Languages
French is taught to all pupils at the British Schools of America. Further foreign language options differ across the British Schools of America based on staff expertise and local demand.
French
French is taught to all pupils at The British Schools of America, from 3 years old upwards. The main aim of teaching French is to develop our children's linguistic competence. The lessons here are conducted regularly so that previously learnt language can be reinforced and therefore good progress is achieved and maintained.
Our youngest pupils are taught French in two short lessons per week (15 minutes) where they sing songs in French, learn basic commands related to school and play games.
In Key Stage One this pattern continues with the length of the lessons increasing as the children mature.
In Key Stage Two the children have two French lessons per week of between 30-45 minutes. Their oral competence is developed and they are also introduced to the written form of French. In teaching French in school we offer opportunities for the children to:
- Become increasingly familiar with the sounds and written form of a modern foreign language
- Develop language skills and language learning skills
- Understand and communicate in a new language
- Make comparisons between different foreign languages as well as English
- Increase their cultural awareness by learning about different countries and their people, together with working with materials from those countries and communities
- Foster positive attitudes towards foreign language learning
- Use their knowledge with growing confidence and competence to understand what they hear and read, to express themselves in speech and writing
Where appropriate the children are placed in groups for French according to their knowledge /ability
From Key Stage Three
on, children have three lessons per week of between 40-60 minutes each.
During key stage 3, pupils are taught the knowledge, skills and
understanding through communicating in the target language in pairs and
groups, and with their teacher using everyday classroom events as an
opportunity for spontaneous speech expressing and discussing personal
feelings and opinions producing and responding to different types of
spoken and written language, including texts produced using ICT using a
range of resources, including ICT, for accessing and communicating
information using the target language creatively and imaginatively
listening, reading or viewing for personal interest and enjoyment, as
well as for information using the target language for real purposes
[for example, by sending and receiving messages by telephone, letter,
fax or e-mail] working in a variety of contexts, including everyday
activities, personal and social life, the world around us, the world of
work and the international world.
In Key Stage Four, pupils are taught to develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of French in a range of contexts, to develop the ability to communicate more effectively in French through both speech and writing, using a range of vocabulary and structures, to develop knowledge and understanding of French grammar and ability to apply it, to develop knowledge and understanding of France and Francophone countries, to develop positive attitudes to language learning and to provide a suitable foundation for further study and/or practical use of French.
Latin
Latin is taught to all pupils at the British School of Washington beginning in Year 5. After Year 7, when Spanish is introduced, pupils are invited to make a choice between the modern and the classical language as to which they wish to study up to GCSE (end of Key Stage 4).
Latin is taught to all pupils at the British School of Chicago, beginning in Year 3.
Latin is is offered as a lunchtime activity to Secondary pupils at the British School of Boston.
In Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils learn an appropriate level of competence in the Latin Language and a sensitive and analytical approach to language in general. They read, understand and make a personal response to Latin literature in the context of the civilisation. Additionally, they learn to develop an awareness of the influence of Latin on the languages of today.
Spanish
Spanish
is taught to all pupils at the British School of Washington and the
British School of Houston beginning in Year 7 and at the British School
of Boston beginning in Year 3.
The philosophy which underlies the teaching of Spanish is identical to that underlying the approach to French. That is to say, our modern foreign language teaching aims at communicative competence in all four skill areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. We also aim to instill an appreciation of Hispanic culture and its influence on the Americas.
German
German is taught to all pupils at the British School of Houston in the second year of the GCSE course (Year 11.
The philosophy which underlies the teaching of German is identical to that underlying the approach to French. That is to say, our modern foreign language teaching aims at communicative competence in all four skill areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Dutch
At the British School of Houston, a Dutch Programme is offered from Year 2 for native Dutch speaking children.
- Dutch language and culture programme for native Dutch speaking children, at no additional charge.
- Subsidized and coordinated by the Dutch Government through the Stichting NOB ( Netherlands onderwijs in the het buitenland , i.e. Dutch education abroad).
- Three hours of Dutch lessons a week, during school hours.
- Following same curriculum found in the Netherlands to ensure continuity of education in language, verbal, writing, grammar, and spelling skills.
- Celebrate cultural events and holidays around the year.
- Teachers are highly qualified native Dutch speakers
Mandarin
Chinese is taught as an extra-curricular subject to pupils at the British American School of Charlotte. Optional classes are offered at lunchtime three days a week.
Chinese is offered as a lunchtime activity to pupils from Year 7 and as an after-school activity to pupils in from Reception to Year 6.