Middle School Curriculum Booklet 25-27

Languages

The Modern Language courses are very similar in structure. Visual and aural resources enhance the main aim of communication involving any or all of the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

The main aims of the Modern Language courses are to:

Develop an ability to use the language for purposes of practical communication Form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure Offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries in which the language is spoken Develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning Develop cross-curricular themes and initiatives Research shows that pupils who study languages improve their problem-solving skills, are better at multi-tasking and also develop their oracy and literacy in their mother tongue. The ability to speak and understand foreign languages is an asset in life and in many careers ranging from marketing and promotions to international law and banking. Universities offer courses combining languages with subjects such as Economics, Law, Business, Engineering and Science. Ibstock is renowned for sending linguists to study at top British universities, including Bristol, Exeter, King’s College London, Oxford and Warwick. The structure of the Latin course differs in that it does not involve listening or speaking assessments. It is a highly-respected subject and involves the study of literature in the original language. The Classical languages are regarded by many as fundamental to the study of other languages and the development of culture in the Western World.

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