Modern Languages

Highgate’s Modern Languages Department ensure language learning is fun and interactive, equipping pupils with the lifelong skills to become successful linguists. French is taught to all pupils from Year 7, and from Year 8 they take a carousel of German, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. Learning a language is an exercise in global citizenship and studying one or more, serves to open up a plethora of future opportunities for employment in a majority of sectors.

Taking one of five languages is compulsory in Year 10, with pupils also able to choose a second language option at GCSE (pupils can only opt for a language if they have studied it in Year 9). Each course develops the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and covers themes such as identity and culture, travel, relationships, employment, school and home. We believe that learning a language should be done in conjunction with an awareness of the country’s culture. Pupils can take part in exchanges to France, Germany and Spain, and group trips to China and Russia, to encounter real-life scenarios that will help them become more fluent.

In our Sixth Form, A Level studies gives students more than just a rich experience in itself. Combining elements from many different subject areas, students explore social and cultural perspectives, and become equipped with a hugely marketable skill which will complement and enhance any academic profile.

In addition, literature and film are important parts of our routine syllabus and the co-curricular Modern Languages Society offers opportunities such as poetry declamations, debating competitions with other schools, cinema and theatre visits.