We encourage pupils by our knowledge and enthusiasm, and our belief that communicating in a foreign language should be accessible to everyone. Elements of culture from the French and Spanish speaking worlds are interwoven throughout the year, and we are focusing on a lexico-grammar approach.

Through a host of different methods, a solid foundation is established. From here pupils develop the confidence and the tools they need, giving them the freedom to be creative.

Group 1 (Year 4)

Introduction to grammatical concepts of masculine, feminine and the plural of nouns and adjectives. This includes lots of games, interaction, and vocabulary.

Groups 2 and 3 (Years 5 and 6)

Learning to use verbs in different contexts: through role play, dialogues, investigations and communication.

Block 1 (Year 7)

Creativity combines with structural language learning to give pupils a flying start to their Key Stage 3 French.

Block 2 (Year 8)

In collaboration with our Bedales colleagues, we have updated the Block 2 course to include more grammar and translation, always keeping our focus on communication.

Language Trips

There is a Block 1 Spanish language immersion trip in October, a combined Blocks 1 and 2 French language immersion trip in February and a Block 2 trip to France for Camps Week in May. Group 3 benefit throughout the year from a language exchange with Westpoint School in Lyon, France, whose pupils visit Bedales Prep in June.

Additional Languages

Mandarin, Russian and German are available as private lessons for any pupils in Groups and Blocks.

Head of Department

Liv Burnett-Armstrong, Head of Modern Foreign Languages