Languages
Introduction
Millfield Preparatory School ’s Foreign Languages Department is proud of its extensive range of foreign language provision. French, Spanish and Latin are taught as main curriculum subjects from Years 3 to 8. However, pupils are able to gain valuable experience of Italian, German, Greek, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin as part of an extensive extra-curricular programme.
The Foreign Languages Department believes in an inclusive education for all and so every pupil in the school has an opportunity to study a foreign language as part of our Language for All Policy. This is a joint initiative between the Foreign Languages Department and the Language Development Centre. All pupils have shown that within a stimulating and non-threatening educational environment, a foreign language is readily accessible to them.
Pre-Prep
One French lesson per week (20 minutes).
Year 3
One French lesson per week.
Year 4
Between one and two French/Spanish lessons per week depending upon grouping.
Year 5
Between one and two French/Spanish lessons per week depending upon grouping.
Year 6
Up to three lessons of French per week with the top group additionally studying two lessons of Latin per week.
Years 7 and 8
Five lessons of either French or Spanish per week for pupils in Single Language Band. Alternatively, two languages chosen amongst (French, Spanish and Latin) for Double Linguist Band with four lessons per week per language. Pupils receiving full-time Extra English will study one lesson per week of Spanish as part of our Language for All Policy.
The Department
Pupils benefit from being taught by a specialist team of linguists, many of whom are native speakers. Their cultural input enriches the pupils’ overall language learning experience.
Teaching
Languages are taught through a mixture of communicative and more traditional styles, with emphasis on the four key skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. From Reception to Year 5 greater emphasis is placed on speaking and listening activities through songs and games for example.
Learning Resources
The department enjoys a wide range of language learning resources and materials to provide all pupils with a diverse selection of authentic materials with which to practise the four key skills. These include: Authentic magazines and books, satellite TV, foreign language DVDs, audio material, computer packages, interactive whiteboard, and use of an ICT suite.
Pupil Attainment
Pupils are taught to Scholarship, CCE and ACCE level with appropriate differentiation according to pupil ability and need. The level of attainment achieved is often outstanding as our most recent Independent School Inspection reported. Pupils are encouraged to visit the foreign country whose language they are studying so that they can experience the culture and life first hand.
Study Trips Abroad
Pupils as early as in Year 6 have the opportunity to visit France taking in Paris, a boat trip along the Seine, bread making at a local boulangerie, cheese tasting at a local dairy and a chance to spend their euros in a market.
Years 7 and 8 pupils have a wonderful chance to visit Barcelona, Girona and Figueres in autumn. They visit the beautiful Sagrada Familia church, sketch in the Dali Museum and take a tourist train around the ancient city of Girona. Pupils must study too and are enrolled in a local Spanish school to practise their Spanish language.