Head's Blog: Foreign Languages
Dear Parents,
Did you know that only 10% of Americans speak a foreign language, as opposed to 56% in the European Union? In 2030, some people have stated that one of the most important skills to have is ‘bilingualism’. I was recently researching the benefits of learning a language and our pupils being fully prepared for the ‘future’. The British Council highlighted some factors that were important as to why we should learn a second language:
- Current UK export trade
- The language needs of UK business
- Government’s future trade priorities
- Emerging high growth markets
- Diplomatic and security priorities
- Outward and inward tourism
- Government’s international education strategy priorities
- Levels of English proficiency in other countries
- The prevalence of different languages on the internet
The Telegraph Education said that the top four languages to study were: German/Spanish/French/Mandarin. K International (specialists in language translation) stated that the top languages to learn were: Mandarin/Arabic/Spanish/German/Russian and French. It is clear that at Handcross Park we offer a variety of languages:
Spanish/Mandarin/French (and Latin!) – all of which are important and, I believe, will ensure that the pupils are ready for their senior schools and for their future prospects in a world that is ever changing. It is also fun with all our enrichment activities and festivals that we offer, such as the European Day of Languages, Chinese New Year, the French Bake Off, theatre and the residential trip to Spain.
We must not forget the importance of Latin though – why do we teach it at Handcross Park? It provides the root words for all the modern sciences; is the language of law, government, logic, and theology; is the most efficient way to learn English grammar; half of our English vocabulary is made up of Latin words and the teaching of mythology is key to understanding the literary allusions in some of our most cherished texts from English Literature, not least Shakespeare i.e. ‘take Cupid’s wings and fly higher than the average man’ (Romeo and Juliet)
Have a relaxing half term.
