Modern foreign languages

Learning a language broadens horizons, instils confidence and deepens the understanding of the world in which we currently live. The benefits of being able to communicate in a second language are profound, opening minds to different cultures, developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as well as increasing employability. The Modern Foreign Languages department at Hermitage Academy utilises these core beliefs to develop curious and confident language learners of the future who will have the skills and capacity to master whichever language they may choose.

At Hermitage Academy students are afforded the opportunity to attend trips abroad to either France or Spain. These highly popular cultural visits aim to ‘put into practice’ the skills learnt within the classroom and students are encouraged to speak in the target language throughout the visit. This is a real opportunity to bring the subject to life for our learners. For those unable to travel, we bring the world to our classroom by celebrating festivals, food tasting, exposure to the latest songs, cultural anthems, clips from French and Spanish news and interviews and authentic texts from French and Spanish literature, newspapers and magazines. All students have the opportunity to develop conversational language skills and the necessary key language to successfully complete daily tasks in French or Spanish-speaking countries such as booking a table in a restaurant, hotel reservations, asking for directions etc.

At Hermitage Academy, students study either French or Spanish. They study a curriculum that is rich in both language and culture which contributes to the development of their cultural capital. Through the study of languages, students can see the world from a different viewpoint and embrace the cultures and customs of French and Spanish-speaking nations. In addition, students can gain a greater understanding into their own language by comparing patterns across different languages.

At Key Stages 3 and 4, they will acquire 4 key skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking and will study a range of grammar points including the past, present and future tenses. At Key Stage 5 students build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. The curriculum focuses on French/Spanish speaking society and how it has been formed both socially and culturally. Students also have the opportunity to link this knowledge to the study of a film and a literary text.

I love learning languages because it is challenging, but it is like learning a secret code to that helps you learn and discover more!”

Year 7 student

I enjoy the challenge of learning a new language and I love to learn about different cultures and I know that it will be useful for my future

Year 7 student

Studying a language at A-level has given me not only the opportunity to speak the language, but the confidence to use it. I’ve developed really useful memory and communication skills and it’s a brilliant way to learn about the culture

Year 12 student