In this paper I will argue that a foreign language competence is most profitably developed when it is integrated into and contextualised within a wholeschool framework. I will define the parameters of 'the wfioie school_and discuss contributions and support mechanisms as well as identifying áreas of difficulty. Finally, I will propose policy guidelines and ways in which such a policy may be implemented. Whilst the most natural setting is the Primary school, this model has application in the Secondary phase.