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Modern Foreign Languages

‘Globalisation and other socio-economic developments in Europe and beyond make communication across national and cultural borders more important than ever. In order to achieve this, we need foreign language communication skills.’ (Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies).

Why is it that in spite of this so many even highly-educated Brits continue to claim that it is unnecessary to learn foreign languages because everyone speaks English? It is true that many people do speak English to a greater or lesser extent, but it is also true that business is all too often lost in this country due to a lack of foreign language skills and cultural intelligence. At Kent College we endeavour to cultivate both!

At a time when enthusiasm for Modern Languages nationally is waning, the Modern Languages Department at Kent College is recognised as one of the most vibrant in the Canterbury area, if not in the whole of the South-East. We are one of the few schools of this size still able to offer three languages in the Sixth Form.

The emphasis in the classroom is upon communication and much of the teaching is conducted in the target language. However the importance of an understanding of grammar remains high on the agenda, so that pupils are well equipped to communicate with confidence and accuracy.

Language learning in the classroom does however have limitations, no matter how competent the teacher, and we do all we can to develop opportunities for our pupils to travel to France, Germany and Spain. We have excellent links and annual exchanges with the Institution Guynemer in Compiègne, the Georgii Gymnasium in Esslingen, near Stuttgart, and with the Colegio Apóstol Santiago in Galicia, Vigo. We also organise an annual visit to Paris or Nice, Madrid or Barcelona and Berlin for the 6th formers, and a long weekend to the Rhineland and the Christmas markets for younger pupils.

The Modern Language teachers at Kent College are known for their infectious enthusiasm for their subject and for their commitment to transferring this enthusiasm to their pupils. They make no claims that a Modern Language is easy, but they know exactly what is required to maximise the potential of all their pupils and have the expertise and the determination to ensure that their pupils achieve this!