Languages at St Faith’s

Languages learning at St Faith’s prep has really taken off in the last couple of terms with all pupils from nursery to year 6 now accessing highly specialised teaching in three modern foreign languages, namely, French German and Spanish. In addition, the school currently provides tuition in other languages such as Latin, Sanskrit, Hebrew and Arabic in the form of clubs and language displays around the school. There are also plans underway for a gifted and talented Chinese club. Here at St Faith’s, we truly are a global community!

The St Faith’s language department is also keen to maintain current practices and standards in education. With the major changes in GCSE languages changing the way pupils are assessed in languages, the focus has moved away from noun-based learning in years 3-6, to a more thorough grounding in communication and answering and asking questions in the target language. In this way, we ensure that our pupils leave St Faith’s properly equipped to face the challenges of language learning at their secondary school. Recognising questions in the target language also increases pupil independence in language learning and fosters an enjoyment which comes from feeling competent to communicate.

 As we move towards an ever-increasing global focus in our world today, an appreciation of diversity in culture and language becomes much more important.

So from nursery rhymes and songs to role play and pantomime, St Faith’s students can experience the joy of language learning, accompanied by a thorough grounding in grammar and communication.