Expert in Languages

By focusing on mastering the basics of foreign languages we are giving our pupils the foundation they need to succeed in the future.

While learning foreign languages is often seen as something for secondary school pupils we, and the other Paradigm primary schools, have a keen focus on teaching languages to children long before they get to Year 7.

We have chosen to teach French at Piper’s Vale as this is the language which is studied at Ipswich Academy, the secondary school which the majority of our students will join when they leave us. By giving our pupils this strong foundation, they have a greater chance of succeeding with the language and achieving better grades.

When teaching French we use examples not just from France but other French speaking countries too, such as Canada and Senegal. We are not just teaching a foreign language but also helping our pupils learn about different peoples and their cultures.

The ability to speak a modern foreign language and understand different cultures is more beneficial now than it has been for a generation. Recent events mean that as a nation we will be trading directly with more countries than before, and the ability to communicate effectively, and understand the culture, will be invaluable.

The demand for foreign language speakers isn’t restricted to the business and trade sectors either. Many organisations, such as the NHS and the police, require employees with linguistic skills, as do private companies in a range of industries.

And because bilingual and multilingual people are scarce in this country, wages for positions which require these skills are higher. A recent study by Preply found that people with Arabic as a second language can earn as much as 74% extra, compared to the average UK salary, with Mandarin increasing wages by 45%, and French by 34%.

While it is impossible to teach every language, studies have proven once someone has learned one foreign language, they can pick up further languages more quickly. Learning another foreign language also develops a range of transferable skills, such as communication and presentation abilities. It also builds understanding and appreciation of other cultures, which are really important qualities in today’s society, and when dealing with other nations.  By focusing on what works, we are ensuring our pupils are making great progress in foreign languages and will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities arising for foreign language speakers.