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Modern Languages

Philosophy and Aims

At Dunhurst we believe that the opportunity to learn at least one modern foreign language should be given to all children and that the process should begin as early as possible. We aim to encourage every child to see the value of this and to engage positively and willingly in the process.

Learning to communicate with peoples of different languages and cultures can be deeply satisfying, fun and clearly useful in leisure and professional situations. We can no longer assume that the rest of the world speaks English and instead we should learn to engage with others and learn from their diversity.

We want our pupils to enjoy and have fun learning a language but at the same time, understand the need to engage and work hard. The task of acquiring a solid, grammatical basis which will eventually lead to independent speech is vital.

Delivery

We begin our language teaching with a light touch, emphasizing the practice of listening and speaking, using a playful and positive approach. We use a wide variety of strategies and materials, among them CDs; video and DVD extracts; drama and role-play; posters; brochures; games and puzzles, as well as basic writing exercises.

As pupils move up through the school, we place equal emphasis on active, passive, communicative and grammatical skills. With four skill areas to develop, pupils are challenged and encouraged to reach their language potential. However, we also remind pupils that they can achieve success by using and enjoying those skills which come more easily to them.

Taught Languages

Block 1 (Year 7) pupils are taught French, as a continuation from their work in the Groups (Years 4-6). In Block 2 (Year 8), pupils continue with French but those who would benefit from exposure to a second European language are given a short introduction to Spanish and German.

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