Modern Foreign Languages
At Ballard, we have a specialist teacher for Spanish and French. These specialist teachers teach through school with French being taught from Year 1 and Spanish being added in Year 4, in addition to co-curricular opportunities to learn a language. Pupils have the opportunity to take two languages at GCSE.
Pre-Prep
Lower Prep
Pupils are introduced to French through stories, rhymes, songs, games, crafts and role plays. Again, emphasis is placed on enjoying the language learning process, whilst still providing the solid grounding which pupils require as they get older. In Year 4, we introduce Spanish, alongside French, again, the emphasis is on fun.
Upper Prep
French and Spanish continue into the Spring Term of Year 7, where pupils will choose a language pathway to ensure that they have sufficient time to develop a deeper understanding of their chosen language. Pupils continue to progress as confident language learners and can put their French language skills to the test during a 4-day visit to Normandy at the end of Year 8.
Senior
In Year 9, pupils are prepared thoroughly for the challenges of studying an MFL at GCSE. Although language learning is optional beyond Year 9, our high uptake and impressive exam results are testament to the quality of teaching and learning taking place within the department. We offer an exciting trip to Valencia in Year 9 for those pupils taking Spanish. Pupils are able to take two languages at GCSE should they wish to.
