Modern Foreign Languages
OVERVIEW
Students traditionally study Spanish, German, and French, with options to take private weekly classes in Russian, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Italian, and Japanese.
We continuously expand language offerings based on demand and provide guidance on exam and tuition availability for other languages. Students can also pursue Accreditation in Languages for Business (ALB) in German, French, and Spanish, equipping them with international workplace communication skills.
OUR SYLLABUS
We follow the AQA syllabus. The course includes:
- Cultural and Contemporary Studies: Students explore topics such as politics, history, sociology, law, architecture, and cuisine in the target language.
- Literature and Film: In Year 12, students study a film; in Year 13, they analyse a literary work.
Our new Accreditation for Business course enables those not studying an A-level to develop their linguistic skills, and includes:
- Writing a job application letter
- Responding to work-related emails
- Understanding workplace regulations and instructions
- Interpreting travel-related announcements and directions
- Delivering product or service presentations
- Engaging in customer-focused dialogues
WHY STUDY MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES?
Learning a language is life-changing, offering deep cultural immersion and valuable skills sought by employers, such as analytical thinking, memory retention, intercultural awareness, and strong communication abilities.
Students pursuing ALB can achieve Level 3 certification through a two-week residential programme in France, Germany, or Spain. We also run biannual trips to these countries.
We maintain strong ties with modern languages faculties at the University of Exeter and the University of Bath. A-level students attend lectures and career talks, providing insights into language-related professions.
The Languages Ambassadors initiative started in 2020 and it aims to provide sixth form pupils with the opportunity to promote their love for different languages and cultures. They represent the global community at KCT.
Language ambassadors are in charge of creating and launching whole school events such as the Day of Languages and Cultures. They also contribute to the widespread love for languages in other schools. For example, they will be teaching linguistics to Year 5 Holy Trinity pupils in March.
Through this programme, they learn life skills which are helpful for their future careers such as communication skills in an international setting, team work, leadership, meeting deadlines, or public speaking.
Language learners develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. They gain cultural awareness and the ability to work across diverse environments, fostering collaboration, respect, and open-mindedness—essential qualities in today’s global society.
Languages complement a wide range of careers, from linguistics and acting to business, politics, and international charity work.
Freya Jenkinson and Lola Milton-Jenkins (both currently reading language degrees at Oxbridge).
