The ability to understand and communicate in other languages is an important part of living in a diverse society and participating in a global economy. Languages are a lifelong skill, useful in business and for pleasure.

The aims of the Modern Languages Department at Clifton College Preparatory School are to encourage the children to communicate with confidence by providing a solid foundation of basic grammar and vocabulary; to develop an awareness of the culture and traditions of other countries; and to ensure pupils enjoy and succeed in their learning.

To complement the stimulating lessons taught by specialist language teachers, we have extra-curricular activities on offer to broaden the pupils’ experiences of foreign languages beyond the classroom. There are a range of activities, including House Pétanque competitions, residential trips (to France, Spain and Germany), a French theatre visit and other language workshops and events.

French

In Year 3, children have one lesson of French per week. A specialist teacher delivers French in an interactive style, using songs, games, flashcards, real objects, puppets and French storybooks. By the end of the year, the children have a good grounding in basic spoken French vocabulary and structures.

In Year 4, pupils have two lessons of French per week. The approach is mainly oral, with songs and games. There is some reading and writing to reinforce the vocabulary.

Pupils have two lessons per week in Year 5 and three lessons per week from Year 6 onwards. Lessons focus equally on the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

Years 7 and 8

We offer the choice of three modern languages from Year 7. This breadth of choice gives our pupils a wider understanding of the world and open-mindedness towards other cultures and customs.

In Years 7 and 8, most pupils study French plus a second modern foreign language, or Latin.

Pupils can choose from the following languages:

  • French
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Hebrew

Pupils study three lessons per week, per language in the Upper Preparatory. This provides them with the firm foundations necessary for future study at the Upper School and beyond.