Languages at Berrymede
Our French & Mandarin provisions aim to:
- help children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries
- be aware that language structure can differ from one language to another
- Mandarin was introduced this year to broaden exposure to international languages through F2F lessons to a number of classes and support our longstanding relationships with schools in China
Implementation
French is taught by class teachers for 30 minutes every week. Our scheme of work engages children with themes such as Food, Animals, Festivals, Me and My Family. They are also taught about the geography of France, as well some of the cultural similarities and differences (school, Easter and Christmas)
Mandarin will continue to be delivered remotely through our partner schools in China. Students have enjoyed the challenge of writing characters and mastering pronunciation with the support of a Mandarin Specialist Teacher.
Latin
We are proud to report the continual increase in the numbers of pupils attending our Latin Club. Over 60 pupils from across the school participate during their lunchtimes. Many children have decided to continue Latin at Secondary level and have chosen high schools based on a provision for Latin.
The club is supplemented by an annual trip, this year the students will go to St Albans, where they will visit the Museum and participate in Roman role play!
Impact
We believe that by have exposure to a variety of languages children develop an enthusiasm for language that will lay the foundations for future study at Key Stage 3
Their Mandarin lessons not only equip them with the knowledge and understanding to communicate in the most widely-spoken world language, but also increase their intercultural understanding by seeing things from another’s perspective, giving them insight into the people and traditions of other cultures. We believe that this is essential when developing global citizens. Historically we have had exchange visits between children and professional for over 10 years.Â
What are the benefits of studying Latin?
- Becoming Multilingual: Latin never truly died, but rather evolved into French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian (the Romance languages). About 90 percent of the vocabulary of these languages comes from Latin. To learn Latin is therefore to begin a study of 6 languages at once.
- English Vocabulary and Grammar: Studying Latin aids students in mastering English. Since 50 percent of all English words are derived from Latin—along with 80–90 percent of all polysyllabic words— students will greatly expand their vocabulary. The regular grammar of Latin is also ideal for learning English grammar or the grammar of many other languages.
- Professions:Â Latin prepares students for many important professions that are steeped in Latin terms and phrases or in English words derived from Latin. These career fields include law, medicine, science, music, theology, philosophy, art, and literature.
