Languages

In today's English-speaking world it is all too easy to ignore other languages - but so important not to.  The ability to communicate with those from other countries is vitally important for our children and also develops their overall communication skills.

 

At Berkhampstead we teach French to all children from Nursery onwards. Our youngest children particularly love their lessons, they pick up the language naturally and have great fun learning French songs and rhymes.  Spanish is added, from Year 5, again with an emphasis on enjoyment.

 

The Tour of Europe, a recent addition to the Summer Term, has proved enormously popular. Pupils visit a range of countries without leaving the premises and have a real taster of life and language, culture and food in Spain, Italy, and Germany to name but three.  A small amount of Welsh is thrown into the mix for a real challenge!

 

Languages are fun!  Learning at Berkhampstead makes them so.  We combine grammar, written and oral skills with coverage of relevant themes and topics. Pupils are encouraged to make use of educational websites on line as well as to write and speak the language.  See below for French in action at the School Fete and also for a little French plate of delicacies which tempted several to become more interested in the language (many parents included!)   

 

 

There are some super websites around which will support and add to what children cover in school. Do encourage your child to try some of these:

 

Hello world  no subscription necessary to have a lot of fun with the audio games and conversations.

 

Languages on line     Primary French - BBC    Ma France - BBC