At Shiplake College, we recognise that in today’s globalised world, the ability to speak a second language is more valuable than ever. With increasing numbers of young people progressing to university and competition in the workplace at an all-time high, language skills give you a real edge. We also live in a multicultural society where multilingual speakers are common, making the ability to communicate in more than one language a powerful advantage.
Resources
In the Modern Languages Department, our greatest resource is our highly experienced team of teachers who have all travelled extensively and lived abroad. We bring first-hand cultural knowledge into lessons, making them engaging, dynamic and rooted in authentic communication.
The department benefits from three dedicated classrooms, and we make full use of modern technology, incorporating a wide range of digital tools into our teaching to enhance learning and keep lessons interactive. Enjoying a stunning view over the River Thames, it is an inspiring setting for language learning.
Additional Opportunities
Learning a language at Shiplake extends far beyond the classroom walls. Students are encouraged to take part in clubs, competitions and cultural events, as well as national and international visits. We also offer leadership opportunities for those who show a particular passion for languages.
Previous international visits have included trips to Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, while French learners very recently explored the Pays de la Loire region in Western France. Before this visit, students exchange hand-written letters with their French pen pals, making the experience more personal, building genuine relationships, and adding an extra layer of reward. Meeting their correspondents in person during the trip brings language learning to life, and the friendship continues when our pen pals subsequently visit us in return.
These experiences complement classroom learning, building confidence, fluency and cultural awareness.
Curriculum
Students study either French or Spanish at Key Stage 3. We regularly welcome new joiners in Year 9, and we ensure that they are fully integrated into the course. While taking a modern language for GCSE is not compulsory, many students choose to continue their studies to this level, and both French and Spanish are available at A Level.
Whether they continue to university or take their skills directly into the workplace, Shiplake students leave with transferable skills that last a lifetime.