Overview of the Course:

The learning of a language encourages respect for other people; it fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature. Studying any foreign language will broaden minds and give pupils a better insight into the world around us. It will encourage empathy as an individual. It demonstrates openness to society and an ability to communicate with others on all levels. The learning of a language supports an appreciation of cultural diversity.

Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education will foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. This enables pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It also provides opportunities for the pupils to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries

Pupils will continue to study the language they have learnt at Westgate since Year 7. Some pupils choose to continue with a second language. German will also be offered as a GCSE starting in Year 9 (dependant on pupil numbers). Several trips run throughout the year to complement the learning of languages and broaden pupils’ cultural experiences.