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Modern Languages
At Berkhampstead, all children from Kindergarten onwards have the opportunity to learn French, with Spanish introduced from Year 3. Our youngest pupils enjoy lively lessons filled with songs, rhymes, and games, while older children explore both languages with a focus on speaking and enjoyment.
Languages Matter!
Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) are an integral part of life at Berkhampstead. We believe that learning a foreign language improves literacy, builds self-confidence and broadens cultural horizons. Above all, we make learning languages fun and engaging for every child.
Early Years & Pre-Prep
From Kindergarten, children learn French in small groups of just 5 or 6, with short, interactive lessons. As they progress, lesson times increase, and group sizes grow.
Lessons are engaging and imaginative, featuring songs, rhymes, actions, and creative props, including Madame McCreanor’s beloved soft toys and puppets. French is often linked to class topics, making learning even more meaningful. For example, during a topic on ‘Places We Go,’ Kindergarten children planned a picnic, named food items in French, and practised asking for them.
Topics covered up to Year 2 include numbers, greetings, animals, parts of the body, and colours, always with a strong emphasis on fun and creativity.
Prep
In Year 3, the focus on written French increases while maintaining a strong emphasis on spoken language. Lessons aim to foster a love of languages, ensuring children leave Berkhampstead in Year 6 with confidence and a solid foundation to build upon in their Senior schools.
Introducing Spanish
Spanish is introduced in Years 3 and 4 as part of the carousel programme, with lessons focusing on basics like colours, numbers, animals, and greetings through games, songs and stories.
From Year 5, pupils split their time between French and Spanish, alternating half terms throughout the year.
Mandarin Club
For Prep School pupils, Mandarin Club offers a lively introduction to Chinese, taught by Taiwanese teacher Mrs Thorn. Through games, karaoke, and other fun activities, children immerse themselves in the language and culture. Mandarin Club takes place after school on Tuesdays.
We encourage all pupils to practise languages beyond the classroom with the following resources:
A Green Mouse - French and Spanish
Linguascope - a wonderful resource for children to practise listening to play games and to acquire lots of language on the way. For login details please contact the school office.