Languages

Languages are a fundamental part of the Curriculum at York House. We believe that they are essential to nurturing curious minds and pupils who are ready to see beyond their perspectives and experiences. Students get the chance to study two languages: French and Latin. Both of these have something unique to offer.

Specialist French teaching begins in Pre-Prep and continues throughout the school to year 8. In the early years, pupils have fun with the unfamiliar sounds of another language and learn new phonics, games and songs. As pupils progress into Middle School, they begin to develop their reading and writing skills and are introduced to some basic grammar principles. In the Upper School, pupils work towards their Common Entrance and many require French for their Senior School entrance exams. 

Teaching is topic based and as pupils' progress through the school, ICT plays an increasingly important role in the consolidation of their learning. The School is well resourced with ipads, Chromebooks and an ICT suite. Pupils really enjoy using interactive ICT resources in lessons and for homework to further develop their independent vocabulary recall kills. Pupils enjoy the interactive nature of their language lessons, particularly the games we play to consolidate learning. 

Pupils study Classics from Year 5, following the Hands Up Education Primary Latin course. The focus is on gentle introduction to basic Latin grammar while exploring Classical Civilisation topics such as life in the Roman city of Herculaneum. In Year 6, students progress to the Suburani textbook, consolidating and extending their knowledge of key grammar. Some students will follow a purely Classical Civilisation pathway at this point. 

In the Upper School, students work towards either the Latin Language or Classical Civilisation Common Entrance examination. Key linguistic skills include translation, comprehension and prose composition. Classical Civilisation topics include key Greek and Roman myths, the Olympian gods and Parthenon, among others.