Languages

Year 7 french trip (23)

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”                 Nelson Mandela 

Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. Pupils learn to appreciate a different insight into their own culture and society. Thus, the ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world. 

At Elstree, languages are taught throughout all year groups by specialists. French is introduced in Nursery and taught in Reception throughout the school and Spanish from Year 5. 

It is the aim of the Modern Foreign Languages Department to provide pupils with the competence in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing required for entry to their senior schools via the Common Entrance or Public Schools Scholarship examinations and beyond.  

Further to this, great emphasis is placed on communication in the classroom and we endeavour to build up oral confidence and fluency in this way. Having the opportunity to practise a language such as French in an authentic context is essential. We value the importance of visiting France and our annual trip for the current Year 8s to the Opal Coast is hugely popular. 

In addition, we actively promote an understanding of other cultures and traditions through language cultural days, an International language week, the French theatre and Chinese New Year celebration.  

Head of Department: Pascale Simonin

Latin

All pupils begin learning Latin from Year Six with the vast majority continuing through to Common Entrance. We give each pupil a mastery of the grammatical basics which will enable him or her to translate confidently passages of Latin, whilst at the same time giving a foundation that will improve English vocabulary and grammar to assist with the study of other modern foreign languages.

During Years 7 and 8, pupils study Latin with the help of bespoke vocabulary websites and software applications to support Common Entrance Latin; this helps students master the intricacies of Latin into English translation.

Pupils also undertake a Latin course whilst in Year 4 as a part of Junior Activities. The pupils are introduced to basic Latin words including Roman characters guiding them through their study.

Head of Classics: James Baxter

 

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