French

Milbourne Lodge pupils study French from the beginning of their time at the School. A traditional grammatical approach is used - no trendy linguistic fads here - and the emphasis remains on making French an enjoyable subject for all children, the long-term aim being that as many as possible should pursue Modern Languages to the age of eighteen and beyond.

The department uses a wide range of reading material, videos and DVDs, magazines, songs and games, in an effort to instil in children the idea that French is a subject well worth studying. One-to-one practice is provided in the final year for the different styles of oral exam faced by Scholarship and Common Entrance candidates. Since 2000, Year 7 pupils have had the opportunity to spend a week in Normandy.

While exam results are of course important, the French Department measures its success partly by the proportion of pupils who list French as their favourite subject, proving that traditional, grammar-based language learning does not have to be dull!