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Modern Foreign Languages

Modern Languages

The ability to communicate in other languages is a fundamental skill and one that will have increasing importance regardless of a person’s career choice in today’s global village. At Kingshott, we aim to provide every child with the essential tools to learn foreign languages and the confidence to give it a go.

Children begin to learn French in Year 1. They are taught by a native French speaker and children expand their knowledge of French through songs, games and oral activities. In Year 2, pupils continue this approach but also begin to use a course developed for interactive whiteboards called ‘Rigolo’. Among its many features, ‘Rigolo’ allows children to record their own voices alongside the songs and stories shown on the board.

In the Prep School, children in Year 3 continue to use ‘Rigolo’ to learn French and, in Year 4, they start using their first textbook, ‘Équipe 1’, which also comes with a very useful workbook. Further textbooks are used in the remaining years, alongside other resources. In Year 8, past Common Entrance, Common Academic Scholarship and school Scholarship papers are used. In Years 6 to 8, pupils also focus on very specific aspects of grammar and topic vocabulary covered by using detailed reading worksheets designed in-house to encourage them to learn and adapt key vocabulary and phrases. In the Senior School, the curriculum is designed to cover the revised 2008 ISEB Common Entrance and Common Academic Scholarship syllabuses at 13+. Every year parents receive a curriculum booklet, which contains detailed information about topics covered in each year group.

All teaching rooms have at least one computer and a Promethean interactive white board, which allows teachers to use a wide range of resources and software to help teach the language. The interactive nature of these boards encourages pupils to participate fully in class regardless of their confidence in the language. At times, pupils also have a chance to make PowerPoint presentations they have prepared, especially after the school trip to France.

This trip takes place in the summer term of Year 7 after the school exams. It provides all pupils with the opportunity to experience first hand the language, culture and customs of the country whose language they have been learning. Structured language activities underpin the programme of visits and excursions. For instance, pupils are given money with which to buy their lunch, in order to encourage them to speak French in an authentic setting.

While it is not currently possible to add a second modern foreign language to the timetabled curriculum, children get the opportunity to learn Spanish in an after-school club in Years 3 to 6 and in a lesson during lunchtime in Years 7 and 8.

Mr Philip Allen

Head of Modern Languages