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Two pupils at Swanbourne House Co-educational school, Milton Keynes
Swanbourne House

Latin & Modern Foreign Languages

Pupils learning in a classroom at Swanbourne House | Independent School Buckinghamshire

Modern Languages 

At Swanbourne House, we foster a love of languages and global cultures from an early age. From Year 1, pupils enjoy a weekly French lesson filled with songs, rhymes and simple vocabulary. By Years 7 and 8, pupils have three French lessons per week, with some preparing for 13+ Scholarship papers as part of the PSB curriculum. All skills are assessed from Year 5 onwards, ensuring a strong focus on practical communication and positive learning experiences. In addition, pupils in Year 7 can opt to learn Spanish as part of the curriculum.

Experiencing the language

In Year 7, pupils take part in a week of French immersion in Normandy at Château de la Baudonnière, where they enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities conducted entirely in French.

We also collaborate with a French theatre company to deliver interactive performances for Years 5 and 6, while Year 4 pupils practise their French in real-life situations during a visit to a French shop. As part of the Year 8 Leavers’ Programme, pupils engage in a variety of challenging language-based activities designed to introduce them to languages at Senior School level.

We also have strong links with the MFL department at Stowe School, including a trip for Year 8 to watch French and Spanish theatre productions.

 

Pupils in a classroom at Swanbourne House, an independent Buckinghamshire school

Learning other modern languages

To promote a passion for languages beyond French, we introduce Spanish and Mandarin clubs from Year 1, with both available as individual or small group tuition from Year 3 onwards.

Our Language Ambassador programme enables pupils to share their enthusiasm for languages and cultures through collaborative projects that develop their leadership skills. Pupils are also encouraged to enter the UK Junior Language Challenge, an interactive national competition which inspires them to explore new languages in a fun and engaging way.

Latin

A cultural appreciation for the ancient world and our place in its wake is developed through the study of Latin. Pupils begin Latin at Swanbourne House in Year 5 with one lesson a week, followed by two a week from Year 6 onwards. Initially, they learn the foundational principles of grammar which have a direct impact on their English and any other languages they may go on to study.

They also explore topics within Classical Civilisation in order to enrich their contextual understanding of Latin, and appreciate its usefulness in connection to the language’s historical, literary and cultural importance.

Pupils are taught up to 13+ Scholarship level proficiency in Latin, and after their exams also delve into foundational Ancient Greek. Field trips are also organised, such as the Year 8 Leavers trip to the Ashmoleon, and Year 6 exploring mythological themes through the temples of Stowe.