Modern Foreign Languages

We celebrate foreign languages and cultures, and encourage our pupils to enjoy them as part of their preparation for Senior School.

Accordingly, we design lessons that will inspire children to be creative, and to use languages with confidence and enjoyment. We find ways to involve all pupils, with the pleasure they take in learning central to everything we do.

French

The French Department is staffed by two French native speakers, thus ensuring that the language is taught and learned in its cultural context. We play classic French yard games, we role play, and pupils act out short plays in French. Working on a St Edmund’s diploma gives pupils the opportunity to really stretch their linguistic ability.

Being geographically close to France allows us to organise day trips and residential stays. In addition, children love keeping in touch with their counterparts in Reims and Arras, and pupils from both these schools visit us at St Edmund’s.

Spanish

In Forms 7 and 8 children have the opportunity to learn Spanish for one term per academic year, during which they we cover basic language skills – often through games and songs. We also introduce pupils to the Spanish-speaking world, including much of the culture and festivals celebrated in Spain and globally.

Latin

The Latin course in Years 7 and 8 provides an exciting introduction to the language and civilisation of the classical Roman age.

This is a varied and engaging subject, and we encourage kinaesthetic as well as traditional learning through role play and drama. Latin bingo games in class help with learning the numbers, while a foray into the ancient Greek alphabet aids an understanding of derivations used in English with all the fun of codebreaking. Along with the History Department, we also organise visits to sites of classical interest.

We cater for different aptitudes in the subject; some children concentrate on the historical and cultural feats and legacy of ancient Rome, whilst others also learn to work with the vocabulary and structure of the Latin language. A grasp of Latin can bring tremendous advantages for pupils – in the later study of English and other languages, and through the development of a clarity of thought and expression that will serve them well in both general study and employment.