confident. He took over during a difficult time at the school.

A high turnover of staff, and the death of much respected former director of languages Kevin Redfearn last year, have made it a challenging time.

He died in January, aged 43. He had been instrumental in the school achieving specialist status. The language suite is named in memory of him.

"The place has come through a lot of challenges over the past year, but we have a young and enthusiastic staff. Our main aim is to generate a love for learning languages," he added.

Head teacher Janet Tolley said: "Our work within the language college has strengthened even further our good partnership link in the wider Almondbury community."